Natural stones with a leathered finish are very popular nowadays for their sophisticated look and feel which adds to the visual appeal of any space. Among the natural stones, granite with leather finish is being widely used as countertops or as other accessories recently to adorn the interiors of kitchens and bathrooms of residential spaces.
Granite comes in a wide array of finishes that change the appearance of the stone completely. This change is not only in its outward look, but also with regard to its surface characteristics. Among the different kinds of finishes of granite stone available, leather finish granite stone has grown in popularity due to its ability to bring a distinctive dimension to kitchens and bathrooms.
An Overview of Leather Finish Granite Stone
Recent design trends for natural stones include the use of more textured and tactile finishes in home interiors. So, leathered granite surfaces are increasingly used by many homeowners and interior designers due to their entirely distinctive look and feel when compared to other granite finishes.
In terms of texture, it is somewhere between the polished and honed surfaces, not as reflective and glossy as a polished finish but with more depth than honed granite. The leathered surface has enough texture and sheen to display the granite's natural features, but doesn't require the amount of upkeep and care as a slab with a polished finish.
Apart from aesthetics, there are some more good reasons to choose leathered finish granite slabs over other finish styles. Low maintenance is another great feature that it offers. The leathered finish can hide fingerprints, water stains, smudges, scratches, and other spots better than a polished, shiny finish.
Though granite stone is resistant to water damage and staining, the naturally occurring pores in this rock can absorb water, cleaners, and other fluids or pieces of food and other substances get stuck in them. Despite being less susceptible to damage than other finishes, leathered stone still does require sealing for the longevity of the granite stone.
With the right care and occasional sealing, this extremely hard and durable natural stone can be an ideal option for kitchens, bathrooms, bar tops, fireplace covers, or table tops, helping create high-end and stylish surfaces to adorn your interiors.
Best Tips to Maintain and Care for Leather Finish Granite Stone
Having a tendency to close up the pores in the stone surface, the leathered granite finish needs lower care and maintenance than polished or honed stone. This is because of the fact that the stains and marks are not easily visible on the granite slab with leathered finish in comparison to the polished and honed granite surfaces.
However, daily cleaning and upkeep of this high-end natural stone is still required to make sure it lasts for your entire lifetime. It is relatively easy to clean and maintain leather finish granite stone. Here are some of the tips for cleaning and maintaining this valuable granite surface.
• Clean the Leather Finish Granite Slab
Regularly clean the granite stone surface using a natural stone-specific neutral, pH-balanced cleanser or a mild non-acidic soap mixed with water so that the stone slab can retain its pristine look. Avoid using conventional household cleansers, scouring, or powder detergents, since they can cause irreversible damage to the natural stone slab. These products can break down the sealer on the granite stone and turn it dull over time.
When you need to wipe up spills, just use a damp, soft cloth or sponge. Make sure to dry the area with a soft, clean cloth to prevent any water marks from marring the surface.
• Seal the Granite Surface
Though granite is an extremely durable and hard natural stone, it is still better to seal it to enhance its resistance against stains and prevent discoloration. The leathering process on the granite stone results in partially blocking the pores, which acts as a barrier apart from making it smudge proof.
But, some stains like those caused by spilled wine can cause an adverse effect on an unsealed granite slab. Applying a stone sealer on a leather finish granite stone surface can make it almost completely resistant to stains and increase its longevity to a great extent.
For proper sealing of the leathered granite surface, be sure to ask a stone manufacturing professional to know the right process of doing it.
Final Takeaway
The unique look and tactile features of a leather finish granite stone make it an ideal addition to your dream home. Such a stone slab also offers multiple benefits from the practical point of view. Installing this elegant stone into the interiors of your home or even the exterior space will create a visually stunning décor that will be both attractive and durable.