Honed vs. Leathered: Which Texture Hides Scratches Best?

The Abuse Test

Kitchens take a beating. Keys, belt buckles, and ceramic pots scratch counters. Which finish is more forgiving?

Honed (Matte Flat)

While beautiful, a honed black stone shows scratches as white lines (the crushed mineral dust). It can also develop "polish marks" if a metal pot rubs it the wrong way.

Leathered (Textured)

The winner. The undulating, pebbled surface of a leathered Steel Grey breaks up the light reflection. If you scratch it, the texture hides the mark in the valleys of the stone. It is the #1 recommendation for families with kids or rental properties where care is low.