Beautiful, Durable & Affordable: Why I Chose Honed Granite for My Kitchen
Today I am sharing all about my new honed granite countertops! I will explain what honed granite is and the pros of choosing this option. I hope this post helps if you are also trying to pick out new countertops for your kitchen!
To view the entire YouTube video, click here.
If you have been following my blog for a while, you know I have been wanting to replace my countertops for a several years now. While my old black Corian countertops weren’t horrible, they were starting to show some wear and tear and the high gloss finish didn’t really fit the cottage style I was trying to achieve in my kitchen. Plus, the reflection of the polished surfaces showed every little imperfection.
The black Corian countertops were put in as part of a kitchen remodel right before we purchased our home. Being as frugal as I am, I couldn’t justify replacing them immediately when they had just been installed. You can see them in the original photos of my kitchen in the before and after section of my blog. If you haven’t visited this page yet, I highly encourage you to do so to see all of the changes we have made, but here is an original before photo of our kitchen:
We were so blessed to have an updated kitchen when we moved in, brand new cupboards, appliances and countertops saved us so much on renovations when we were just starting out with our first home.
We have spent a lot of time on projects in our kitchen in the meantime though. I have them all on my blog as well. We added a subway tile backsplash, faux window panels, faux beams (then real reclaimed beams), hid our dishwasher and fridge and added a faux stone wall just to name a few.
When it came down to it, the final two big projects I have always wanted to tackle in this space are the countertops and the flooring. However, if you know me, you know that it takes me a while to choose the perfect option and make a final decision for my home as I wanted something durable that didn’t show stains or scratched easily while still being an affordable price.
I loved the look of soapstone countertops; however, they were definitely out of our price range and also scratch easily. Thankfully, my friend Sarah at Grace In My Space shared the idea of using honed granite slabs instead of soapstone and I knew that was the style I wanted to go with for my kitchen!
You can watch the process of choosing and installing my new countertops here, but I have included a few photos from our selection process below!
What Is Honed Granite?
Honed granite is a natural stone countertop that has a matte appearance, unlike polished granite that has a high shine and glossy finish. A honed finish is achieved by using coarse abrasives to grind the stone but stopping before it becomes polished, and has a much more soft and natural texture than polished granite.
Just run your hands across the counter surfaces and you’ll instantly feel the difference between the smoothness of the polished granite finish and the textured matte finish of honed granite.
The Pros of Honed Granite Countertops
My home has a very traditional look with plenty of antique home décor, so finding a countertop that would compliment my style and personal preferences was a must. Honed granite is a great choice for homeowners who are seeking to achieve a timeless look because of the granite’s casual vibe and unique look.
This type of countertop is also a more affordable option than soapstone, but still achieves that beautiful, natural stone look. And while honed granite does require some upkeep with a seal, it is far more durable than soapstone which is soft and can be easily scratched.
Honed granite is durable and also hides imperfections like fingerprints and scratches better than polished granite because of its non-reflective finish. Cleaning spills, dust or grease off of this type of countertop is as simple as using some warm water and a soft cloth, or even Norwex microfiber cloths!
Thankfully, we were blessed to be able to work with a local company here in Michigan, K2 Stoneworks, and if you are local I highly recommend them! If not, I encourage you to visit a local company. They were so wonderful to work with and patient enough to show me as many samples as we wanted to see and walk me through the differences between soapstone and honed granite.
Ultimately, as I have mentioned we went with the honed granite countertops. We did end up having to seal them after they were installed, which unfortunately darkened them a bit more than the original lighter grey color that I loved, but I definitely want them protected and as durable as possible.
I am so happy with our new honed granite countertops! They achieve the timeless look of stone, while being an affordable and durable option! What do think about my new countertops? Let me know in the comments below!
PIN IT FOR LATER
I really love the new honed granite countertops. They look amazing!! Where did you purchase your rug that you have in the kitchen??
Thank you, the honed granite countertops really turned out so well when I was hoping for something to look similar to soapstone! The photo of our kitchen with the runner is an older on unfortunately, but the rug is from Marshalls.
