If you are bored of normal countertops and want a classic countertop for your kitchen, then Honed marble countertops are a beautiful and popular choice for you. These countertops are made from a special type of rock called marble, which is known for its natural appearance. If you appreciate the natural vibe of marble, these marble countertops are best for you. What makes these marble countertops unique?
Well, Marble countertops have a fine look. We’ll check what exactly is honed marble. We’ll see some advantages and disadvantages of marble countertops. We will find the many aspects of marble countertops, including their benefits, maintenance, and how to add them to your home design if you take them for a new kitchen renovation or bathroom upgrade.
Let’s check how honed marble countertops can add a touch of lasting beauty to your living space.
What is Honed Marble?
Honed marble is a stunning natural stone that has been thoroughly polished to a matte or satin finish. It’s a marble variant renowned for its graceful appearance and classic attraction. Unlike its glossy counterpart, polished marble, honed marble undergoes a different finishing process that creates a smooth, non-reflective surface. You need to know that this is a unique material. This marble is then cut into slabs, which are later honed to perfection during the honing process. The surface of the marble is ground down, removing any imperfections and leaving behind a silky, matte finish. This finish not only upgrades the natural vibe of the stone but also offers some different advantages.
What are Countertops?
Countertops are horizontal surfaces in your kitchen or bathroom designed for various tasks, including food preparation, cooking, and general utility. They are essential components of any living space, offering both usefulness and aesthetic appearance. Honed marble countertops can be made from various materials, including natural stones such as marble, granite, and quartz, or synthetic materials like laminate and solid surfaces. They play an important role in defining the overall look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom.
Honed Marble Countertop Characteristics
1. Looks
These marble countertops have a lasting attraction. They don’t have a shiny finish but instead show off the stone’s veins and soft color differences, giving a classy look to any room. If your style is modern, these countertops fit right in. Their gentle, calm appearance can make your kitchen or bathroom feel peaceful and welcoming.
2. Feel
Honed marble countertops stand out because they feel really nice to touch. When you glide your hand over them, you’ll feel a smooth, warm, and welcoming texture. Unlike polished marble, which can be chilly and a bit slippery, honed marble gives you a safer grip. This touch-friendly feature makes using your countertop a delightful experience.
3. Durability
These marble countertops may not be as tough against stains and scratches as polished ones, but they are still pretty strong. Marble is naturally tough and can handle heat, which makes it great for kitchen countertops where you do a lot of cooking. If you take good care of them by sealing them properly and doing regular maintenance, your marble countertops can handle everyday use and stay beautiful for a long time.
4. Maintenance
Taking care of honed marble countertops is quite simple. To keep them looking great and strong, you should use a good sealer every so often to shield them from stains and soak up moisture. Regularly cleaning them with a gentle stone cleanerthat has the right pH balance will stop dirt from piling up and will keep their matte appearance. Over time, honed marble may develop a natural shine that some homeowners find adds charm to the stone.
What is the Difference Between Honed and Polished Marble?
1. Staining
Honed marble can stain more easily than polished marble because its surface is not as smooth. This means it’s more likely to absorb liquids such as red wine, coffee, or citrus juices. To keep honed marble looking nice, it’s important to clean up spills quickly and use a good sealer regularly. On the other hand, polished marble is less likely to stain because its smooth and shiny surface acts as a barrier against liquids. However, it’s still important to clean up spills promptly to be safe.
2. Scratching
Honed marble countertops are a smart pick for places that get a lot of use, like kitchen countertops. It has no shiny surface, so small scratches are not as easy to spot, keeping it looking good over time. On the other hand, polished marble, with its glossy finish, can make scratches stand out more because they reflect light. To keep your marble looking great, use cutting boards and be gentle when moving heavy things across it.
3. Etching
Marble is mostly made of calcium carbonate, and it can get damaged when it meets acidic stuff. This damage shows up as dull, light spots on the surface, a bit like faded areas. So, to stop this from happening, you need to be careful with acidic foods and drinks and clean up spills right away. Both honed marble and polished marble can suffer from this acid damage. Shiny marble can make the damage look even worse because it’s like a bright light shining on a dark spot. So, preventing this damage means being careful around acidic things and cleaning up quickly.
Benefits of Using Marble Countertops
Honed Marble countertops are a common pick for people who want to bring a classy and elegant feel to their kitchens and bathrooms. Let’s check the advantages of choosing marble countertops:
1. Classic Beauty
Honed marble is a beautiful choice that never goes out of style. It has a smooth, non-shiny surface that adds a fine and lasting attraction to any room, if your interior design is traditional or modern.
2. Natural Variation
Every slab of honed marble is unique, featuring its distinct veining and coloring. This natural variation adds character and deepness to your honed marble countertops, ensuring that no two countertops are alike.
