Terrazzo Tile Finishes: Polished vs. Honed – Advice from Your Supplier

Choosing the right flooring for your space is about more than just picking a material you like—it's about how that material fits into your daily life, design vision, and long-term goals. Terrazzo has been a go-to choice for architects, designers, and homeowners alike for decades, thanks to its timeless beauty, durability, and endless customization options. But one question we get asked more than any other as a terrazzo tile supplier is: "Polished or honed—which finish is right for me?"

It's a great question, and the answer isn't one-size-fits-all. The finish you choose can transform the look, feel, and even functionality of your terrazzo floors. Whether you're revamping a residential kitchen, designing a high-end hotel lobby, or outfitting a commercial office, understanding the differences between polished and honed terrazzo is key to making a decision you'll love for years to come. Let's dive in—we'll break down everything you need to know, from how each finish is made to which one works best in different spaces, with plenty of real-world insights from our team of terrazzo tile solutions experts.

First Things First: What Exactly Is Terrazzo?

Before we get into finishes, let's make sure we're all on the same page about what terrazzo is. Terrazzo is a composite material made by mixing marble, granite, quartz, glass, or other aggregates with a binder (traditionally cement, but now also epoxy or resin). The mixture is poured, cured, ground down, and then finished to create a seamless, durable surface that's as unique as a fingerprint—no two terrazzo installations look exactly alike, thanks to the endless combinations of aggregates, colors, and patterns.

What makes terrazzo so beloved? It's versatile. It can mimic the look of natural stone, add bold pops of color, or keep things subtle and neutral. It's also incredibly durable—when properly maintained, terrazzo floors can last for generations (we're talking 50+ years). And as a flooring supplier who's worked on projects big and small, we can attest to its adaptability: terrazzo works in modern lofts, historic renovations, coastal homes, and industrial spaces alike. But none of that matters if you pick the wrong finish. Let's talk about why finish is such a big deal.

Why Does Finish Matter, Anyway?

Think of terrazzo like a canvas. The aggregates and colors are the paint, but the finish is the brushstroke that brings it all together. A finish isn't just about shine—it affects how light interacts with the surface, how the colors appear, how the floor feels underfoot, and even how easy (or hard) it is to keep clean. For example, a high-shine finish might make a small room feel larger by reflecting light, but it could also show scratches more easily in a busy household with kids and pets. A matte finish, on the other hand, might hide imperfections but could feel slippery if not properly sealed in a bathroom.

As a flooring solutions provider, we've seen firsthand how the wrong finish can turn a dream project into a frustrating one. A restaurant owner once came to us after installing polished terrazzo in their outdoor patio, only to find that rain made the surface dangerously slick. A homeowner fell in love with honed terrazzo for their living room but was disappointed when the muted finish made their dark, low-light space feel even dimmer. The good news? These issues are avoidable with a little knowledge. Let's start with the basics: what are polished and honed finishes, anyway?

Polished Terrazzo Tiles: The Shiny Showstopper

What Is a Polished Finish?

Polished terrazzo is the finish that most people picture when they think of terrazzo. It's the glossy, mirror-like surface that catches the light and makes colors pop. But achieving that shine isn't just about "buffing it a lot"—it's a precise, multi-step process that starts long before the tile leaves our facility.

Here's how it works: After the terrazzo mixture is poured and cured, it's ground down using progressively finer diamond abrasives (think of it like sanding wood, but with industrial-strength tools). Starting with coarse grits to level the surface and expose the aggregates, we then move to finer grits (up to 3,000 grit or higher) to smooth out any scratches. Finally, a polishing compound is applied to create that signature high-gloss sheen. Most polished terrazzo is then sealed with a penetrating sealer to protect the surface and enhance the shine even further.

The Look: Bold, Bright, and Eye-Catching

Visually, polished terrazzo is all about drama. The high shine reflects light like a mirror, making colors appear more vibrant and intense. If you've ever walked into a space with polished terrazzo floors, you've probably noticed how the aggregates—whether they're marble chips, glass shards, or granite bits—seem to "pop" against the binder. It's a finish that feels luxurious, modern, and almost sculptural, like a work of art underfoot.

This brightness isn't just aesthetic, either. Polished terrazzo can make small spaces feel larger by bouncing light around, and it can turn a room with average lighting into one that feels bright and airy. We often recommend it for spaces with neutral or muted wall colors, as the shine adds warmth and dimension without overwhelming the design.

The Feel: Smooth as Glass (But Watch Your Step)

Run your hand over a polished terrazzo tile, and you'll notice it's incredibly smooth—almost like glass. There's no texture to speak of; it's flat, even, and cool to the touch. This smoothness is part of its appeal, but it's also something to consider when it comes to functionality.

In dry conditions, polished terrazzo is comfortable underfoot—great for bare feet in a bedroom or for sliding chairs in a dining room. But here's the catch: that smoothness can become slippery when wet. Spills, rain, or even high humidity can turn a polished surface into a hazard, which is why we always caution against using it in areas prone to moisture (more on that later).

