Quartz countertops with a honed finish have become increasingly popular in kitchen and bathroom design. A honed finish gives quartz a soft, matte look that is elegant and understated. Here is an in-depth look at what honed quartz is, its pros and cons compared to polished quartz, and how to care for it.
What is Honed Quartz?
Honed quartz is quartz that has been finished with a matte, non-glossy surface. Rather than being polished to a shiny finish, honed quartz goes through a softening process. This gives the quartz a flat, velvety look.
The process for creating honed quartz involves sanding the surface to remove the gloss. Tiny micro-pores are opened up in the process, giving honed quartz a texture almost like very fine sandpaper. This smooth yet soft matte texture sets it apart from the glossiness of polished quartz.
Pros of Honed Quartz
Honed quartz has some advantages over polished:
More Matte Appearance
The non-reflective, matte look of honed quartz has an understated elegance. The finish catches the light differently for a more organic, natural stone appearance.
Muted Solid Colors
Solid quartz colors take on a more muted, softer tone when honed. The matte finish tones down bold quartz colors for a more subtle look.
Covers Imperfections
The micro-pores in honed quartz help hide small scuffs and scratches. These superficial imperfections blend right into the finish.
Less Upkeep
Fingerprints and watermarks don’t show up as easily on honed quartz. This can mean less daily maintenance.
Cons of Honed Quartz
There are some downsides to the honed look:
More Prone to Etching
The micro-pores that create the velvety finish also make honed quartz more vulnerable to etching from acidic liquids like citrus, vinegar or wine. These etch marks are irreversible.
Shows Grease and Residue
While fingerprints are hidden, grease and cooking residue can collect in the surface pores and be more visible on honed quartz. More cleaning is needed after cooking.
Lacks Reflectivity
The lack of shine means honed quartz won’t have the gleaming, reflective quality of polished quartz. The finish is more subdued.
Shows Scratches
Over time, honed quartz is likely to show more faint hairline scratches from daily use. These are harder to see on polished.
Caring for Honed Quartz Countertops
Special care is needed for honed quartz:
- Clean up spills, especially acidic liquids like vinegar or lemon juice, right away to avoid etching.
- Don’t use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads which can scratch the surface.
- Use a pH-neutral cleaner made specifically for stone.
- For routine cleaning, wipe down with a soft microfiber cloth and mild soap and water.
- Avoid leaving liquids sitting on the surface. Seal with an impregnator made for honed stone.
- Have the countertop re-honed and re-sealed every 1-2 years by a professional.
Honed Quartz Offers Understated Luxury
With its uniquely soft, matte finish and muted tone, honed quartz brings an understated elegance to kitchens and baths. Careful maintenance and cleaning is needed to keep honed quartz looking its best. Overall, it offers a beautiful alternative to conventional polished quartz for those desiring a more organic, nature-inspired look.
Frequently Asked Questions About Honed Quartz Countertops
What is the difference between honed and polished quartz?
Polished quartz has a glossy, shiny, reflective surface while honed quartz has a matte, soft finish. Honed quartz goes through a sanding process to remove the gloss.
Is honed or polished quartz better?
It depends on personal preference. Honed has a more natural, muted look but is more prone to etching and scratches over time. Polished has a brighter, gleaming finish but shows fingerprints/smudges.
Does honed quartz stain easily?
No, honed quartz is non-porous so liquids don’t penetrate the surface. But acidic liquids like juice or wine can eat away the finish causing etching if not wiped up quickly.
Is honed quartz high maintenance?
It requires a bit more routine care. Honed quartz needs frequent wiping with mild soap and water to prevent buildup in pores. Annual re-honing is also recommended.
Can you get honed and polished quartz?
Yes, some quartz manufacturers like Caesarstone offer certain colors/patterns in both honed and polished finishes so you can choose.
Does honed quartz get shiny over time?
No, a honed finish will remain matte. It’s important to avoid waxing or buffing it, which could make the surface appear shinier.
Conclusion
With its soft, velvety texture and low-luster matte look, honed quartz brings an understated elegance to kitchens and baths. The finish gives quartz more organic, natural stone aesthetics. Honed quartz is prone to etching from acid and scratching over time. With proper care and maintenance, a honed quartz countertop can stay looking beautiful for many years. For a muted, earthy look, honed quartz is an appealing choice over conventional high-gloss polished quartz.