Edges & Fabrication

Granite Finishes Explained: Polished, Honed, Leathered and Flamed

The finish of a granite slab changes its colour, feel, maintenance and safety as much as the stone itself. The same granite can look glossy and formal, soft and modern, or rugged and outdoorsy depending on how its surface is treated. FB Marble offers several finishes depending on the stone. Here is how they compare.

By FB Marble & Granite, Lahore·18 October 2026·2 min read

Paradiso Classic Granite slab from FB Marble Lahore, suited to four granite finish samples side by side — Paradiso Classic Granite from our stock in Lahore. Ideal for: four granite finish samples side by side.

Polished

Look: glossy and reflective; colours appear deepest and richest.

Feel: smooth and glassy.

Performance: the polishing process closes the surface, so polished granite resists stains best and is easiest to wipe.

Best for: kitchen counters, vanities, indoor feature walls.

Watch out for: polished granite can be slippery on wet floors and steps.

Honed

Look: smooth matte or satin finish; colours appear lighter — black becomes charcoal.

Feel: smooth but not shiny.

Performance: hides minor scratches; shows oil and water marks more; may need more frequent sealing.

Best for: modern kitchens, bathroom floors, low-glare spaces.

Leathered (Brushed)

Look: soft sheen with a gently undulating texture; colours stay deep.

Feel: textured, a little like leather.

Performance: excellent at hiding fingerprints, water spots and crumbs — especially popular on black granite such as Galaxy Black and Black Pearl.

Best for: kitchen counters, islands, bar tops and stairs.

Flamed

Look: rough, natural and slightly lighter in colour.

Feel: coarse and grippy.

Performance: a high-temperature flame causes surface crystals to burst, creating a slip-resistant texture.

Best for: outdoor steps, driveways, car porches, pool surrounds and boundary walls.

Other Finishes

Sandblasted: uniform matte texture for outdoor paving.
Bush-hammered: rugged, pitted texture for heavy-duty outdoor use.
Antique / caressed: gently undulating, aged look with a soft sheen.

Choosing the Right Finish

Area	Recommended Finish
Kitchen counter	Polished or leathered
Island	Leathered or polished
Bathroom floor	Honed or leathered
Indoor stairs	Honed or leathered
Outdoor steps and porch	Flamed
Feature wall	Any

Step 1: Leathered texture close-up – granite finishes — Step 1: Leathered texture close-up

Step 2: Flamed finish close-up – granite finishes — Step 2: Flamed finish close-up

Cost

Polished is the standard finish. Leathered, honed and flamed finishes may cost slightly more for some stones, depending on availability.

Talk to FB Marble

FB Marble & Granite has supplied and installed natural stone across Pakistan since 2001. Visit our showroom at 51 Y Jamun, Bedian Road, near the DHA Phase 5-6 Interchange, Lahore, or WhatsApp +92 323 4148908 with your measurements for a free quote. Browse our granite, marble, quartz, porcelain and onyx collections on fbmarble.com.