One of the most common questions we get is whether you should hone your natural stone surface, or polish it?  Here are some general guidelines to help you decide.

• A honed surface is achieved with a rougher diamond grit and has a flatter, matt finish.
• To get a polished finish, you need a finer diamond grit and the surface will be shinier and more reflective. 
• A polished surface will appear darker, and will emphasize the natural color and veins in the stone, a classic look that many people prefer for stone surfaces that will be the center of attention.
• Scratches and etches will appear as dull spots on polished stone and will be highly visible when light reflects off it.
• Even if a honed surface is scratched or etched, those imperfections will not be as obvious in the light, which is why many people prefer to hone their high-use surfaces.  
• Honed surfaces, especially on softer stone like marble and travertine, are more susceptible to stains.  They must be properly sealed every few months to reduce the risk of staining.  But even if they are properly sealed, spills should be wiped up immediately. 
• Honed surfaces are less slippery than polished surfaces when they are wet, which is why many people prefer honing for floor tiles.
• The choice of whether you should hone or polish will depend on your lifestyle, the amount of traffic and use in the space, and the look you want to achieve.