Polished and honed are the finishes most people know, but a large share of stone used outdoors and on stairs has a textured surface. These finishes change how stone feels underfoot, how it looks in different light and how safe it is when wet. Choosing the wrong one can mean a terrace that is slippery after rain or a floor that is hard to keep clean.
Bush-hammered
Bush hammering is one of the oldest stonemasons' textures. A hammer with a head covered in small pyramid-shaped points strikes the surface repeatedly, crushing the top layer and leaving a fine, even pitted texture. Today it is usually done by machine or with pneumatic tools, but the principle is the same.
The result is a matte, lighter-toned surface with good grip. It works on granite, limestone and many other stones. Bush-hammered finishes are common on outdoor steps, paving, sills, fountains and the treads of stairs, and they suit traditional architecture well.
The texture can be fine or coarse depending on the tool. A coarser texture gives more grip but collects more dirt, so for a terrace next to a dining area a finer bush hammering is often the better compromise.
Flamed
Flaming, also called thermal finishing, is used mainly on granite. A very hot flame is passed over the wet surface. The heat makes some of the crystals at the surface expand and pop off, leaving a rough, slightly glassy texture.
Flamed granite is very slip resistant and stands up well to weather, which makes it popular for public paving, pool surrounds, outdoor stairs and driveways. The process tends to lighten and soften the colour of the stone.
Flaming is not suitable for every stone. Calcium carbonate stones such as marble and most limestones do not respond to it in a useful way, and thin slabs can be damaged by the heat. A stone supplier or stonemason will know which materials can be flamed.
Sandblasted
Sandblasting shoots abrasive grit at the surface under pressure. It produces a uniform, fine matte texture that is smoother than flamed or bush-hammered stone but still less slippery than honed. It is often used for lettering and decorative patterns, because areas can be masked so that only some parts are blasted.
Sandblasted finishes are useful where you want a quiet, even look with some grip, for example on interior floors near entrances, on facade panels or in contrast with polished areas on the same piece.
Antique, brushed and leathered
These names describe softer textures made with abrasive brushes, sometimes after a light acid wash or sandblasting. The surface follows the natural irregularities of the stone, so it looks worn and gently undulating rather than flat.
- Antique or tumbled finishes imitate stone that has been walked on for generations. They suit old houses and rustic interiors.
- Brushed finishes are smooth to the touch but not reflective.
- Leathered finishes, often used on granite and darker stones, have a soft sheen and a slight texture that hides fingerprints well. They are popular for worktops.
Names vary between suppliers and countries, so it is always worth looking at a real sample rather than relying on the label.
Choosing a finish for the location
As a general guide:
- Outdoor steps and paving: flamed or bush-hammered, depending on the stone.
- Pool surrounds and wet areas: flamed, bush-hammered or a well-textured antique finish.
- Interior floors in busy areas: honed, brushed or sandblasted rather than polished.
- Worktops: polished, honed or leathered. Rough finishes are hard to clean.
- Facades and cladding: almost any finish can work, chosen mainly for appearance.
Keep in mind that a textured finish changes the colour. The same granite can look dark and dramatic when polished and quite pale when flamed. Always compare finished samples, wet and dry, before ordering.
If you are not sure which surface finish is right for your steps, terrace or floor, BIHACIT can advise you. We can show you how different finishes look on the stone you are considering and explain how each will behave in your space.
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