Honed vs Polished Marble

Are you wondering what the difference is between honed marble and polished marble? You’ve come to the right place! In this post, I will explain and show you the differences between honed vs polished marble. When selecting natural stone like marble for floors or countertops there are a lot of design decisions to be made. This includes the stone type, color, edges and the type of finish you prefer. The finish of marble can completely change the appearance of it and have a big impact on the look of your space. I hope this post will help you determine which finish to select for your home project!

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What is honed marble?

Honed marble is marble that has been ground to a smooth, flat consistent surface. To achieve this finish, the last stage of polishing is omitted. This leaves the marble with a matte look and velvety touch. Honed stone does not reflect light so it appears more natural and looks like a natural stone weathered by the elements. It is lighter in color than polished marble of the same type.

Here is a picture I took of honed marble tile:

Due to its matte finish, honed marble is more resistant to scratches and any scratches are less noticeable with less light reflecting off the surface. A matte finish is also less slippery than a polished finish when wet. However, honed marble is more susceptible to stains.

Honed marble is a popular choice for flooring in high-traffic areas and areas that may get wet and become slippery.

What is polished marble?

Polished marble has a smooth, glossy finish that reflects light and is cool to the touch. Marble is honed before it is polished. Polished marble is darker in color than honed marble of the same type.

Here is a picture I took of polished marble tile:

Polished marble is less susceptible to stains. However, with more light reflecting off the polished surface, polished stone will show scratches more easily and its smooth surface makes it very slippery when wet.

Polished marble is a popular choice in kitchens and bathrooms where surfaces could easily stain. A polished marble surface can also be a great choice for kitchen countertops.

Here is a picture I took of honed tile vs polished tile:

On the left is the honed marble and on the right is the polished marble. You can see some of the characteristics and the differences between the honed vs polished marble.

Does honed marble and polished marble need to be sealed?

Yes, both honed marble and polished marble need to be sealed regularly. However, a honed finish is more porous and it needs to be sealed more frequently than a polished finish that is less porous. Especially honed marble countertops should be sealed on a regular basis.

When should I use honed vs polished marble?

This is really a matter of personal preference in terms of practicality and design. You will need to decide how comfortable you are with potential stains or scratches and if there is a risk of a slippery surface. Regarding the design, do you prefer a more natural, relaxed look (but still with a high-end look in mind)? If so, the honed finish might be a good option. However, if you’re going for a look that makes a statement with luster and high gloss that shines in the light and is bold, a polished finish might be a better option.

What are some marble alternatives?

If you like the look of marble but you’re not sure if real marble stone is the right option for your home project, consider some marble alternatives like porcelain floor tile that looks like marble stone tile or quartz countertops that look like a calacatta gold marble stone slab. Those are just a couple alternatives for real marble surfaces.

I hope this post about honed vs polished marble will help you with your interior design decisions, whether its for a specific room or a larger project! As always, feel free to reach out with any questions.

Tina