A seemingly unsexy topic until you’re in the depths of a renovation! If you’re currently planning a kitchen or bathroom reno, I’ve got some details that might help you! Hopefully this post will help you make the right counter choice for your family and lifestyle.

We recently built a home here in Florida and counter tops were my biggest splurge in finish selections! We move and renovate often as real estate investors, so it feels like we’re talking counter tops a lot! It only felt right to share some of what I’ve learned both from experience and shopping around. I’ll be including some personal choices I have loved and one that was a mistake!

Lets get into it! Two of the most popular options are polished and honed finishes so I am sharing a pros and cons of both. I also added some notes on leathered.

Polished Countertops: Sleek & Glossy

Probably the more common of the two and a finish I have chosen most often. A polished finish gives your countertops a smooth, glossy shine that adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen. If you love a high-end, sophisticated look, polished surfaces are perfect. They reflect light, making your kitchen feel brighter and more spacious. Additionally, polished countertops are more resistant to stains because the surface is usually sealed, making them easy to clean. Here are some examples:

Pros:

• Elegant, glossy finish for a luxurious look
• Reflects light, making your kitchen feel larger and brighter
• More stain-resistant, easier to clean

Cons:

• Shows fingerprints, dust, and smudges more easily
• Can be slippery, which may be a concern in a busy kitchen

Pictured above are two kitchens I have done with a polished finish. Both of which I LOVE! One is polished porcelain and one is polished Taj Mahal quartzite. You can get more details on the left kitchen and right kitchen in the blog posts I wrote with as many details as I could remember from the design process. I am still over the moon with the warmth and variation of the Taj Mahal quartz on the right and it’s been extremely durable. I will definitely use this stone again!

I will admit I don’t love my polished marble in my bathroom, showing photos below. One area was really damaged when a “natural” salt deodorant dripped on it and then I think my cleaners used a vinegar solution in the counters that left diffuse etching. I think it’s important to ask questions about the specific materials so you can rule out silly tragedies like that. I ADORE the look of marble but it’s soft and prone to “patina” (ie: noticeable wear and tear) so you have to be realistic with how you will feel about that look. I am having someone come out to try and repolish this counter before we move out.

Honed Countertops: Matte & Subtle

A honed finish offers a smooth, matte appearance that’s more understated than polished. It provides a natural, softer look, perfect for creating a relaxed or rustic vibe in your kitchen. Honed surfaces tend to hide smudges and fingerprints better than polished ones, and they’re less slippery, making them a safer choice for busy kitchens or families with young kids.

Pros:

• Soft, matte finish with a warm, natural feel
• Hides fingerprints, smudges, and scratches well
• Less slippery, safer for cooking and cleaning

Cons:

• More prone to staining if not sealed properly
• Doesn’t reflect light as much, which can make the space feel a bit smaller

Leathered Countertops: Textured & Unique

Leathered finishes are a middle ground between polished and honed, offering a soft sheen with a subtle, textured surface. This finish is created by brushing the stone, giving it a smooth yet tactile feel. Leathered countertops are highly durable and resistant to fingerprints and smudges, and their unique texture can add depth and character to your kitchen. They offer a more matte look than polished but with a slight sheen that’s perfect for creating an elegant yet earthy feel.

Pros:

• Textured surface adds depth and a luxurious feel
• Resists fingerprints, smudges, and scratches better than polished
• More durable, with a unique, natural appearance
• Not as slippery as polished surfaces, making them safer for cooking and cleaning

Cons:

• Can show water spots or etches more easily than honed or polished
• Requires regular sealing to prevent staining
• Less reflective, which might make the kitchen feel a bit darker

Which Finish is Right for Your Kitchen?

• Polished countertops are ideal if you love a sleek, shiny surface that reflects light and gives your kitchen a sophisticated, high-end look.
• Honed finishes are perfect if you prefer a matte, subtle aesthetic and want a low-maintenance, slip-resistant surface that hides fingerprints and scratches.
• Leathered countertops strike a balance between the two, offering a luxurious, textured look with the durability of honed and the slight sheen of polished. It’s a great choice for those who want something unique and low-maintenance without compromising on style.

Consider your kitchen’s design, how much traffic it gets, and your maintenance preferences when making your decision. It’s definitely not a one size fits all when it comes to kitchen counter tops!