Hi Andrea, I just watched your video on your new countertops. They are stunning. I would suggest using cork for your flooring. We are going to use it in our kitchen in our 123yr old house on Lake Erie. I enjoy reading through your adventures. Sincerely Colleen
Thank you for this suggestion! I think we are going to try to tie in the red oak from the dining room, I am hoping the warm wood tones help with the cooler tones of the honed granite countertops.
Just beautiful. The counter tops go so well with your style. What a cozy looking kitchen.
Thank you so very much!
Hi,
Your countertops are gorgeous and exactly the color / type I am looking for. Can you tell me what the name of that particular granite is?
Thanks,
Terri
They are honed granite, so it’s definitely a less expensive option. Our invoice says “Silver Grey Honed Granite” I hope this helps!
Thank you – that confirms my guess. Unfortunately I cannot find a supplier in my state that has it:(
Look for Forest black. That’s what it looks like.
I put black honed granite in my last kitchen. At the beginning I made myself nuts trying to keep them perfectly sealed and new looking. On the internet I read about the option of allowing them to develop a patina like soapstone. I stopped sealing, stopped worrying, and they were fabulous as I let them develop a weather in look. We moved and plan to build. I would put them in the next house in a heartbeat if they fit in with everything else we pick.
Wow that is good to know, we love ours too! Thank you so much!
Could you please share what you used to seal your granite countertops?
Our installers sealed them before they left, I am sorry I am not sure what they used!
Your honed granite countertops look stunning! The matte finish perfectly complements the cottage-style kitchen, adding a timeless and elegant touch. I love how you’ve balanced aesthetics and functionality by choosing a durable and affordable option. The detailed explanation of the selection and installation process is super helpful for anyone planning a similar upgrade. Great choice and beautifully executed!
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Hello! We have just installed the same type of countertops. Ours is a quartzite, leathered with a little more veining in places. Can you please share your cabinet color and backsplash color/company with me. I am trying to reinvent the wheel, and your coloring is so beautiful. I would love to emulate it!
Thank you,
Kristin
Awww, thank you! The cabinets were already installed when we purchased the home, and the backsplash is just white subway tile we installed ourselves! I hope this helps!
Please tell me the color, size, and company of your backsplash. It allows the focal point of your kitchen to be the granite and the wood accents. I have looked at so many variations of white, and I can’t find one for my dark, honed quartzite. Please help! TY!
Honed granite countertops bring a subtle, matte finish that blends elegance with durability, making them perfect for a stylish yet practical kitchen.
What color are your kitchen cabinets?
They are white, they were already installed when we moved in. 🙂
Hey Andrea! Your new honed granite countertops look absolutely stunning and fit your cottage-style kitchen perfectly. I appreciate how you detailed the decision-making process, especially your consideration of durability, aesthetics, and budget. Opting for honed granite over soapstone was a smart move, given its durability and the timeless, matte finish that complements your traditional decor. It’s also great to know that honed granite hides imperfections like fingerprints and scratches better than polished finishes, making it a practical choice for a busy kitchen.
https://granite4less.ca/
Your collaboration with K2 Stoneworks sounds like it was a positive experience, and the photos you shared from the selection process were really helpful in understanding the variety of options available. It’s interesting to learn that sealing the countertops darkened them slightly, but they still maintain that beautiful, natural stone look. Your kitchen has truly transformed with this update, and it’s inspiring to see how thoughtful choices can enhance both functionality and style. Thanks for sharing your journey with us!
Hi Andrea,
Your new honed granite countertops look absolutely stunning! I love how the matte finish adds a cozy, cottage feel to your kitchen. It’s great to hear that they’re both beautiful and affordable. Thanks for sharing your experience and the detailed process; it’s truly inspiring for anyone considering a kitchen update.
Hi Andrea,
I found the same silver grey honed granite to use at our cottage. It came with the option of leathered on one side that wasn’t smooth to the touch. Little more textured. Is that the side you used on yours?
Hello! We used the leathered side up, I loved the texture and wanted less shine. I hope this helps! I am so excited for you!
Just seeing your response now. I picked the leathered side as well. It doesn’t have the sheen that the honed side has. Getting installed next week. Your article was a huge help in my decision. Thanks so much!