Granite continues to be a staple of great design. Granite kitchen countertops in Dunwoody look just right in ultra-modern kitchens as well as in rooms with a more traditional style. The same holds true for granite floors and counters in bathrooms, where nothing compares to granite for its beauty and durability. The wide variety of colors and patterns available in granite is common knowledge, but other design options, like the finish, might not be so widely known. The surface of granite can be finished in several different ways. The finish affects the look and the functionality of the stone. - Polished granite is made by grinding the surface of the stone with increasingly fine abrasives until the surface shines and reflects like a mirror. A polished finish is glossy and elegant and highlights the natural beauty of the stone. Colors will appear darker and contrasts will be more evident. Polished surfaces are less porous and will repel stains, so less frequent sealing is necessary. However, a polished surface will not be effective at hiding fingerprints, spots, or scratches that come from daily use.
- Honed granite is prepared in much the same way as polished, but coarser abrasives are used for the grinding and the process is stopped before the stone becomes shiny. Honed granite has a matte or satin appearance. The colors and textures of some granites will not stand out quite as clearly with a honed finish as they do with a polished finish. The surface is also more porous and requires more sealing to protect from stains, but is better at concealing spots, fingerprints, and scratches.
- Flamed granite is heated at extremely high temperatures during a controlled finishing process. The high heat causes individual granite particles to burst and change color. The resulting surface is rough and has a natural, faded appearance with zero shine or reflection. While flamed granite is beautiful everywhere, it is especially effective in wet areas because its rough surface makes it slip-resistant. Flamed granite is similar to honed in its porousness and its ability to camouflage daily wear.
- Leathered granite is a newer finish that combines the best qualities of polished and honed finishes. A leathered surface has a soft sheen, mild texture, and the ability to hide the signs of daily use.
Design options for granite are endless. A highly polished granite kitchen countertop in Dunwoody will be equally as stunning as a flamed bathroom floor or a honed bar top. Granite is timeless and remains the standard for stunning homes everywhere.
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