As far as natural stones go, marble is one of the most beautiful materials out there without a doubt. If you want to get marble countertops for your kitchen, then here are some of its finishes that are to die for.
Marble Finishes
Polished Marble
The first and very popular type of marble is the polished finish. Like its name, polished marble has a very reflective surface and it shines a lot. This is perfect for kitchens that have lots of natural sunlight coming in because the light will reflect off the polished surface and illuminate the space.
Polished finish is one of the most sought-after finishes and for a reason. The luster and shine of polished marble is unmatched and you really can’t get a better-looking marble than this variety.
Marble is not naturally shiny, so to get that mirror-like shine, it is ground to a reflective finish with a mechanized grinder and then it is buffed to perfection. This marble finish is highly resistant to stains, but it can be prone to scratches and breaking because part of the buffing is shaving off excess material from the top that doesn’t only thin the slab out but can also make it weak and fragile, which is why damage can be more common than you think.
Since marble is already quite a fragile stone, buffing it out for a polished finish isn’t the best of things to do.
Honed Marble
If matte and understated finishes rock your boat, then honed finish will be your favorite. Marble is also available in a matte variety and it’s to die for. The beautiful and elegant rock shines in its beauty with no reflection.
Matte countertops are mostly loved by lots of people because they are not as loud and the finish helps to let the material stand out, which is great.
On the flipside though, honed marble is highly susceptible to stains and it is very porous since there is nothing applied on the surface to keep the moisture and water damage at bay. This is why you need to be very careful when dealing with honed finishes.
Sawed Marble
If you want to give your marble countertops a rustic and very rough feel, literally, then you can go for sawed finish. In this finish, the material is as rough as you can get it to be. It is cut with diamond wires and the beauty of this finish is the appearance of the cut marks on the surface of the rough and rigid marble.
It is a treat for the eyes and hands and thanks to the extra texture, the grip of the stone is amazing and it’s one of the few finishes that can be used outdoors. This is something hard to find in man-made countertop materials.
Chiseled Marble
If you like the top surface of your marble countertops to be textured and sporadic, then this finish is for you. Chiseled marble is a very unique finish in which a chisel is used to make grooves of different depths and shapes on the surface.
The main gist of this is to add a textural layer to the marble and it makes the stone look amazing. So, if you like a bit more drama in your countertops, then this finish is the one to go for. However, keep in mind that this finish is extremely hard to seal and clean, thanks to the grooves. So, choose this finish during countertop replacement Raleigh NC if you really like the appearance of chiseled marble.
Antique Marble
If you want your marble countertops to look like they’ve been transported back to the 1960s, then antique finish is perfect for you. In this, a layer of stain is applied on the countertop surface and it is also sanded away in different places to make the marble look worn and old, but in the best way possible.
The color of marble does change from a stark white to a dirty yellow, so if that’s something you don’t mind, then you can go for this finish.
Bush Hammered Marble
Striking a marble surface with a rough and textured bush hammer is going to give the surface a very unique and textured appearance. This is also a wonderful finish to go for if you want to try something other than the conventional finishes of marble.
Again, this marble finish is perfect for that extra grip, making it perfect for outdoor use. Keep in mind though, that this finish can be a bit of a pain in the neck to clean, given its uneven texture and surface.
Sandblasted Marble
This finish is also similar to bush hammered marble, but instead of a bush hammer, a jet of coarse sand is blasted on the surface of the marble countertops. The result is a textured surface, but it’s very unique in the sense that the texture is fine like sand. So, it is different from those coarse textures.
If you’re someone who wants something that lies in the middle lane, when it comes to texture, then sandblasted marble is perfect for you. It is a bit hard to find since there aren’t a lot of retailers that carry this finish, but if you can find it, then it’s amazing.
Leathered Marble
Your marble won’t look like leather, but it will certainly look rugged and rustic with this finish. Leathered finish is achieved by brushing the marble with diamond-tipped brushes, making small scratches and grooves all over the surface of the marble.
You want to envision leather when you’re feeling this finish. It will be rock hard, but there will be slight divots, lines, and textures that add to the appeal of the finish. It is a wonderful finish to go for if you want to try something different. It won’t disappoint you.
Satin Marble
Satin marble finish is the perfect liaison between polished and honed finish. Also known as an eggshell finish, this finish is smooth, with just enough sheen to make the material look amazing, but matte enough that it won’t blind you when light hits it.
It is a wonderful finish that not only exudes elegance and sophistication but is also very easy to maintain, because it is not as shiny and it’s not as textured either, so you get the best of both worlds. Who says satin is not a great finish? This will change your mind.
Flamed Marble
Flamed marble is a type of finish that is achieved by torching the top surface of the marble, or exposing it to high temperatures. The temperature fuses the crystals and it gives a very beautiful, rugged, and textured appearance.
This finish is perfect for more bolder people who want the textures to speak more than the material itself. It goes perfectly in minimal and spacious kitchens where it can shine in all of its glory. So, if you want to try out a unique finish of marble, then go for it.
Conclusion
Marble comes in a variety of different finishes and people like some more than others. So, with this guide, you will know which one is best for you. Contact a granite company Durham NC to take a look at these finishes so you can decide more easily.



