Types of Stone Finishes

There are various finishing processes for natural stones that enhance their beauty and durability. Each type of finish provides different characteristics to the stone, which plays a crucial role in construction projects. Here, we examine the common types of stone finishes:

1. Polished This is the most common stone finish, giving the surface a smooth and glossy appearance. The stone surface is made shiny and reflective using resin or epoxy. Polishing is particularly effective in enhancing the stone’s appeal and beauty, especially in interior spaces.
2. Honed The honed finish is similar to polishing but leaves the stone smooth without the shine. As a result, the stone has a matte appearance, making it more suitable for low-light environments or minimalist spaces.
3. Leathered The leather finish creates a natural and rugged surface. Special leathering pads are used to emphasize the stone’s weaker areas, creating a distinctive texture. In another version of this process, the stone is tumbled with metal shot to achieve a non-uniform, leather-like surface.
4. Sandblasted In the sandblasting process, the stone's surface is blasted with high-pressure sand or other abrasive materials, resulting in a semi-matte and rough texture. This method creates small holes and cavities on the stone, increasing friction and preventing slipping, making it highly suitable for outdoor or high-traffic areas.
5. Cut-broken In this technique, parallel grooves are cut into the stone, and then these grooves are chipped with a special hammer to create a rough and natural surface. This method is popular among those seeking a raw and natural stone appearance.
6. Bush-hammered In the bush-hammering process, the stone surface is manually or mechanically roughened using a special hammer or chisel. The chisel can be applied in one direction or in a left-right pattern to create various textures. This finish is often used to increase slip resistance and for exterior building facades.
7. Chiseled (Split-faced) This finish is mostly applied to travertine and marble stones. In this process, the edges of the stone are chipped with a chisel and hammer, resulting in a stone with a rustic and natural appearance. Chiseled stones are commonly used for building facades, as well as interior and exterior spaces. Common sizes for this finish include 15x20 cm or 15x30 cm. Chiseling increases the stone’s durability and is often more affordable compared to other finishing methods.
8. Tumbled Tumbled stones have an aged and worn appearance. The stone pieces are placed in a drum with abrasive materials, and through tumbling, the edges and surface of the stone become rounded and smooth. This finish is ideal for those looking for an antique and natural stone effect. Tumbled stones are used for flooring, paving, interior and exterior walls, and even fireplaces.
9. Flamed In this technique, the stone is exposed to intense heat, causing the surface to crack and create a rough texture that is highly slip-resistant. Flamed stones are mostly used in outdoor spaces like around pools, walkways, staircases, and public areas.
10. Resin-treated In this process, the holes and cracks in the stone are filled with polyester or epoxy resin. This method strengthens the stone and provides a smooth and even surface. Polyester resin is affordable and transparent, but epoxy resin, due to its higher resistance to sunlight and faster curing time, is considered a better option for specific applications.

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