Honed Natural Stone Tile: The Beauty of a Matte Finish

When you think of natural stone, you might immediately picture a highly polished, mirror-like surface that reflects light and makes a bold statement. But there is a quieter, more sophisticated option that is gaining popularity for its subtle beauty and practical benefits: honed natural stone tile.

 

What is a Honed Natural Stone Tile?

 

A honed finish is created by grinding the stone's surface to a smooth, flat texture without the final polishing step. This process leaves a soft, matte sheen that is elegant, refined, and perfect for creating a calming, high-end atmosphere.

 

Unlike polished stone, which is known for its high-gloss finish, honed stone has a satiny, non-reflective surface. It brings out the stone's natural color and veining in a more subdued way, allowing the subtle beauty of the material to take center stage. This finish is a top choice for a variety of natural stones, including marble, limestone, travertine, and granite.

 

The Benefits of a Honed Finish

 

• Increased Safety: Honed tiles offer better traction and are less slippery than polished tiles, making them a safer choice for floors, especially in high-traffic areas like entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms.
• Hides Imperfections: The matte surface of honed tile is excellent at hiding scratches, etch marks, and smudges. This makes them a more forgiving and easier-to-maintain option for everyday living.
• Reduced Glare: The non-reflective surface of honed tile reduces glare from natural and artificial light, creating a softer, more comfortable environment. This is especially beneficial in rooms with a lot of windows or in spaces where a tranquil atmosphere is desired.
• Timeless Aesthetic: A honed finish provides a classic, understated look that won't go out of style. It can seamlessly fit into a variety of design aesthetics, from modern and minimalist to traditional and rustic.

 

Considerations for Honed Tile

 

While the benefits are numerous, there are a few things to keep in mind with honed natural stone:

 

• Porous Nature: Because the honing process leaves the surface pores open, honed stone is more susceptible to staining than polished stone. It is crucial to seal honed tile upon installation and re-seal it periodically to protect it from spills and moisture.
• Maintenance: While honed stone is excellent at hiding minor imperfections, it still requires regular cleaning with a pH-neutral cleaner to maintain its beauty.
• Cost: The honing process is labor-intensive, which can make honed tile slightly more expensive than polished tile.

 

Best Rooms for Honed Stone Tile Flooring 

 

The subtle elegance and practical benefits of honed natural stone make it a perfect choice for a variety of rooms in the home. Unlike its polished counterpart, which can be slippery and prone to showing every scuff, honed stone is a workhorse that can stand up to daily life while maintaining its sophisticated look.

 

• Bathrooms: The bathroom is a natural fit for honed stone. The non-slip, matte surface provides superior traction, making it a safer option for a wet environment. A honed marble or limestone floor can add a sense of spa-like luxury, while a honed travertine shower surround offers a beautiful, rustic feel that is both durable and easy to maintain.
• Kitchens: The kitchen is the heart of the home and a high-traffic area. A honed granite or soapstone countertop is a great choice, as its matte finish is excellent at hiding fingerprints and minor scratches. On the floor, a honed slate or travertine tile can create a beautiful, durable surface that is easy to clean and comfortable to stand on for long periods.
• Entryways and Hallways: These are the first areas guests see and are subject to heavy foot traffic. A honed finish is an excellent choice for an entryway, as it is more resistant to scratches and wear than a polished floor. A honed travertine or a durable honed slate can create a beautiful, welcoming first impression that is built to last.
• Living Rooms and Dining Rooms: For a more relaxed and understated living space, a honed stone floor can be a beautiful and unique choice. It adds an architectural element without the glare of a high-gloss finish. A honed limestone or marble floor can provide a clean, modern look that is both elegant and easy to live with.

 

 

Explore a Wide Selection of Honed Natural Stone Tile Options for Your Des Moines, IA Home

 

Honed natural stone tile offers a beautiful, practical, and timeless alternative to a high-gloss finish. Its understated elegance, coupled with its increased safety and ease of maintenance, makes it a fantastic choice for any home. It's a testament to the idea that true luxury often lies in quiet sophistication.

 

Call or visit Royal Flooring at our Urbandale, IA showroom or our Des Moines, IA warehouse. For 20 years Royal Flooring has proudly served the Des Moines Metro including: Des Moines, IA, Urbandale, IA, Waukee, IA, West Des Moines, IA, Okoboji, IA. Known for high quality products, installation and top-of-the-line customer service, we're confident that we'll fit right in. Veteran owned and operated, we have expertise, knowledge and professionalism to offer anyone walking through our doors. 

 

Along with our passion for this industry, hard work and grit have propelled us to where we are today. Going the extra mile for our customers is what we do best, and we firmly believe in taking care of customers through the finish line.