What is honed?

Honed refers to a type of finish applied to natural stone surfaces such as marble, granite, limestone, and travertine. It is achieved by grinding the surface of the stone with a special abrasive tool and then smoothing it with progressively finer abrasives until it reaches a matte or non-glossy finish. Honing removes any surface scratches or roughness, giving the stone a consistent and uniform texture. This finish is popular for its subtle elegance and can give the stone a softer, more natural look. Honed surfaces are also less prone to showing water spots, fingerprints, and other marks commonly seen on polished surfaces. However, honed finishes are more porous than polished surfaces, which means they may be more prone to stains and require regular sealing and maintenance.