Durability & Maintenance: Stain-Resistant, but Scratch-Prone

Polished terrazzo is surprisingly durable—when properly sealed. The polishing process closes the pores in the terrazzo, making it less porous than honed terrazzo and more resistant to stains. A good sealer will add an extra layer of protection, repelling liquids like coffee, wine, and oil (though we still recommend wiping up spills quickly, just to be safe).

But there's a trade-off: that smooth, glossy surface shows scratches more easily than honed terrazzo. Heavy furniture, pet claws, or even dragging a metal chair across the floor can leave visible marks. Over time, foot traffic can also cause "wear patterns"—areas where the shine fades slightly, creating unevenness in the surface. The good news? These issues are fixable. A professional can "re-polish" the surface every 5-10 years (depending on traffic) to restore the shine, though this is a more involved process than simple cleaning.

Maintenance-wise, polished terrazzo is relatively low-effort day-to-day. Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and grit (which can scratch the surface), and mop with a pH-neutral cleaner and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can strip the sealer or dull the shine. We recommend resealing polished terrazzo every 2-3 years for residential spaces and every 1-2 years for commercial areas to keep it looking its best.

Best For: High-Traffic, High-Light Spaces

Polished terrazzo shines (pun intended) in spaces where aesthetics are a top priority. Think luxury hotels, boutique retail stores, museum lobbies, or modern residential living rooms with plenty of natural light. It's also a great choice for high-traffic areas like airports or office buildings, where its durability and stain resistance can stand up to daily wear and tear—just avoid wet or outdoor spaces unless you're using an anti-slip sealer (which can slightly reduce the shine).

We recently supplied polished terrazzo for a high-end boutique in downtown Dubai, and the result was stunning. The store's floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the space with light, making the terrazzo's blue and gold aggregates look like a starry night. Customers often stopped to take photos of the floor—talk about a branding win!

Honed Terrazzo Tiles: The Understated Classic

What Is a Honed Finish?

If polished terrazzo is the extrovert of the finish world, honed terrazzo is the quiet introvert—subtle, sophisticated, and full of understated charm. Unlike polished terrazzo, honed terrazzo has a matte or satin finish with little to no shine. But don't mistake "matte" for "unfinished"—honing is just as intentional a process as polishing.

The honing process starts similarly to polishing: the terrazzo is ground down with diamond abrasives to level the surface and expose the aggregates. However, instead of moving to ultra-fine grits and polishing compounds, we stop at a much coarser grit (usually around 400-800 grit). This leaves the surface smooth but not glossy—think of it like a well-sanded piece of wood that's smooth to the touch but not shiny. Honed terrazzo is also sealed, but the sealer is often a matte or satin formula to preserve the finish's natural look.

The Look: Muted, Natural, and Timeless

Honed terrazzo has a completely different vibe than its polished counterpart. The lack of shine gives it a soft, earthy look that feels more organic and less "manufactured." Colors appear more muted and natural, with the aggregates blending subtly into the binder rather than standing out dramatically. It's a finish that feels warm, approachable, and slightly rustic—like a weathered stone that's been polished by time, not machines.

In low-light spaces, honed terrazzo can feel cozier and less harsh than polished terrazzo, which can sometimes feel "cold" in dim conditions. It's also a great choice for spaces where glare is a concern—think offices with lots of overhead lighting, museums with sensitive artwork, or homes with residents who prefer a softer aesthetic.

The Feel: Textured and Slip-Resistant

One of the biggest advantages of honed terrazzo is its texture. While it's still smooth enough to walk on comfortably, the honing process leaves a slight "tooth" to the surface—like fine sandpaper, but gentle. This texture makes honed terrazzo significantly more slip-resistant than polished terrazzo, even when wet. It's why we often recommend it for bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor patios, and pool decks—areas where safety is non-negotiable.

That texture also makes honed terrazzo more forgiving when it comes to scratches. While it can still get scratched (nothing is indestructible!), the matte finish hides minor imperfections much better than a polished surface. A small scratch on polished terrazzo is like a smudge on a mirror—impossible to miss. On honed terrazzo? It's barely noticeable, blending into the natural texture of the surface.

Durability & Maintenance: A Bit More Porous, but Still Tough

Honed terrazzo is slightly more porous than polished terrazzo because the honing process doesn't close the pores as effectively as polishing. This means it can be more prone to staining if not properly sealed. That's why we always (emphasize) the importance of a high-quality sealer for honed terrazzo—look for a penetrating sealer that soaks into the pores rather than sitting on top. Without a good sealer, liquids like juice, oil, or wine can seep into the terrazzo and leave permanent stains.

Maintenance-wise, honed terrazzo requires a bit more attention than polished, but it's still manageable. Sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent dirt from embedding in the texture, and wipe up spills immediately (especially acidic or staining liquids). Mop with a pH-neutral cleaner, and avoid using too much water—honed terrazzo can absorb moisture if the sealer is worn. We recommend resealing honed terrazzo every 1-2 years for residential spaces and every 6-12 months for commercial or wet areas to keep it protected.

