Natural stone finishes: polished, honed, leathered, bush-hammered and more

The same stone can look like a different one depending on its finish. The finish changes colour, shine, feel, slip resistance and how marks show with use. These are the main ones.

Polished

The surface is ground with ever-finer abrasives until it has a mirror shine.

• Look: intense colours and strong veining.
• Pros: easy to clean and the most elegant.
• Cons: on marble, acid etching shows more, and it is slippery when wet.
• Where: countertops, walls, tables and dry indoor floors.

Honed (matt)

Polishing stops before the shine. The surface is smooth and matt.

• Look: softer colours, a natural feel.
• Pros: hides marks better and is less slippery than polished.
• Cons: slightly more porous; seal it well.
• Where: floors, bathrooms and marble kitchen countertops (etching shows less).

Leathered (textured)

Abrasive brushes follow the softer areas of the stone, leaving a gently undulating, silky texture, like leather.

• Look: satin matt with a soft relief.
• Pros: hides fingerprints, water spots and small marks.
• Where: quartzite and granite countertops, tables, bathrooms. Stunning on Taj Mahal, Krypton or Abyss Black.

Bush-hammered

The surface is struck with a toothed hammer, leaving a texture of small craters.

• Pros: very non-slip, with a rustic look.
• Where: outdoors, steps, shower trays and pool surrounds.

Flamed

A high-temperature flame makes the surface crystals pop, leaving a rough texture.

• Important: only for quartz-rich stones such as granite or some quartzites. Not suitable for marble.
• Where: outdoor paving and façades.

Sandblasted or shot-blasted

Sand or steel shot is blasted at the surface, leaving a fine, even, non-slip texture with a contemporary look.

Antiqued or brushed

The surface is treated to soften edges and give it a worn, aged look. Popular for rustic or Mediterranean-style floors.

How to choose

Torn between two finishes? We will advise you based on the stone and its use. Get a quote.