Scratches
Foot traffic, furniture, grit, and everyday use can leave visible scratches across the surface.
V
02
Stone Honing
& Refinishing
& Refinishing
STONE HONING & REFINISHING EXPERTS
A Worn Stone Surface Can Often Be Refined
Natural stone can gradually lose its original appearance through everyday foot traffic, scratches, scuffs, stains, etching, and general wear.
Honing and refinishing provide a controlled way to refine the surface and improve its overall appearance without automatically replacing the existing stone.
Surface Refinement
Reduction of Visible Wear
Smoother, More Consistent Finish
Professional Stone-Specific Techniques
IS YOUR STONE SHOWING SIGNS OF WEAR?
Daily Use Can Leave Stone Looking Scratched, Dull & Uneven
Everyday use gradually changes the appearance of natural stone. Honing can help refine suitable surface wear and restore a more consistent finish.
Surface Wear
Frequently used areas can become visibly worn compared with less-trafficked sections.
Dullness
The original appearance of the stone can become less clear and refined over time.
Scuffs & Marks
Everyday activity can leave surface marks that affect the overall appearance.
Uneven Finish
Some areas may appear different from others due to varying levels of wear and previous treatment.
Loss of Surface Character
Accumulated wear can reduce the clean, refined appearance of the original stone.
UNDERSTANDING STONE HONING
Honing Refines the Surface Without Creating a High Gloss
Honing is a mechanical process used to refine the surface
of suitable natural stone.
It can help reduce the appearance of scratches, surface wear,
and other imperfections while creating a smoother and more
uniform finish.
Unlike high-gloss polishing, honing generally produces a more
understated, satin-like or matte appearance.
Surface Refinement
Helps create a more consistent stone surface.
Scratch Reduction
Can reduce the appearance of suitable surface scratches and wear.
Matte / Satin Finish
Creates a refined appearance without the same level of gloss associated with polishing.
Preparation
Can prepare suitable stone for additional refinishing or sealing.
WHICH FINISH IS RIGHT FOR YOUR STONE?
Honing and Polishing Create Different Surface Effects
OPTION 01
Honing
Appearance
Matte to satin finish.
Suitable For
Surfaces where a lower-sheen, refined appearance
is preferred.
Can Address
- Surface scratches
- Wear
- Minor imperfections
- Uneven appearance
Finish
Smooth and understated.
OPTION 02
Polishing
Appearance
Higher-gloss, reflective finish.
Suitable For
Stone surfaces where enhanced shine and reflection
are desired.
Can Address
- Dullness
- Loss of shine
- Surface refinement
- Finish enhancement
Finish
Smooth and reflective.
STEP 01 — SURFACE PREPARATION
The Finish Starts With Proper Preparation
Before honing or refinishing begins, the stone needs to be
properly assessed and prepared.
We inspect the surface to understand its material,
condition, existing finish, and areas requiring attention.
01
Surface Inspection
Assess the stone and identify scratches, wear, stains, etching, and other conditions.
02
Cleaning
Remove dirt, grime, residue, and contaminants that could interfere with the process.
03
Identify Surface Damage
Determine which areas require additional attention.
04
Prepare the Working Area
Prepare the surface and surrounding area before mechanical honing begins.
05
Select Appropriate Abrasives
Choose the appropriate honing stages according to the stone and desired result.
HOW WE HONE YOUR STONE
A Controlled Process for Refining the Stone Surface
Honing is not a one-size-fits-all process. The appropriate stages depend on the stone, its condition, the existing finish, and the desired result.
01
Assessment
We inspect the surface and determine the appropriate approach.
02
Initial Honing
The surface is mechanically refined using suitable equipment and abrasives.
03
Scratch & Wear Reduction
Additional honing stages may be used to reduce appropriate surface imperfections.
04
Progressive Refinement
The surface is progressively refined to achieve the desired level of smoothness.
05
Edge & Detail Work
Where appropriate, attention is given to edges, corners, and difficult areas.
06
Surface Cleaning
The surface is thoroughly cleaned to remove residue generated during the process.
07
Final Inspection
The completed surface is inspected for consistency and overall appearance.
SURFACE REFINEMENT
Reduce the Appearance of Everyday Wear
Scratches and wear can make an otherwise beautiful stone floor appear tired and inconsistent.
Professional honing can help reduce the appearance of suitable surface imperfections by mechanically refining the affected surface.
Light Scratches
Minor surface scratches caused by everyday use.
Traffic Wear
Visible wear in entrances, hallways, kitchens, and other high-use areas.
Scuff Marks
Surface marks caused by furniture, footwear, and everyday activity.
