Honed Tiles: What Is It?
There are many different types of porcelain stoneware surfaces: natural matte, textured patinated, glossy lux and structured grip. Today, however, we would like to focus on another interesting finish known as honed porcelain stoneware.
This surface is created through a special finishing process applied to the material after firing, giving it an elegant semi-polished appearance. Here is everything you need to know about Italon lappato porcelain stoneware.
What is honed porcelain stoneware?
Honed tiles are porcelain stoneware surfaces that undergo a special finishing treatment during the final stage of production.
The term “honed” refers to a surface with a soft, refined finish created through a special polishing process. The finishing process involves polishing the surface with different abrasive materials.
As a result, the porcelain stoneware acquires a distinctive texture where some areas remain matte while others become smooth and slightly reflective.
This effect becomes especially visible when the material is viewed from different angles.
The honed finish enhances the depth of the graphics and highlights the beauty of the surface pattern.
Where to find this material
This type of surface is featured in two Italon collections: Stellaris and Continuum.
- Stellaris is a marble-effect porcelain stoneware collection inspired by different marble varieties and shades.Honed slabs are available in the 60×120 cm format in seven colours:
- Statuario White
- Calacatta Gold
- Carrara Ivory
- Crystal Pure
- Elegant Silver
- Tuscania Grey
- Absolute Black
- Continuum is a collection inspired by decorative resin floors, natural stone agglomerates and brushed brass surfaces.Here, honed porcelain stoneware is available in the 80×160 cm format in two shades:
- Brass Gold
- Brass Dark
Honed porcelain stoneware is available in these collections.
Advantages and disadvantages of honed porcelain stoneware
Honed porcelain stoneware offers all the benefits associated with traditional porcelain stoneware.
It is highly durable, resistant to moisture and temperature changes, low-porous and wear-resistant. It does not absorb dirt, withstands household cleaning products and is easy to maintain.
In addition, it stands out for its sophisticated appearance, expressive graphics and wide variety of textures.
This material can realistically reproduce natural marble, metals such as brass and different types of stone, making it suitable for contemporary, classic and minimalist interiors.
Like any material, however, honed porcelain stoneware also has certain considerations.
Cutting the tiles and creating holes requires professional tools and experienced installers, especially when working with large-format slabs.
Large-format porcelain slabs can also be difficult to install without professional assistance. Nevertheless, these aspects do not outweigh the numerous advantages of the material.
Interior applications
Honed porcelain stoneware can be used in a wide range of residential and commercial spaces.
It is suitable for bathrooms and wellness areas, floors and walls in living rooms and bedrooms, kitchen backsplashes, islands and countertops.
It is also an excellent solution for commercial interiors such as beauty salons, SPA centres, restaurants, bars and similar spaces.
In general, this material is recommended for areas with moderate foot traffic.
Installation and maintenance
Honed porcelain stoneware is installed in the same way as any other porcelain stoneware surface.
The most important step is proper substrate preparation. The surface must be perfectly level, dry and clean, without cracks or voids.
Choosing the correct adhesive is equally important and depends on the format and application area.
Honed surfaces do not retain fingerprints or dirt, making them very easy to maintain.
In most cases, wiping the surface with a damp cloth or sponge is enough to remove dust and everyday dirt.
For more stubborn stains, liquid cleaning products without abrasive particles can be used safely without damaging the surface.
Alkaline-based cleaners are also suitable for regular maintenance and effective stain removal.
Honed porcelain stoneware is a durable and wear-resistant material with a refined and expressive surface that combines matte and glossy elements.
It works beautifully in interiors of different styles and pairs easily with various types of porcelain stoneware.
Spaces designed with lappato surfaces look elegant, sophisticated and visually rich.
You can choose porcelain stoneware for your project on the Italon website.
