Honed vs Polished for White Quartzite Kitchen Counter

12 years ago

I am trying to pick out a kitchen counter top stone. I've kind of fallen in love with a Quartzite called White Princess (also known as Artic Pearl). The manufacturer only does this slab in a Honed finish. I have both a design question as well as questions on the resilience of this stone..
Design: My new cupboards will be white 'shiny' acrylic on the top and an espresso wood on the bottom - I'm going for a contemporary look with high contrast. I'm waiting to decide on backsplash tile until I pick the counter stone. Should I go for a Honed or Polished finish for design?
Resilience: What is going to hold up better... Honed or Polished surfaces - especially as I am trying to go with 'white'? I'm concerned about stains and discoloration. I've read that Honed surfaces might hold up better than Polished.
Appreciate any advise!

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Comments (2)

PRO
Cindy Sherman, CKBD
12 years ago
The honing process removes the shiny of the surface, but it also makes the slab susceptible to absorbing oils... making the surface high maintenance. Every spill is going to have you on edge to hurry up and clean it and hope that it didn't stain. My recommendation, if you are looking for a flat finish, would be to search out a slab/solid surface that has a naturally honed appearance. I know Silestone and Pental Quartz have a select few from some recent work with a client with a similar request .. So they are out there but it takes a little searching.
I would talk with some of your suppliers in the area to make the best decision about honing a finish first.
PRO
JAZ Design, Inc.
12 years ago
On the contrary, honed stone tends to increase the possibility of staining. White is tough color. If you are concerned about staining I would use a quartz. It doesn't need to be sealed and resists staining much better. That is my practical side, however, I know the stone you are looking at an have used it with clients that say they are careful and love it anyway.
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