31 Dec

Stone Countertops - Finishes For Kitchens, Bathrooms And More

Author: home-lover  |  Category: Home Improvement

Your choice of stone countertop material for the kitchen, bathroom or vanity is important but your selection is not complete until you choose a surface finish, yes you have a choices, and you should know what they are. This choice will be the final touch needed to complete your countertop decorating or remodeling purchase. You want to be aware of the different surface finishes if your choice is a soapstone kitchen countertop, a marble vanity countertop, a granite bathroom countertop or any other natural stone counter top. Because it is the surface finish of the stone that will ultimately determine your countertops appearance when installed. There are various finishes, each with it’s own characteristics and presentation. Here are a few of the most commonly used surface finishes and their characteristics.

Flamed Stone Counter top Finish The process of producing a flamed finish involves high heat to produce a exceedingly rough surface texture. At the factory the stone is heated which causes crystals in the stone to start to pop, thus forming the rough surface. This makes a flamed finish surface very porous, requiring it to be treated and sealed. This is recommended for areas that do not get much traffic.

Polished Stone Counter top Finish A machine is used to achieve a polished finish. It draws out the deepest stone colors and the natural veins, providing the shiniest, almost reflective appearance, and colors that are brilliant. This finish makes a particularly powerful color statement. The shine is not from gloss coating but from heavy polishing. A polished stone kitchen countertop finish is non porous and very smooth. However, it still needs to be maintained like all natural stone. This finish is great for high traffic areas.

Honed Stone Counter top Finish Another machine process that is used to acquire a smooth, satiny surface. It has a flat (low sheen) or matte appearance, different levels of sheen are available. The colors of honed surface finishes are not as brilliant or more muted than other finishes like polished stone. It offers a very porous and very smooth surface that should be maintained with proper sealing. Honed stone kitchen countertop finishes are good for areas that get high traffic.

Sandblasted Stone Counter top Finish Pressurized combinations of sandy water are use to treat the stone to get a sandblasted finish, resulting in a highly textured surface with a matte gloss. Sandblasted surfaces are becoming increasingly popular as they give a raw, organic appearance that is both natural and contemporary. Like all natural stone surfaces that are textured sandblasted stone requires proper maintenance sealing.

Some other finishes that are less common are available here are a couple Brushed: The application of a coarse wire brush smooths the stone surface for a time worn finish and Acid Wash: An acidic material creates an aged or textured look.

The bottom line: Know the type of finish available for the stone countertop you desire to purchase and the stone finishes characteristics and maintenance requirements. This will help you to retain and enjoy the lasting beauty of your bathroom, vanity or stone kitchen counter top.

Vera Sang writes about kitchen design including kitchen countertops and kitchen cabinets. She is the owner of Countertops And Cabinets.Com Get fresh countertop design ideas, product information and more relating to countertops and materials, for kitchens, vanities, bathrooms and more…

Visit Kitchen.Countertops-And-Cabinets.Com to get kitchen countertop articles and tips.

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