Dull Areas
Areas where the original finish has become less consistent.
Uneven Finish
Sections that appear different from surrounding areas.
Important Note:
Not every scratch or defect can be completely removed
through honing. Deeper damage may require more extensive
restoration or refinishing.
THE REFINISHING PROCESS
Create a More Consistent, Refined Surface
Once the surface has been properly prepared and honed,
additional refinishing stages may be used to achieve the
desired appearance.
The final finish depends on the stone, its condition,
and the result required for the space.
01
Matte Finish
A subtle, understated appearance with minimal reflection.
02
Satin Finish
A refined finish with a soft level of sheen.
03
Higher-Sheen Finish
Where appropriate, additional finishing stages can create a more reflective appearance.
04
Custom Finish
The process can be tailored to the stone and the desired result.
SEE THE DIFFERENCE
From Worn & Scratched to Smooth & Refined
BEFORE & AFTER
BEFORE
&
AFTER
&
AFTER
THE RESULT
A smoother, more refined stone surface with the appearance of suitable scratches, wear, and surface imperfections reduced.
STONE-SPECIFIC HONING
Professional Honing for Suitable Natural Stone
Marble
Honing can help refine worn marble surfaces and create a smooth, understated finish.
Travertine
Suitable travertine can be honed to reduce surface wear and create a more consistent appearance.
Limestone
Appropriate honing techniques can help refine suitable limestone surfaces.
Terrazzo
Honing can help address surface wear and create a more uniform appearance on suitable terrazzo.
Natural Stone
Material-specific assessment determines the appropriate honing approach.
Stone Floors
Residential and commercial stone flooring can be assessed for suitable honing and refinishing.
PROTECTION AFTER REFINISHING
Refine the Surface. Then Protect It.
Depending on the stone and its intended use, sealing may
be recommended after honing and refinishing.
A suitable sealer can help provide additional protection
against staining and everyday exposure.
01
Clean
The surface is thoroughly cleaned after honing.
02
Assess
We determine whether sealing is appropriate for the stone.
03
Select
An appropriate sealing system is selected according to the material and use.
04
Apply
The sealer is applied according to the manufacturer's requirements.
05
Final Check
The completed surface is inspected before the project is considered finished.
DO YOU REALLY NEED A NEW FLOOR?
Refinishing May Be an Alternative to Replacement
When existing stone is structurally suitable but its surface has become worn, scratched, or dull, professional honing and refinishing may be worth considering before replacing the floor.
Existing Stone
- Surface wear
- Scratches
- Dull appearance
- Uneven finish
- Surface imperfections
Replacement
- Removal of existing material
- New material selection
- Installation
- Additional disruption
- Potentially significant project scope
Important Note:
The right approach depends on the condition of the existing
stone. We assess the surface before recommending whether honing,
refinishing, restoration, or replacement is appropriate.
WHY THE FLOORSMITHS
Professional Honing With Attention to the Details
01
Stone-Specific Knowledge
Different stones respond differently to honing and refinishing.
02
Professional Equipment
We use professional equipment and appropriate abrasive systems.
03
Controlled Refinishing
The process is adjusted according to the condition and desired finish.
04
Attention to Detail
We focus on achieving a consistent and carefully finished surface.
HONING & REFINISHING FOR EVERY SPACE
Residential & Commercial Stone Refinishing
Professional surface refinement for stone floors and surfaces across residential and commercial environments.
Homes
Living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, entrances, and more.
Offices
Professional environments where worn stone flooring affects the appearance of the space.
Hotels
High-traffic stone surfaces requiring ongoing refinement and maintenance.
Restaurants
Stone floors exposed to heavy foot traffic, spills, and everyday wear.
Retail Spaces
Customer-facing floors where appearance matters.
Commercial Buildings
Large and heavily used stone surfaces requiring professional care.
REAL STONE. REAL REFINISHING.
See What Professional Honing Can Do
Project Type
Residential / Commercial
Stone Type
Marble / Travertine / Limestone / Terrazzo
Work Completed
Inspection → Preparation → Honing → Refinishing →
Cleaning → Final Inspection
Result
A smoother, more consistent, professionally refined
stone surface.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Trusted By Homeowners
Trusted By Homeowners
Who Value Great Floors
See what our customers have to say about their experience with The Floorsmiths.
READY TO REFINE YOUR STONE?
Give Your Worn Stone a More Refined Finish.
Tell us about your stone surface, its current condition, and the finish you'd like to achieve. We can assess the surface and recommend an appropriate honing or refinishing approach.
Stone-Specific Approach
Professional Equipment
Detailed Finish
Professional Honing & Refinishing
THE FLOORSMITHS