Granite - Flamed or Polished

what's the difference between the two? i had no idea there were two kinds?

Re: Granite - Flamed or Polished

There are quite a few kinds actually. There are even more than this but these are the most popular used, I took the definition from various websites for the most info for you.

Polished: shiny and reflective. This is a glossy mirror like finish. The full color, depth, and crystal structure of the stone is visible. Your stone appears darker and the colors seem richer. A polished finish will highlight the character of your natural stone. This finish is considered the finest and smoothest finish available.
It is easier to keep your granite counter tops clean and free from staining. A polished finish seals or closes more of the pores of the stone surface which helps the stone repel moisture. It is nearly impervious to weather and chemical wear



Flamed: Granite is flamed by applying blowtorch-strength heat to the surface of the stone. This causes the surface to melt and some of the crystals to shatter, leaving a highly textured surface which is ideal for exterior paving or wet areas where optimum non-slipperiness is required.


Honed: Strictly speaking, granite is called "honed" when the polishing process is halted just before a reflective shiny surface is achieved. This gives a softer, matte appearance to the stone.

Satin: middle of the road finish. This is a newer surface finish which has a light or a faint gloss. It is not as shiny as the polished finish nor as matte like as the honed granite finish. It is in between the two.


Leather: matte slight texture finish, no shine.

Carressed (or iced): slight texture, but whereas the leather is a matte finish the caress has the high spots having been brought all the way up to a polish (so there are polished parts and matte or dull parts).

Re: Granite - Flamed or Polished

OMG! what does everyone get??

Re: Granite - Flamed or Polished

polished, honed or leather are the most popular.

I love the look of Black Absolute in the leathered look. Looks like it was taken from a mountain and placed on your counter.

Honed is really nice too. Not too shiny.

Polished is MOST popular I think - it's what I ended up with in my bathroom and what I see most often.

Go to a place and look & feel them.


Wait until you get to edges There are like 10 to choose from