There are plenty of good reasons why granite is quickly becoming the most demanded material for countertops in the kitchen and bathroom: it's durable, and when properly maintained stain, chip, and heat resistant. For homeowners who like the look of granite but not the high shine, honed granite is a popular substitute.

With a honed finish, the polishing process ends before buffing to create a matte or low-gloss sheen that lacks the highly reflective, mirrorlike look of traditional granite. The softer honed finish is particularly popular among homeowners wanting an aged or casual look. If possible, don't finalize your granite selection based on a small sample. Visit the warehouse to see the actual slab that will be used to craft your countertop. No two pieces are identical and you may find one slab more appealing than another.

Honed granite offers the same durability as a traditional polished finish but should be re-sealed every few months rather than once a year. Without a light-reflecting glossy finish to distract the eye, the natural imperfections of granite are more visible with a honed finish. Also, these matte finishes are more absorbent than polished and require more effort to keep clean. Honed granite is highly susceptible to fingerprints and watermarks, which darken the affected area and become quickly noticeable to the naked eye. This problem is most noticeable on dark colors, especially popular black countertops. Spills should always be cleaned right away to avoid stains, which can be difficult or impossible to remove.