3. Cool Temperature
Marble is great in the kitchen because it can handle heat really well. It stays cool, so you can use it for making dough and working with pastries. It won’t change color or get messed up when you put hot pots and pans on it.
4. Increased Home Value
Adding honed marble countertops to your home can greatly increase its resale value. Many potential buyers consider marble to be a high-quality material, and its attractive appearance can make your home more inviting. This can help you sell your home more easily and at a better price.
How to Add Marble Countertops to Your Home
- Visit a stone supplier or showroom to handpick the honed marble countertops that best suit your design vision and color preferences. Think about the size and layout of your kitchen to ensure the slab fits easily.
- Hiring an experienced stone fabricator and installer is important for a successful project. They will measure, cut, and shape the slab to fit your countertop space accurately.
- These marble countertops require regular sealing to protect against stains and moisture. Clean spills promptly with a mild, pH-balanced cleaner to maintain their appearance.
- Coordinate the rest of your kitchen or bathroom design elements to complement the marble countertops. Consider steel cabinet colors, backsplash choices, and lighting to create a pleasing space.
Downsides of Marble Countertops
While honed marble countertops offer many advantages, they also come with some drawbacks that you should know.
1. Susceptibility to Stains
The marble that’s been honed has more tiny holes in it than polished marble, which makes it easier for things such as red wine, citrus juices, and oils to leave stains. To prevent this, it’s important to apply a protective sealant regularly.
2. Maintenance
Proper care is essential to keep honed marble looking its best. It requires regular sealing, gentle cleaning with pH-neutral products, and immediate attention to spills to prevent etching and staining.
3. Cost
Honed marble, even when polished to perfection, is quite expensive. For some homeowners, the cost can be too high to afford. So, it’s important to remember the high initial price when considering getting honed marble countertops.
4. Limited Color Options
Compared to other countertop materials, honed marble offers a more limited range of color options. If you want a specific color scheme, you may need to find alternative materials.
How to Clean and Seal Your Honed Marble Countertops
Cleaning and sealing these marble countertops is essential to maintain their beauty and protect against stains. Here’s a simple guide.
1. Daily Cleaning
Use a soft cloth or cleaning sponge and a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap to wipe down your honed marble countertops. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbers.
2. Preventive Measures
Use coasters under glasses and dishes to prevent potential stains from beverages. Always use cutting boards and trivets to protect the surface from scratches and heat.
3. Sealing
Apply a quality marble sealer following the manufacturer’s instructions. Sealing frequency depends on usage, but a general rule is every 6-12 months. Be sure to clean the surface thoroughly before applying the sealer.
4. Spill Cleanup
Promptly blot up any spills to prevent staining. For tougher stains, use a paste made from baking soda and water, applied gently with a soft cloth.
5. Avoid Acidic Cleaners
Avoid acidic cleaners such as vinegar or lemon juice, as they can damage the marble’s surface over time.
Conclusion
Honed marble countertops offer a pleasing choice for your kitchen or bathroom. They bring a touch of luxury and a natural appearance to your home. With their matte finish, they hide minor scratches and stains better than polished marble.
However, it’s important to remember that honed marble requires regular sealing to protect against spills and stains. It’s a bit more sensitive to acidic substances, so you should be cautious with things such as lemon juice and vinegar. Suppose you choose honed marble or another type of countertop material; it’s essential to pick what suits your style and needs best. If you are willing to put in a little extra care, honed marble countertops can be an excellent choice that brings lasting style to your living space.
Honed marble is not recommended for outdoor use because exposure to the elements and UV radiation can cause it to deteriorate over time. It’s best suited for indoor applications. These marble countertops are a durable and stunning option that can last for many years with proper care, adding value to your home and creating a classic look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Marble Countertops More or Less Durable than Polished Ones?
Honed marble countertops are generally considered to be more durable in terms of hiding minor scratches and etching. However, they may require more frequent sealing to prevent staining compared to polished marble.
How Do I Clean and Maintain Marble Countertops?
To clean marble countertops, use a mild, pH-neutral stone cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the surface. Regularly seal the marble to prevent staining.
Can Marble Countertops Be Used in The Kitchen?
Yes, these marble countertops can be used in the kitchen. However, they are more susceptible to staining from acidic substances such as lemon juice and red wine than polished marble. Proper sealing and care are essential in kitchen applications.
What Should I Do if My Honed Marble Countertop Gets Stained?
If your honed marble countertop gets stained, use a poultice made of baking soda and water or a specialized marble stain remover. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult a professional if the stain persists.
Are Marble Countertops Suitable for Bathrooms?
Yes, honed marble countertops are a popular choice for bathroom vanities. They provide a pleasant look. However, be cautious about using them in areas with hard water, as mineral deposits can etch the surface.
Is Honed Marble More Expensive than Polished Marble?
The cost of honed marble countertops is generally comparable to polished marble. However, the overall cost may vary based on factors such as the type of marble, thickness, and installation requirements.
