Countertop Buying Guide: Finishes

Some countertops come in a single finish, such as matte or polished. Others are available in your choice of finishes. For countertops in general, the most popular finishes are:

Polished – glossy surface
Honed – satin-smooth matte surface
Antiqued – burnished surface for an aged look
Brushed – rough surface with random bumps and ridges

Other available finishes include:

* Fine rubbed – smooth no-sheen surface
* Rubbed – smooth, no-sheen surface with a few small “trails” or scratches
* Sawn – textured surface with subtle bumps and crevices
* Thermal – rough surface created by applying a flame to the stone

For details on available finishes for each countertop material, ask a store associate.