What is honed limestone?
A honed floor is a type of floor with a polished finish. It is not as well known as polished flooring (read more about limestone flooring here). However, it is a great choice if you don’t want to go for fully polished, but you are still seeking a contemporary look. Due to its luxurious feel, a honed finish is a great option for indoor spaces. They’re slightly easier to clean than more textured finishes. A honed finish is loved for being beautiful and practical. You’ll find this finish very useful as a practical addition to any home.
What’s the difference between honed and polished stone?
Natural stones are a versatile material that can be used for almost any home renovation project. Natural stone, such as travertine(see the difference between travertine and limestone here) , is often considered to be a very flexible form of flooring material. Whether you are in need of a smooth, clean looking floor or a more rustic look for an outdoor wall, your stone can be finished to create the look, effect and ambiance you desire. While personal preference will help you decide how to finish your stone, it is important to consider more than just its appearance and atmosphere. Before you make your purchase, consider how much wear and tear the stone will endure every day. Two of the most popular finishes for natural stone are polished and honed. If you want to look good, the two finishes provide quite different looks and benefits. Look, I’m not saying every project needs to have a clear conclusion. But it’s important to know your objective and consider all the ways in which you could meet that objective.
Benefits of a honed stone finish
The stone has been honed by grinding the surface with abrasive pads so that it’s smooth, flat, and consistent. Honing creates a soft matte finish similar to slate tiles, even in stones like granite and marble which have some natural shine. Many homeowners prefer a more natural, warmer feel from honed marble than from polished, which can be a little rich in smaller living spaces. With its non-glossy surface, Honing is good for areas that need to be as non-slip as possible such as floors and stairways, especially in areas that may get wet. It’s also good for worktops and hallways, as it can hide scratches and etch marks for a longer period of time.
Another downside to honing is that it tends to leave the stone more porous than a polished finish, meaning any wet area spills need to be dealt with quickly. Most natural stones can be sealed to protect them from surface damage and spillages. A quality honed tile may be slightly lighter in color than when the same material is subject to a polished finish.
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