If you are considering adding granite countertops to your home, you likely think of granite’s durability and beautiful coloring. You may even think about its glossy texture and swirled or flecked patterns. But what if we told you that there was a different texture to consider: leathered?
Leathered granite has a matte finish that gives your countertops a rippled, leathery texture rather than the traditional smooth or glossy texture. Why choose a leathered finish? This finish showcases the curves and contours of your granite countertops in a unique way. Here are the pros and cons of leathered granite countertops. Your granite installer in Southborough can show you a sample so you can feel it yourself.
Leathered Finish: Pros
A leathered finish isn’t the most popular countertop finish today, but it’s certainly gaining ground in the design industry. A leathered texture is sought after because it brings out the natural colors in the stone. Swirls and shades are more prominent with a leathered finish, yet the natural texture is made even more beautiful. The shine from glossier finishes can actually detract from granite’s natural sparkle and hues.
Another benefit is that you can customize leathered granite. You can’t say the same about polished finishes that have a singular appearance. You can decide on the level of texturing that you want if you’re looking for something other than a classic shiny finish. No one else will have a leathered granite countertop like yours, so you can stand out from the crowd.
In addition, leathered granite countertops are easier to care for and are more stain-resistant than their polished finish counterparts. That’s because the rough matte finish doesn’t allow the spills to seep through the fragility of your granite. This is why leathered textures are best for messy kitchens and bathrooms that see a lot of traffic. Matte finishes are better able to protect against the chaos of a busy household. Yes, you have to seal your leathered countertops, but they don’t need as frequent re-sealing as polished finishes.
Leathered Finish: Cons
Even though leathered textures are good at repelling tough stains, it can be more difficult to clean once those spills do build up eventually. Why? Dust and grime easily collect in the grooves and edges of your counters. It’s also more difficult to spot spills and dirt against a leathered texture, which makes it more difficult to clean them. The more of a texture your granite countertops have, the tougher they’ll be to clean.
Leathered countertops also tend to chip and scratch more easily than polished countertops. But as long as you apply a good sealant, you should be OK.
Leathered looks take longer to manufacture and process, which translates to a higher price than shinier finishes. But you’ll likely recoup those costs over the lifetime of the counters because they don’t need to be sealed as often as polished finishes.
Ideal Locations For Leathered Countertops
Leathered countertops give you a rustic aesthetic featuring both subdued and darker colors, as well as wood and other earthy designs. Leathered countertops, however, tend to shrink a room, as they don’t show reflections like polished or honed finishes do. That’s why they’re best in larger rooms with no clutter.
What Other Materials Can be Leathered?
If you don’t care for granite, quartz is available in a leathered texture. Quartz has the same kind of swirled textured look as granite and comes in many colors. Leathered quartz works best in contemporary style homes.
Contact Granite Guy
Think you may be interested in leathered quartz? Ask our Brookline stone installers for a consultation so you can touch and see it in person. Just contact us at 508-460-7900 today!