The type of common stone finishes you have to know

Primary Stone Finishes

Polished Finish

A glossy surface that reflects light and emphasizes the color and markings of the material. The polished finish is a very popular selection for stone finishing obtained through the repeated application of abrasives upon the marble’s surface, in order to achieve a smooth high-gloss, mirror-like surface.

Through polishing we also reduce the material’s porosity, an important aspect to consider in the case of marble worktops as well as flooring, kitchen backsplashes and wall cladding

A rule of thumb to avoid using polished finishes in area with high foot traffic (i.e. outdoor areas), as its reflective nature is more prone to scratches.

Also, the polish finishes can get extremely slippery, as it does not provide sufficient grip, particularly when it is wet.

Honed Finish

A satin smooth surface with relatively little reflection of light. Honed finishes still involve grinding and sanding but not to the point of a glossy finish. Unlike polished finishes, they are not reflective. The marble surface will remain matt.

Honing creates a more natural look that appeals to those who prefer an aged patina or look that is less formal than a polished finish.

Honed surfaces are best for high-traffic areas such as outdoor flooring or exterior finishes. It may also be used on furniture tops and other surfaces.

Another good reason to choose hones surface is that etching is not noticeable as compared to polished surface.

Flamed Finish

A rough textured surface achieved through high temperatures of a flame or torch. This treatment gives an uneven look with very gentle colorations.

Flamed finishes are highly popular for outdoor use where slip resistance is extremely important. However, it is also ideal for indoor wall cladding too.

Besides that, flame finishes is also very resistant to atmospheric conditions.

The popular selection of natural stone for flamed finish would be granite and occasionally, on limestone stones due to their composition and are extremely hard.

Antique Finish

A rough textured surface achieved through high temperatures of a flame or torch. This treatment gives an uneven look with very gentle colorations.

Flamed finishes are highly popular for outdoor use where slip resistance is extremely important. However, it is also ideal for indoor wall cladding too.

Besides that, flame finishes is also very resistant to atmospheric conditions.

The popular selection of natural stone for flamed finish would be granite and occasionally, on limestone stones due to their composition and are extremely hard.

Bush Hammered

An irregular, non-slip textured surface in stone by using pneumatic hammers to carve the surface. The surface gives an industrial-styled look where it creates a large number of close and small indents.

This finish can help enhance the natural tonal variations in the material and add more interest into a space.

Bush hammered finishes is a popular finishing for granite stones, ideal for high traffic external areas. It also has greater slip resistance than other finishes.