Best For: Wet Spaces, Rustic Designs, and Low-Glare Areas

Honed terrazzo is a star in spaces where functionality and safety come first. Bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms, and outdoor patios all benefit from its slip-resistant surface. It's also a favorite for rustic, industrial, or Mediterranean-style designs, where the natural, matte finish complements exposed brick, wood beams, or earthy color palettes.

We recently worked with a homeowner who wanted to create a "spa-like" bathroom retreat. They chose honed terrazzo in a soft gray with white marble aggregates, paired with rainfall showerheads and natural stone countertops. The result? A space that felt luxurious but safe—no more slipping on wet floors after a shower. Another client used honed terrazzo in their restaurant's outdoor dining area, and it's held up beautifully through rain, snow, and foot traffic for years.

Polished vs. Honed: The Ultimate Comparison

How to Choose: 5 Factors to Consider

Now that you know the basics of polished and honed terrazzo, how do you decide which one is right for your project? As a flooring supplier with years of experience, we recommend asking yourself these five questions:

1. What's the Space Used For?

Start with function. Is this a bathroom where water is common? Go with honed for slip resistance. A living room with lots of natural light and no moisture? Polished could be perfect. Outdoor spaces? Honed is almost always the safer bet (unless you're willing to use an anti-slip sealer on polished).

2. What's Your Design Style?

Polished terrazzo screams modern elegance, while honed leans into natural warmth. If your space features clean lines, bold colors, and contemporary furniture, polished might be the way to go. If you prefer earthy tones, textured fabrics, and a "lived-in" feel, honed is more your speed.

3. How Much Traffic Will It Get?

Both finishes are durable, but polished terrazzo's shine can show wear patterns over time in ultra-high-traffic areas (like a busy mall). Honed terrazzo hides wear better, making it a great choice for spaces with constant foot traffic. That said, both can be refinished if needed—polished just requires more frequent touch-ups to keep the shine consistent.

4. What's the Lighting Like?

Lighting can make or break a finish. Polished terrazzo thrives in bright, well-lit spaces—it reflects light and makes rooms feel larger. In dark, low-light spaces, though, it can feel cold or dull. Honed terrazzo, with its soft, matte finish, works better in dimmer spaces, as it doesn't rely on light to look good. If you're unsure, ask your terrazzo tile supplier for samples—take them home and test them in different lighting conditions (morning, afternoon, evening) to see how they look.

5. How Much Time Will You Spend on Maintenance?

Be honest with yourself: Are you willing to wipe up spills immediately? Do you have the budget to reseal every year or two? Polished terrazzo is more low-maintenance day-to-day, but honed requires more vigilance with spills. If you're a busy family or run a business with little time for upkeep, polished might be the better choice—just avoid wet areas.

Expert Advice from Your Terrazzo Tile Supplier

At the end of the day, there's no "better" finish—only the better finish for your space. Over the years, we've picked up a few tips that can help you make the right choice:

Sample, sample, sample. Never choose a finish based on a photo online or a small swatch in a showroom. Ask your supplier for full-size samples (or even better, visit a completed project) to see how the finish looks in person. We offer free samples to all our clients—hold them up to your walls, place them on your floor, and see how they look in your space's natural light.

Consider mixing finishes. Who says you have to choose one? Many of our clients mix polished and honed terrazzo to create visual interest. For example, use polished terrazzo in your living room and honed in your adjacent kitchen for a cohesive but functional design. Just make sure the color and aggregate blend well—your supplier can help with that.

Don't skimp on sealer. No matter which finish you choose, a good sealer is non-negotiable. Ask your supplier about high-quality penetrating sealers—they're worth the investment. For polished terrazzo, look for a sealer that enhances shine; for honed, opt for a matte sealer to preserve the natural look.

Think long-term. Terrazzo is a lifelong investment—don't just think about what looks good today, but what will work for you in 5, 10, or 20 years. If you plan to sell your home, polished terrazzo might have broader appeal to buyers. If you're designing a commercial space, honed terrazzo's durability and slip resistance could save you money on repairs down the line.

Final Thoughts: Your Space, Your Finish

Choosing between polished and honed terrazzo is about balancing beauty, functionality, and practicality. Polished terrazzo is the bold, shiny choice for high-light, high-style spaces, while honed terrazzo is the understated workhorse for wet, low-glare, or rustic designs. As a terrazzo tile solutions provider, our goal is to help you find the finish that turns your vision into reality—one that looks great, works hard, and makes you smile every time you walk through the door.

Still unsure? Give us a call. We're here to answer your questions, share samples, and even connect you with past clients who've chosen each finish. After all, that's what a good supplier does—we don't just sell tiles; we help you build spaces you'll love for years to come.

So, what'll it be? Shiny or matte? The choice is yours—but with a little knowledge, it's a choice you can feel confident in.