Polished Quartz vs. Honed Quartz
Quartz has continued to gain traction over the years because of its beauty and durability in high-traffic areas. If you’ve been considering quartz countertops for your upcoming remodel or home build, make sure to explore all of your finish options before deciding what you want.
Here’s everything you need to know about polished quartz finish versus honed quartz in your home.
Polished Quartz Countertops
Just as the name sounds, polished quartz is glossy with a highly reflective surface. Polished quartz countertops help bring out the natural beauty in quartz slabs including their color, hue, and vein structure.
Polished, glossy quartz countertops are typically the most popular finish in today’s market because of their natural vibrant tendencies. Polished quartz is a simple way to elevate the feel in nearly any kitchen or space that it is in.
Its reflective surface creates an elegant space filled with energy, sophistication, and timelessness.
Honed Quartz Countertops
Another quartz variety is honed quartz countertops. Honed finish quartz exudes a soft, subtler sheen and creates a more natural, less formal look in the space it is in. The organic, matte appearance of honed quartz creates a more authentic appearance. Honed quartz is ground to create a flat, smooth surface that doesn’t have any bumps or imperfections.
Homeowners who have strong overhead lighting in their space often opt for honed quartz countertops to reduce any reflection that the lights may cause. Honed countertops embody the natural qualities of quartz but are brighter and lighter in color.
Honed vs Polished Quartz Differences
Although you may not realize it, the difference between polished and honed quartz is large enough to make a significant impact on the space of the room. Both polished and honed quartz countertops can add to and take away from the feel of the room.
It’s important to consider the pros and cons of each material before making your decision. Any differences, either pronounced or subtle, should help drive your final decision.
Appearance
How each material looks is a huge consideration when making your decision. The main point of difference between the two materials is that polished quartz is extremely reflective while honed quartz is more matte.
One subtle difference to consider is each material’s ability to hide fingerprints and smudges; polished quartz offers a high level of sheen that makes it easier to hide fingerprints and smudges compared to matte quartz countertops. The natural oils that come from fingerprints and smudges are typically oil-based which adds to the sheen.
On the other hand, fingerprints or marks on honed quartz countertops may show themselves easier, resulting in counters that often look dirty. If you have small kids who will often be in the kitchen with you, consider how their fingerprints will impact the appearance.
What about chips, cracks or other surface-level imperfections? In this case, honed quartz countertops are better for camouflaging those marks. Scratches and other marks on polished quartz creating a dulling effect that directly contrasts with its sheen, making imperfections that much more noticeable.
Availability
Homeowners who want to make upgrades or changes to their space may want to consider the timeline of how long it takes to receive each material. Generally speaking, polished quartz countertops are easier to get than honed quartz countertops.
This is likely due to the fact that early quartz countertops were consistently manufactured with a natural sheen, making them easier to access. This was simply the design preference at the time so this material is more readily available than honed quartz.
As more and more people are exploring honed quartz varieties, they are becoming more readily available to homeowners. If you’re considering this material, consider starting the renovation process a bit earlier if you want to stick to a timeline.
Maintenance
Taking care of your quartz countertops will be significantly easier compared to other materials such as granite. Quartz requires minimal maintenance and it doesn’t need to be sealed. However, be mindful that honed quartz countertops are porous, meaning that they need to be resealed every on a regular basis to avoid permanent damage.
If this doesn’t sound appealing to you or if you aren’t interested in that upkeep, we recommend opting for polished quartz instead.
Affordability
Because quartz is naturally shiny, it doesn’t require any additional labor or processing which significantly cuts down on how much it costs. On the other hand, honed quartz is only achieved by removing the polished surface through fabrication and processing. The exact cost depends on the material, square footage and fabricator.
Whether or not this upgrade is significant enough to determine which quartz material to use depends on the square footage necessary for the project.
Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Finishes
Don’t rush the process of what finish to choose for your quartz countertop. The last thing you want is to make a rash decision that you will regret for years to come. Keep these considerations in mind before you make your final decision.
Scratch Resistance
Determine if your countertops will be in a high-traffic area of your home. Areas such as your kitchen will require a material that can withstand surface-level scratches or abrasions. In this case, honed quartz is ideal for those who are concerned about scratches developing.
Stain Resistance
Stain resistance should also be considered to avoid large eyesores on your counters. Because honed quartz is a porous material, it leaves your countertops at risk of developing stains if something is spilled. Polished quartz’s finish keeps liquid from setting in and causing damage.
Personal Taste
There’s something to be said about simply liking one finish more than the other based on personal preferences. Is the overall aesthetic of your home a bit more relaxed? Honed quartz may be the better choice in that case. Or maybe your home boasts timeless elegance and charm; choose the polished quartz to match the aesthetic.
The Choice is Yours
There are many considerations to factor in when making the decision between polished quartz and honed quartz. Take your time to think through the pros and cons of each before you move forward with your decision.
Whether you want to talk through your options or you’re ready to move forward with your quartz countertop selection, our team at Pro Stone Countertops is happy to lend a helping hand.
If you need help with different quartz countertop finishes, contact our experts today.
