We know just how many types of tiles and stones there are out there, and how difficult it can be to pick the perfect fit for your space! So we thought we would start from the beginning – the finish of the stone.
The finish selection can completely transform the look and feel of any space, so is a crucial decision despite the type of tile or stone you choose. Whether you are struggling to decide, are tossing between two of your favorite finishes or didn’t even realise there were different finishes to begin with, hopefully our overview of some of our commonly used finishes can help guide you –
Natural –
A natural finish is an untreated, textured surface great for external applications like pool flooring, paving or wall cladding. This finish cannot be formulated, as its condition occurs naturally as the layers are quarried. The outcome of any natural finish depends on the qualities of the tile or stone type and condition of the exploitation.
Honed –
Honed stone and tiles are one of our favorites by far, and definitely our finish of choice across all our projects! With its smooth satin feel and low light reflection, it is the perfect option for high traffic areas due to its low maintenance and longevity. A honed surface is sure to create an timeless aesthetic, with the satin texture enabling softer lines and gentle reflections. This finish is achieved through a process of grinding and sanding the surface to a perfectly even smooth texture.
Bush Hammered –
A bush hammered finish creates a textured surface which can be used in most spaces, internal or external. The pitted varied texture of this finish gives it a high slip resistant rating making it an effective choice for any wet area. This finish is crafted through the use of machine or hand masonry tools to pit the stone surface creating a matte look with variation and detail.
Polished –
The high shine, smooth texture and mirror like reflective qualities of a polished finish make it a great fit for many internal applications, both commercial and residential. The sanding, grinding and buffing treatment to the stone or tile enhances both the colours and details of the material allowing for rich glossy variations. However not all natural stones or tiles can be polished, only crystallized types allow for this strong shine and high reflection. Although the durability of the polished finish and high maintenance are the down side of this choice in high traffic areas.
