Leathered Granite vs. Polished Granite – Which Finish Is Better for NYC Kitchens?
Granite tops countless New York City kitchen wish-lists, but picking the slab is only step one. Finish matters just as much—leathered granite or polished granite can change everything from shine to maintenance. This guide compares both, using 2025 NYC pricing, durability data, and real homeowner stories.
1. What Is Polished Granite?
Polished granite is ground with fine diamond pads until it reflects light like glass. The high gloss deepens colour and seals pores, but fingerprints show fast.
2. What Is Leathered Granite?
Leathered granite is brushed with diamond heads after honing, creating a soft, matte texture that hides smudges yet needs yearly sealing.
3. Leathered vs. Polished – Quick-Compare Table
| Factor | Leathered | Polished |
|---|---|---|
| Gloss level | Matte, low-sheen | High-gloss |
| Fingerprint visibility | Low | High |
| Scratch resistance | Very good | Excellent |
| Stain resistance* | Good (seal yearly) | Excellent |
| 2025 NYC price | $85 – $105 / sq ft | $80 – $100 / sq ft |
| Maintenance | Seal every 12 mo | Seal every 24 mo |
*EPA food-safe sealing guide: epa.gov/saferchoice
4. Durability in a Real NYC Kitchen
4.1 Stains & Sauces
Polished surfaces shrug off wine and tomato. Leathered counters need annual sealing to prevent oil stains.
4.2 Scratches & Chips
Texture hides micro-scratches on leathered granite. Chips, however, contrast more against its matte surface.
Story – The Astoria Chef’s Countertop
Maria chose leathered Black Pearl. After a year of knife abuse, scratches vanished into the texture, while her polished island showed every nick.
5. 2025 NYC Cost Breakdown
- Leathered: $85 – $105 / sq ft installed
- Polished: $80 – $100 / sq ft installed
6. Maintenance Myths—Busted
- “Leathered never needs sealing.” – False.
- “Polished chips easier.” – False.
- “Leathered hides fingerprints.” – True.
7. Resale Value & Buyer Preference
Brokers say leathered granite feels modern-luxury and can boost buyer interest by 3 – 5 %, but polished remains classic in pre-war co-ops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is leathered granite slippery when wet?
No—the texture adds grip.
Can you polish leathered granite later?
Yes, but only with professional machines.
Does leathered hide seams?
Yes—the irregular finish blurs epoxy lines.
Will polished look dated?
High-gloss is timeless; update hardware for freshness.
How often must I seal leathered granite?
Plan on once a year with low-VOC sealer.
Related Resources
Need help choosing the right granite finish?
Call 347-455-1741 or email info@renovationservices.com for a free countertop consult.
