There are a few different finishes that can be applied to the surface of slab countertops. Each of these finishes creates a different look for the kitchen and the home. It will also determine the maintenance regimen that homeowners need to ensure to maximize the life of their granite countertops.



The three different finishes that are usually applied to the face of the stone include polished, stain and honed granite.

A polished granite kitchen counter is one in which the surface of the slab is polished and shiny. The polishing process of the slab countertops involves placing the granite on an automated conveyor system which moves the slab through various stages of the finishing process. The sides of the granite slabs that need to be polished are place ?face-up? on the conveyor belt.

The granite slabs then go through a series of polishing wheels that are fitted with coarse abrasive pads as well as finer polishing pads. These pads grind the granite and then buff the surface to a smooth finish.

The advantage of a polished finish to granite countertops is that it adds depth to the room. A polished stone appears darker and richer. It is also easier to maintain these granite kitchen countertops.

The stain finish on granite kitchen countertops is a relatively new finish. It provides a light gloss to the surface of the slab countertop. The gloss is between a polished look and a matte finish.

The honed surface look for a granite countertop is achieved by pulling the granite slabs out of the conveyor belt before they can be buffed. This provides the granite slabs with a matte finish. The problem with using a matte finished granite slab on a kitchen countertop is that the slab can stain easily. Also, these slabs are duller than the polished stones and therefore could bring about a dull tone to the kitchen.