Homeowner’s Guide to Tile & Stone Finishes

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Style isn’t only about color, pattern, and shape. Tile and stone finishes influence the room’s overall design and aid in the longevity of the surface. Here’s a look at the different types of finishes to consider for different areas of your home.

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Honed & Matte Finish

This style has a velvety smooth surface. Its natural, muted look is nonreflective, unlike traditional polished tile and stone. A honed and matte finish is more slip-resistant, making it a quality choice for wet areas like the bathroom. It also disguises everyday wear because dullness and scratches overtime are less apparent. However, [matte tile](https://www.flooranddecor.com/tile?prefn1=finish&prefv1=Matte) and [honed stone](https://www.flooranddecor.com/textured-stone) is more porous so spills should be treated immediately and proper sealant should be applied regularly.

Polished Finish

Polish brings out the brilliance of a [stone](https://www.flooranddecor.com/stone?prefn1=finish&prefv1=Polished%20or%20High%20Gloss) and [tile](https://www.flooranddecor.com/tile?prefn1=finish&prefv1=Polished%20or%20High%20Gloss)’s color and detail. The smooth, shiny finish looks elegant on both floors and walls. However, polished tile and stone can be slippery so step cautiously on bathroom floors and outdoor areas.

Brushed Finish

[Brushed](https://www.flooranddecor.com/stone?prefn1=finish&prefv1=Brushed) finished surfaces have a soft, distressed texture. The aging and resilience to scratches and weather allows it to maintain a natural feel. While specialized brushes and techniques are used to craft this unique finish, it doesn’t take away from the authentic look. This finish is ideal for high traffic areas and outdoor spaces.

Textured Finish

Much like a brushed finish, [textured tile](https://www.flooranddecor.com/tile?prefn1=finish&prefv1=Textured) and [stone](https://www.flooranddecor.com/stone?prefn1=finish&prefv1=Textured) are great for backsplashes, fireplaces, and outdoor spaces. The surface texture adds more grit for slip resistance in wet areas. The dimension adds a natural and tactile feel to your home and has no-fuss maintenance that only enhances with age.

Tumbled Finish

This authentic look is achieved by physically tumbling the stones within an enclosure. This creates unique edges and impressions. [Tumbled stone and mosaics](https://www.flooranddecor.com/stone?prefn1=finish&prefv1=Tumbled) have a soft, smooth, and aged look to them.

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