Natural stone · Surface finishes
Same stone, different expressions. The finish changes gloss, texture and feel – from mirror-glossy to softly brushed or sculpturally milled.
Illustrative, AI-generated surface studies. The real surface varies with stone and treatment and should always be assessed on a physical sample.
Glossy · smooth · colour depth
The stone is ground in several steps to a glossy, mirror-like surface. Veining and colours gain clear depth and the stone feels completely smooth.
Common on marble, granite and quartzite, for example on worktops and walls.
On floors the slip risk needs assessing, especially where the surface can get wet. Polishing does not protect marble against acid.
Matte · soft · light texture
Abrasive brushes work the surface and bring out the natural texture of the stone. The result is soft to the touch, with a discreet sense of patina.
Found on marble, limestone and granite, among others. The expression varies with the hardness and starting surface of the stone.
Brushing can be combined with other treatments. A physical sample best shows how the chosen stone turns out.
Tactile · softly undulating · low sheen
Also called leather finish. A brushed treatment giving a fine, slightly undulating surface with a leather-like feel and low sheen.
Common on granite and quartzite, for example kitchen worktops and furniture.
The terms leathered, brushed and satin can overlap between suppliers. The treatment does not make the stone stain-proof.
Coarse · crystalline · clear texture
Intense heat makes parts of the surface crystals pop off, creating a coarse, uneven texture. The colour often becomes lighter than when polished.
Mainly on suitable granites for stairs, paving and other outdoor surfaces.
Not all stones withstand flaming. Slip properties and frost resistance need verifying for the material in question.
Textured · rounded · softer
After flaming, the surface is brushed so the sharpest peaks are rounded. The clear texture remains, but the feel is softer than on a flamed-only surface.
Common on granite where both texture and a more comfortable surface are wanted, for example on terraces.
Brushing changes the grip of the surface. For wet floors and outdoor environments, choose a surface with documented properties.
Fine-grained · even · matte
A blasting medium hits the stone under high pressure, giving an evenly pitted, matte texture. The surface is usually finer than a flamed one.
Can be done on several stones, including granite, marble and limestone, depending on the desired result.
Texture and colour are affected by the blasting medium and intensity. Here too, the slip properties of a floor need separate assessment.
Relief & form
Milling and other treatments can create ribs, waves and graphic patterns. Here are three illustrative directions for a more distinctive stone surface.
Parallel grooves and rounded ribs give the stone a clear rhythm. Grazing light brings out the depth – an expression that works on walls and furniture fronts.
Softly milled waves make the surface sculptural. The pattern is perceived differently during the day as light moves across peaks and valleys.
Dense, straight grooves give a fine graphic structure. The direction, width and depth of the grooves affect both the expression and how the surface can be cleaned.
Stone type, light, use and care determine which finish suits. We provide samples for specific projects, subject to availability.
Contact us