Polished or Honed Stone

Polished or Honed Stone – Care and Maintenance for Lasting Beauty

Polished and honed stone surfaces are popular choices for patios, pathways, and driveways due to their refined appearance and durability. Whether you have polished stone with a high-gloss finish or honed stone with a smooth, matte surface, both require proper care to maintain their aesthetic and structural integrity. Using the wrong cleaning products can lead to permanent damage, so understanding how to clean and protect these surfaces is essential.

Understanding Polished and Honed Stone – What Makes Them Different?

Natural stone surfaces are available in different finishes, each with unique characteristics:

Polished Stone – Highly reflective with a smooth, glossy surface. The polishing process enhances the stone’s natural colours and patterns, making it more resistant to moisture but more prone to scratches and etching.
Honed Stone – Smooth and matte with a more natural, subdued appearance. While it is less slippery than polished stone, it is more porous and susceptible to staining.
Both finishes require gentle, non-abrasive cleaning to avoid dullness, etching, or surface wear over time.

Why the Wrong Cleaners Can Harm Polished or Honed Stone

Many household cleaners contain acids, bleach, or abrasive agents that can damage stone surfaces. Using the wrong products can cause:

❌ Etching – Acidic substances break down the stone’s surface, leaving dull, rough patches (especially on polished finishes).
❌ Staining – Honed surfaces, being more porous, absorb liquids more easily, leading to discoloration.
❌ Surface Wear – Harsh or abrasive cleaners can scratch and degrade both polished and honed finishes over time.

To protect your stone surfaces, avoid harsh cleaners, and general patio cleaners. These products can cause permanent damage, especially to polished finishes.

Recommended Cleaning and Protection for Polished or Honed Stone

To maintain the beauty and durability of your stone surfaces, use pH-neutral, non-acidic cleaners specifically designed for natural stone. Due to the nature of this stone, it may be a two product cleaning process with regular ongoing maintenance. The right cleaning solution will:

✔ Gently remove dirt and stains without causing damage or dullness.
✔ Be safe for repeated use without degrading the finish.
✔ Preserve the natural shine of polished stone or maintain the smooth look of honed stone.

We would advise against sealing a polished or honed stone as this can lead to future problems, and would recommend routine cleaning instead.

Why Choosing the Right Products Matters

We only recommend specialist stone cleaners because they:

✅ Protect without damaging – No acids, no harsh chemicals, no abrasives.
✅ Extend the lifespan of your stone – Preventing wear, dullness, and staining.
✅ Maintain the desired finish – Keeping polished stone glossy and honed stone smooth.

Many general-purpose cleaners can degrade polished and honed finishes, leading to costly restoration. That’s why using dedicated stone care products is essential to ensure proper cleaning and long-term protection.

Whether your stone surfaces are polished or honed, they are an investment in beauty and durability. With the right care, they will remain in top condition for years to come. By using the correct cleaning methods, you can protect your stone from stains, weather damage, and dullness—ensuring its long-lasting elegance without the risk of accidental damage.