Honed vs. Polished Quartz: Which Texture is Right for Your Kitchen Countertops?

When you walk into a kitchen, what design element grabs your attention first? The color scheme? The patterns? For many, it’s the countertops—those expansive surfaces where life happens every day. 

And beyond color and pattern, there’s something equally powerful that influences how a kitchen feels: texture. The surface finish of your countertops can transform your space from sleek and modern to soft and inviting.

In recent years, honed quartz countertops have surged in popularity, offering a smooth, matte finish that feels sophisticated and organic. Yet, many homeowners remain loyal to the unmatched elegance of polished quartz, whose glossy sheen reflects light and exudes luxury. 

So, when it comes to honed vs. polished quartz, how do you decide which one is right for your home?

What is Honed Quartz?

Honed quartz is ground down and finished to create a matte, silky-smooth surface. Unlike its glossy counterpart, honed quartz lacks reflective shine, offering instead a soft, understated elegance that’s trending in modern home design.

How Honed Quartz is Made

Honed quartz starts out like all quartz countertops, engineered from natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments for color and durability. The difference comes during the finishing process. Instead of buffing the surface to a glossy sheen, manufacturers stop before the final polish, leaving the countertop with a soft, velvety texture and a low-sheen look.

How Honed Quartz is Used

Honed quartz has an effortlessly modern and organic appeal. It’s often used in contemporary or rustic kitchens where understated beauty is key. Its smooth, glare-free finish feels warm and welcoming, creating a calming backdrop for busy kitchens.

What is Polished Quartz?

Polished quartz is the classic finish most people are familiar with—a high-gloss surface that sparkles and reflects light beautifully. This is the finish you’ll most often see in showrooms and design magazines because of its stunning shine and vibrant color depth.

How Polished Quartz is Made

Just like honed quartz, polished quartz starts with natural quartz crystals, resin, and pigments. But in the finishing process, the surface is meticulously buffed and sealed to achieve a mirror-like sheen. This high-gloss finish enhances the colors and patterns within the stone, making veining and flecks more prominent and vibrant.

How Polished Quartz is Used

Polished quartz feels luxurious. It’s perfect for homeowners who want a bright, reflective surface that catches the eye and makes a statement. It pairs beautifully with upscale kitchen designs and works especially well in spaces where natural light enhances its reflective quality.

Comparing Honed vs. Polished Quartz

Both finishes share durability and low-maintenance benefits, but their aesthetics and feel are quite different. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between honed vs. polished quartz:

How to Choose Between Honed vs. Polished Quartz

Deciding between honed vs. polished quartz ultimately comes down to your style, lifestyle, and how you use your kitchen. Here are a few considerations:

#1. Your Design Style

• Love minimal, modern, or rustic vibes? Honed quartz offers a subtle, calming elegance.
• Prefer timeless, bright, or high-end appeal? Polished quartz delivers a dazzling finish.

#2. Lighting in Your Kitchen

• Kitchens with lots of natural light might do well with honed quartz to reduce glare.
• Darker kitchens can benefit from polished quartz’s reflective surface to brighten things up.

#3. Your Lifestyle

• Want something unique and tactile? And don’t mind occasional smudges? Honed quartz offers a surface you’ll want to touch every day.
• Busy household with kids? Polished quartz can help disguise minor smudges.

No matter which finish you choose, Cambria quartz countertops deliver exceptional beauty and performance. All Cambria finishes offer the same level of unmatched durability, effortless maintenance, and are backed by a transferable Lifetime Warranty. 

At Zeeland Lumber & Supply, we offer these popular Cambria options:

• Cambria Polished: A radiant, high-gloss finish that reflects light beautifully. Always radiant under its deserved spotlight, this polished finish lets details reveal themselves in sophisticated style.
• Cambria Matte®: A silky-smooth, low-sheen finish with reduced glare. With its subtle sheen, silken feel, and elegant touch, Cambria Matte adds sophistication unlike anything you’ve ever felt before in quartz.

We also offer Cambria finishes Satin™, a low-sheen finish with subtle texture, and Luxe™, an unparalleled high-gloss polish that redefines elegance.

Other Ways to Add Texture to Your Kitchen

Countertop finishes aren’t the only way to add texture to your kitchen. Try layering these ideas for a truly dynamic space:

• Intriguing Backsplashes: Subway tiles with a handmade feel or 3D tile patterns can create depth.
• Wood Accents: Natural or reclaimed wood shelving, stools, or beams warm up the space.
• Mixed Metals: Combine brushed, polished, and matte hardware finishes for subtle contrast.
• Statement Lighting: Pendant lights with interesting finishes or shades add visual intrigue.
• Textured Fabrics: Soft window treatments, chair cushions, and rugs bring tactile appeal.

Still Unsure Whether to Choose Honed vs. Polished Quartz?

Deciding between honed vs. polished quartz doesn’t have to be stressful—especially when you have experts by your side. At Zeeland Lumber & Supply, we help homeowners every step of the way, from exploring your design inspiration to selecting the perfect finish and connecting you with trusted professionals for installation.

Whether you’re drawn to the understated appeal of honed quartz or the timeless shine of polished quartz, our team will help you find the right fit for your space and lifestyle. Reach out to us today to get started! Let’s take the guesswork out of the process and make your kitchen vision a reality.