The same granite slab looks and feels completely different depending on the surface finish applied. Choosing the right finish is as important as choosing the right stone variety — it affects the appearance, texture, slip resistance, maintenance requirements and suitability of the stone for its intended application.
1. Polished Finish
The most common and widely recognised granite finish. Polished granite has a highly reflective mirror-like surface achieved through progressive grinding with finer and finer diamond abrasives, followed by polishing with powder or a buffing wheel.
| Polished | |
|---|---|
| Gloss Level | 90–115 GU (mirror finish) |
| Texture | Perfectly smooth, glass-like |
| Colour Intensity | Maximum — deepest colour, maximum contrast |
| Slip Resistance | Low — not suitable for wet floor areas |
| Maintenance | Requires regular sealing and careful cleaning |
| Best For | Kitchen countertops, wall cladding, bathroom vanities, monuments |
2. Honed Finish
A honed finish is a smooth, matte or satin surface produced by stopping the polishing process before the final buffing stage. It has a soft, non-reflective appearance that many designers prefer for contemporary interiors.
| Honed | |
|---|---|
| Gloss Level | 20–40 GU (matte/satin) |
| Texture | Smooth but not reflective |
| Colour Intensity | Slightly lighter than polished |
| Slip Resistance | Moderate — better than polished for floors |
| Maintenance | More porous than polished — needs more frequent sealing |
| Best For | Floor tiles, bathroom floors, contemporary kitchen countertops |
3. Flamed Finish
A flamed finish is produced by applying an intense oxy-propane flame to the granite surface. The thermal shock causes the surface minerals to fracture and pop, creating a rough, textured surface. Only granite (not marble) can be flame-finished.
| Flamed | |
|---|---|
| Gloss Level | 0–5 GU (fully matte) |
| Texture | Rough and coarse — aggressive texture |
| Colour Intensity | Lighter — flame process bleaches colour slightly |
| Slip Resistance | Very high — excellent for wet and outdoor areas |
| Maintenance | Low — texture hides dirt and stains; sealing still recommended |
| Best For | External paving, pool surrounds, entrance steps, garden paths |
4. Leathered Finish
A leathered (or antiqued) finish is produced by brushing the granite surface with diamond-tipped brushes, creating a low-sheen surface with a subtle rippled texture that resembles leather. It retains more colour intensity than honed and has a luxury feel.
| Leathered | |
|---|---|
| Gloss Level | 10–25 GU (low sheen) |
| Texture | Subtle undulating texture — tactile and distinctive |
| Colour Intensity | Good — deeper colour than honed |
| Slip Resistance | Moderate–High |
| Maintenance | Easy — the texture hides fingerprints and water marks well |
| Best For | Kitchen countertops, feature walls, bars and hospitality surfaces |
5. Brushed Finish
A brushed finish is produced by brushing with wire or diamond brushes after initial grinding. The result is a smooth but slightly textured surface — less rough than flamed, softer than leathered. Popular for outdoor applications where full flaming is not desired.