Stone Finishes Explained: Polished, Honed, Brushed, Sandblasted

Why Finish Matters as Much as Stone Type

Surface finish determines: the visual character of the stone, its slip resistance, and its maintenance requirements.

Polished

A mirror-like high gloss finish achieved through progressive grinding with increasingly fine abrasives (typically 7–12 heads).
Advantages: Maximum colour saturation, easy to wipe clean.
Disadvantages: Shows fingerprints and water marks, slippery when wet.
Best for: Wall cladding, feature walls, countertops, low-traffic flooring.

Honed

A smooth, matte or satin finish with no gloss.
Advantages: Hides fingerprints and minor scratches, slightly better slip resistance.
Disadvantages: More porous than polished, requires sealing.
Best for: Bathroom floors, kitchen countertops, contemporary interiors.

Brushed / Leathered

Diamond brush heads create a textured, slightly undulating feel.
Advantages: Excellent fingerprint concealment, good slip resistance.
Disadvantages: Harder to clean, adds processing cost.
Best for: Kitchen islands, outdoor applications, bar tops.

Flamed / Thermal

A propane torch applied to the surface causes crystals to fracture and pop, creating a rough, highly textured surface with maximum slip resistance.
Best for: Exterior paving, pool surrounds, steps.

Sandblasted / Bush-Hammered

High-pressure sand or shot blasting creates a uniformly textured, slightly abraded surface. Used primarily for exterior applications and heritage restoration work.