I recently renovated my kitchen, and the biggest decision was choosing the countertop material. During my extensive research, one option that stood out was granito Colonial White. This granite variant offers exceptional durability and brilliant aesthetics, making it a popular choice among homeowners. So, I started exploring the different finishes available to complement the rest of my kitchen decor.
First, I looked into the polished finish. Imagine having a shiny, mirror-like counter reflecting the overhead lights perfectly. The polished finish offers that kind of brilliance, enhancing the granite's natural beauty. This finish involves grinding the surface with fine abrasives, which results in a high-gloss look. The great thing is, it also seals the pores, making the granite resistant to stains and moisture. The cost for polished granite can range between $50 to $100 per square foot, depending on the region and supplier.
If you are worried about slip-prone surfaces, especially around kitchen sinks or bathroom vanities, you might want to consider a honed finish. This finish provides a smooth yet non-reflective surface. A honed finish involves sanding the surface to a matte or low-gloss sheen. It's perfect for high-traffic areas because it's less likely to show scratches and etches. For instance, I read that the honed finish of Colonial White granite offers a subtle elegance that fits both traditional and contemporary designs. Typically, prices for honed granite are slightly higher, ranging from $60 to $110 per square foot.
Another finish that caught my eye is the leathered finish. This one is particularly interesting because it adds texture to the granite surface. The leathering process involves running diamond-tipped brushes over a honed surface to create a subtle texture that's both rugged and sophisticated. A leathered finish provides a warm, organic feel to the stone, often used in rustic or industrial-styled kitchens. An example I came across mentioned that leathered Colonial White granite has become favored for its stain resistance and ease of maintenance. It's priced similarly to honed granite, usually between $60 to $120 per square foot.
For those interested in an even more tactile experience, there's the flamed finish. This involves exposing the granite to high temperatures, causing the crystals within the stone to burst and creating a rough, weathered surface. The flamed finish is slip-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor applications like patios and pool surrounds. I've read in landscaping magazines that many upscale outdoor kitchens feature flamed Colonial White granite. Depending on the complexity of the flaming process, prices can vary from $70 to $130 per square foot.
Another lesser-known but equally appealing option is the brushed finish. The brushed finish is achieved by brushing the stone surface with steel or hard nylon brushes, creating a soft, textured finish. It's similar to leathered but with a more delicate touch. I asked my local supplier about brushed Colonial White granite and was told it’s like having a piece of art right on your counter. This finish typically ranges from $60 to $110 per square foot.
I did not stop there. I also came across the antiqued finish, which aims to give new granite a weathered, timeworn look. This finish involves a multi-step process, including honing, brushing, and sometimes additional treatments to darken and age the stone. The antiqued finish of Colonial White granite offers a vintage feel that could be perfect for traditional or country-style kitchens. According to some home renovation forums, the cost for such a finish can go up to $150 per square foot.
For those who love the natural, raw look of stone, the split face finish may be the way to go. This finish involves mechanically splitting the stone to achieve a rough, jagged surface, closely resembling natural rock formations. My contractor mentioned that split face Colonial White granite is often used in feature walls or fireplace surrounds. The tactile surface makes it less practical for countertops but adds immense character to any space it adorns. Prices can vary widely, ranging from $80 to $140 per square foot.
Lastly, I explored the tumbled finish. This finish is achieved by placing the stones in a machine that tumbles them around with abrasives, softening their edges and giving them a more aged look. I found that tumbled Colonial White granite can add a relaxed, old-world charm to backsplashes and mosaics. Due to the labor-intensive process, this finish can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 per square foot.
If you’re still undecided, visit this granito colonial white guide to learn more about the different finishes and their benefits.
Ultimately, your choice of finish will depend on your taste, the look you want to achieve, and your budget. And, trust me, with so many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your home.