There are many different finishes available for the top surface of natural stone and slate. Outlined below are the most common options available.
POLISHED – A smooth, reflective finish. The polished stone finish brings out the rich colours of the stone and enhances natural pattern and veining.
SPLIT & DRESSED – This stone finish features a cleft stone face with smooth edges.
TUMBLED – This finish applies to marble tiles that are literally tumbled to create a weathered or distressed look. There is some texture as well as softening of edges on the finished tiles.
HONED – A smooth but non-reflective finish that brings out the natural colours and variations of the stone. Lighter in colour than polished.
MOSAIC – (polish, tumble) – Small stone pieces set as a mosaic on honeycomb panel.
BUSH-HAMMERED – A rough beaten stone finish with fractured texture.
FLAMED – Created using an extremely hot flame. The heat stresses the material causing crystals to pop out. A very rough texture best used for exterior purposes only. Excellent for exterior walkways. Flaming can only be done on granites.
LEATHERED – This finish adds texture to the surface. Additionally, it closes the pores (compared to honing) and retains the colour better than honing. While a leathered finish has a sheen to it, it is nowhere near as reflective as a polished surface.
BRUSHED – This term is sometimes used to refer to either a leather finish or a river washed finish. Unfortunately, this leads to ambiguity as there are distinct differences between leathered and river washed finishes.
SANDBLASTED – Lighter in colour than polished stone, sandblasted stone has a light sanded texture.
ANTIQUED – A style of finishes rather than a particular finish. Leathered, river washed, and tumbled finishes are all examples of an antiqued finish. A factory finish similar to a leathered finish is sometimes called an antiqued finish.
