Natural Stone Finishes

Finish: A Definition

•The term “finish” refers to the treatment applied to the surface of the natural stone to either alter its appearance or enhance its performance, or both. 

•It can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the surface and provides practical protection from exposure to moisture and susceptibility to staining.

•It can influence not just the stone’s color and texture, but its durability and longevity. 

•The right stone finish can help shield the stone from wear and tear and damage by elements and moisture, keeping it functioning and looking as good as new.

The Right Finish

•It is important to choose  an appropriate finish for your stone. Your choice of finish will ensure that your stone complements the overall design and ensures that it is resilient enough against the elements it may be exposed to after installation. 

•Marble, granite, limestone and other natural stones all have  their unique qualities and aesthetic appeal. Matching the stone with the right finish for its particular application can contribute significantly to the visual appeal and the value of your home. 

Choosing a Stone Finish

•To choose an appropriate finish you should consider:

•The type of stone: The specific characteristics of the stone determines what kind of finishes are more appropriate than others. 

•Indoor or outdoor application: Exterior finishes need to be hardier to endure weather conditions, while internal finishes lend themselves to aesthetic and easiness to clean.  Certain stone finishes offer features such as slip resistance, providing a safe surface in wet conditions, which can be crucial for applications such as patios or pool areas.

•Maintenance: Different stone finishes require different types and intensity of maintenance routines.  

•Your preferred style: A finish can be used to either intensify a stone’s natural color, moderate it, or add a different element that can contrast or complement the rest of your interior design. It is your aesthetic choice. 

The Polished Finish

•Perhaps the most famous of the options when it comes to stone finishes, a polished finish achieves a glossy, reflective surface and is popular for use on marble and granite. The polish works to enhance the natural color of the stone and helps ensure its patterns and veining pop.

The Polished Finish

The Honed Finish

•The honed finish, also sometimes referred to as a matte finish, is smooth to the touch like the polished finish but without the shine, i.e. with a dull or slightly reflective appearance. Honed finishes are commonly used for areas exposed to higher levels of traffic where a polish wouldn’t last. It provides an equally appealing visual style but in a more casual and understated way. It is the most common process for limestone. 

The Flamed Finish

•The flamed finish is most commonly used for materials such as granite and in applications where you want to achieve a textured surface reminiscent of a rustic aesthetic. The flamed finish, as its name suggests, is achieved through exposing the stone to high temperatures and makes for a highly suitable finish on stone being used in exterior applications especially granite.

The Brushed Finish

•This unimaginatively named finish is achieved by brushing the surface of the natural stone with a stiff and abrasive brush. It creates a rather comforting and visually interesting textured look and unique aesthetic. It is also applied to already flamed, honed, or sandblasted surfaces. It can be more difficult to keep clean and maintain, however.

The Tumbled Finish

•The tumbled finish involves tumbling the stone pieces with an abrasive material to create an intentionally worn appearance and evoke suggestions of an antique quality. Travertine and limestone tiles are common recipients of the tumbled finish as it complements their sedimentary make-up. 

The Split Face Finish

•Achieved by splitting natural stone along its natural cleavage lines, this finish achieves a rough and yet artistically textured surface. It is particularly popular for use in accent walls and exterior cladding thanks to its visually arresting appearance.

The Sandblasted Finish

•With the sandblasted finish, a high pressure stream of sand is applied to the surface of the natural stone achieving a matte appearance but with a subtly textured surface. Apart from the aesthetic appeal of this finish, it also offers a degree of slip resistance making it highly popular for use in outdoor settings. This finish is usually applied to sandstone.

The Leathered Finish

•Much like its name suggests, the leathered finish helps to create a leather-like surface to the natural stone. Textured yet smooth, it is gaining popularity for use in interior applications particularly granite and stone countertops where homeowners want both the contemporary style of stone but with the warmth of a leather-like surface. This finish can also be applied to marble, and travertine.

The Bush Hammered Finish

•A bush hammered finish is achieved through the use of a high impact machine or by using a masonry tool to uniformly pit the stone surface. By repeatably impacting the stone surface, a rough, weathered texture is created. This finish is appropriate for both indoor and outdoor usages.