The Property Brothers Love This Uncommon Countertop Finish For A Striking Look

Kitchen renovation can feel chaotic at times, but once it all comes together, and you see how well that waterfall sink pairs with the new stainless steel appliances or how the tiled backsplash matches the new cabinets, you'll be glad you spent the time meticulously planning out all the details. Perhaps one of the biggest road bumps when transforming a kitchen is the countertops, aka where you'll spend the majority of your time cooking, dining, and more. It may feel like the kitchen countertop fads never end, but according to the Property Brothers, matte-finished countertops are a trendy way to get a striking look.

On an episode of "Property Brothers: Forever Home," Drew Scott installs a white, honed quartz countertop, which provides a sleek, matte look in the new kitchen. As reported by Realtor, he mentions that just because someone opts for a quartz countertop doesn't mean it needs to have that classic shiny look. Scott even claims to have a matte finish in his own kitchen. Matte countertops are pretty much as simple as they sound: countertops that lack sheen or glossy polish, but still provide elegance. They're commonly used for quartz, but matte countertops can also be made with a base of granite, marble, porcelain, or other kitchen countertop materials. Since it's a finish, not a material itself, this makes it a popular choice for homeowners.

A matte finish can be applied to a variety of countertop colors, from white and grey-veined to brown and grey-veined, or even solid white or black. Given its versatility, matte finishing is likely not one of the many countertop styles disappearing in 2026 (so far). While the finish is in a category of its own, the style can be further broken down into appearances such as honed, brushed, or leathered. A honed matte finish is common for quartz and marble countertops and involves buffing the stone until it reaches a velvety or satiny look, while a brushed or leathered matte finish is more common for granite countertops and involves stone that isn't buffed, and is instead intentionally kept rougher and more natural-looking.

Honed matte quartz countertops are often the choice for homeowners who spend a lot of time cooking on their kitchen counters, as they hold up fairly well to scratches and marks. Honed matte marble countertops are popular for the messier kitchen users, because even though marble is notorious for staining, the honed matte finish creates an illusion where imperfections are concealed. Honed matte granite countertops, on the other hand, require more work because they need to be sealed and regularly maintained. That said, brushed or leathered granite can work well in both rustic and modern kitchens, adding a "rough-around-the-edges" kind of aesthetic, but this finish proves harder to clean and maintain than its counterparts, which is why it's important to carefully pick the perfect countertop material for your kitchen.