The perfect granite countertop finish can really make or break your kitchen or bathroom. The one you choose will impact both aesthetics and functionality. Have you considered leathered granite? This beautiful option offers a warmth and texture you can’t resist, plus it’s customized and stain resistant, providing a timeless beauty to any space.
Finishes are typically available in three varieties: honed, polished, and leathered.
Leathered granite countertops have become a popular choice for homeowners due to their unique, textured surface and sophisticated appearance. Unlike polished granite, which boasts a high-gloss finish, or honed granite, which offers a matte finish, leathered granite provides a distinctive texture that adds depth and character to any room.
This type of granite countertop is perfect for those who want to infuse their kitchen or bathroom with a touch of rustic charm and timeless elegance. The captivating blend of natural beauty and rugged texture makes leathered granite a standout choice for creating a warm and inviting space.
Natural stone, such as granite, is a popular choice for countertops due to its durability and natural beauty. Granite is a type of igneous rock formed from the slow cooling of magma deep within the earth’s crust. It is composed of a variety of minerals, including quartz, feldspar, and mica, which give it its unique texture and appearance.
Natural stone is an excellent choice for countertops because it is resistant to heat, scratches, and stains, making it a practical choice for high-use areas. The inherent strength and resilience of granite ensure that your countertops will stand the test of time while maintaining their stunning appearance.
Polished stone has a high-gloss, reflective appearance, while honed finishes have more of a matte, smooth look. Leathered stone, which happens to pair well with rustic themes, sports a pebbly texture with small fissures that offer a leathered look.
Aptly named, the texture of leathered stone will vary by piece; some surfaces may be prominently "leathered" while other surfaces feature subtle pits and fissures. Unlike polished stone, you won’t find a glossy sheen on leathered varieties.
Making leathered granite involves a specialized manufacturing process where a diamond-tipped brush is used on honed granite to achieve a textured finish. This process not only enhances the natural beauty of the stone but also seals its pores, making it more resistant to stains and easier to maintain compared to other granite finishes.
The leathering process involves running a diamond-tipped brush over the surface of honed granite to create a textured, matte finish. This meticulous process, known as “leathering,” enhances the stone’s natural beauty and adds a unique, tactile appeal to the surface.
The leathering process can be customized to create a variety of textures, from a subtle, smooth finish to a more rugged, rough texture. The result is a captivating blend of natural beauty and sophistication that is perfect for any living space.
Whether you prefer a more understated look or a bold, textured appearance, the leathering process allows for a high degree of customization to suit your aesthetic preferences.
If you like countertops that bring out the stone’s natural color with texture, varied customization options, and stain-resistant finishes, leathered stone may be for you.
Leathered granite countertops are also low maintenance, as their unique texture hides smudges and fingerprints, requiring less frequent cleaning compared to polished surfaces.
Leathered granite brings out natural colors like no other finish can. In comparison, the high gloss of a polished stone will decrease the dramatic effect of the natural colors.
So, if you’re really in love with the color of your granite, go with a leathered finish. The leathering technique is especially effective on darker stones like black pearl, enhancing their natural colors and creating a textured appearance without the overly shiny look of polishing.
Leathering is not natural. It takes a lot of attention to detail and labor, as fabricators have to brush the granite using diamond-tipped bristles until imperfections have been wiped away.
This leaves behind natural grooves and contours, which allow the granite to retain its natural color. Additionally, the textured surface of leathered granite is excellent at concealing smudges and fingerprints, making it a low-maintenance and appealing choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops.
Polished and honed finishes are basically the same, with not that many degrees of difference between each countertop. However, leathered finishes offer a certain level of versatility and customization, depending on the amount of brushing finishers applied.
To that end, the finish can be smoother or rougher based on your aesthetic tastes. Leathered granite is particularly suitable for various applications, adapting well to both aesthetic and practical needs.
The leathering process brings a higher stain resistance, thanks to the bristles’ action that closes the stone pores. As a result, they are less absorbent. Leathered finishes are great if you want to prevent staining from foods and beverages on your kitchen countertop, provided you use a sealant to properly seal the surface.
The cost of leathered granite countertops can vary depending on the type of granite, the size of the countertop, and the complexity of the installation. Generally, leathered granite is more expensive than polished or honed granite due to the custom nature of the leathering process.
However, the unique texture and appearance of leathered granite make it a worthwhile investment for those who want to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to their kitchen or bathroom.
On average, the cost of leathered granite countertops can range from $50 to $200 per square foot, depending on the factors mentioned above. Investing in leathered granite not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your space but also adds value to your home.
There are also a few drawbacks of leathered stone, as the cleaning process is tougher and it can scratch more easily.
The textured surface of leathered granite means it’s harder to clean than honed varieties, as it has grooves where dirt and dust can get trapped.
If you still want leathered granite, ask for minimized texturing with a stone that’s been more lightly brushed. All you need is soap and warm water to clean it.
Additionally, the textured surface of leathered granite helps to conceal smudges and water spots, making it a practical choice for low-maintenance countertops in high-use areas like kitchens.
If your countertops get a lot of heavy use or you have kids, scratches may be a big concern for you. Leathered stone scratches more easily than honed or polished granite.
But you can apply a scratch-resistant sealant to protect it, ensuring the surface is properly sealed to enhance its durability.
Installing leathered granite countertops requires a high level of skill and expertise, as the leathering process can be complex and time-consuming. It is recommended that homeowners hire a professional contractor who has experience with leathered granite installation to ensure a successful and stress-free remodeling process.
The installation process typically involves:
Measuring and cutting the granite to fit the countertop area
Applying a sealant to protect the surface
Installing the countertop using a combination of adhesive and mechanical fasteners
With proper installation and maintenance, leathered granite countertops can provide years of beauty and functionality, making them a good choice for homeowners who want to create a timeless and elegant living space.
The expertise of a professional ensures that your countertops are installed correctly, maximizing their durability and aesthetic appeal.
If you're interested in learning more about leathered granite for your kitchen or bathroom counters, call our Wellesley fabricators today for a free quote. We welcome you to contact us at 508-460-7900 today.