Incorporating natural stone into your home is one thing; choosing the right stone finish is another. Both equally important, playing significant roles in adding opulence to your luxury interior.
More recently, alternative finishes for stone countertops have gained great popularity, shifting away from the once-dominant polished finish. Today, we see both homeowners and designers seek unique textures & finishes that highlight the natural beauty of this luxurious material yet also introduce statement design elements to the interior—the best of which we will talk about today 🤍
Honed Finish
Honed is the most classic of finishes, particularly for limestone, marble, and multiple other types of natural stone. The effect is usually a matte, smooth finish that ranges from dull to a light sheen but stops short of looking shiny, a look that is achieved by grinding the surface of the stone only enough so it doesn’t look glossy.
The soft, natural look imparted by honed stone is ideal for areas that desire a subtle, refined aesthetic, such as shower surrounds and bathroom countertops. Perfect if you want a contemporary look with less reflection.
Polished Finish
One of the most loved luxury stone finishes, known for its mirror-like, high-gloss shine that instantly exudes elegance. A polished stone surface, whether granite or marble, reflects light wonderfully, which, as a result, makes smaller spaces look bigger (and airier). The finish is often used on floors, bathroom vanities, and kitchen countertops.
Homeowners who crave a touch of timeless luxury definitely wouldn’t want to miss out on this one. It enhances the natural colors of stone while offering an extra layer of protection. But, keep in mind, polished stone can be slippery when wet, so it might not be the best option for outdoor areas or bathrooms.
Leathered Finish
Credit: Silver Waves Granite
A newer luxury stone finish that has gained popularity for its rich feel. The technique involves brushing the surface of the stone to create a leathery finish, hence the name. The result is a striking matte surface with almost no shine that adds depth to any space.
The leathered finish is often used for quartz and granite surfaces, and offers a tactile element that enhances the material’s natural beauty. It’s perfect for interiors where you want to combine luxury with a hint of warmth, as in rustic or modern settings. The surface is also more forgiving when it comes to hiding water spots, fingerprints, scratches, etc. Exactly what you’d want for high-traffic areas, like the kitchen.
Brushed Finish
Similar to the leathered finish, a brushed finish gives stone a withered, rustic vibe. The look is achieved by wearing down the surface with brushes to create a slightly rough texture, one that resembles the look of unique, aged stone. The natural, luxurious finish introduces an element of rugged charm into an interior… something vintage-lover homeowners greatly appreciate.
Thanks to its non-slip surface (that’s also beautiful but practical), brushed natural stone is ideal for outdoor spaces. The technique is often used on limestone, flagstone, and travertine to create stunning patios, pool decks, and walkways.
Flamed Finish
As the name suggests, a flamed finish is achieved by exposing natural stone to high temperatures. The surface bursts and becomes textured (plus, somewhat rough), which adds natural charm to classic designs, like mid-century modern. This technique is common for choices like granite, where heating the surface brings out unique color variations—helping to add a stunning, one-of-a-kind touch to your home.
Flamed natural stone is usually used in outdoor settings, but looks equally lovely when used indoors, for example, as a dramatic accent wall, or perhaps a fireplace. The balanced combo of luxury appeal and rugged durability makes flamed stone popular among homeowners who wish to make bold statements without overwhelming the space.
Flamed and Brushed Natural Stone Finish
Once the flamed finish is achieved, craftsmen can apply a brushed coat. It is done by using wheels, brushes, and other tools. Stones with a flamed + brushed finish feel smoother to the touch. Likewise, the material offers a worn, casual aesthetic.
There are different levels of brushing that can be done for this type of finish. Our team of expert Arizona-based interior designers can suggest the best level of brushing to ensure a non-slip surface, but not one that feels too harsh on bare skin.
A natural stone tile with both a flamed and brushed finish is a good option if you want a vintage-looking floor that looks like it has been walked on for years.
River Wash (or Waterjet Blasted)
Again, you can find the explanation of the technique in its name. A high-pressure spray of water (and sand) is aimed at the surface to wash away softer materials and leave behind an attractive, textured material. It’s an exceptionally distinctive finish that goes beyond a simple brushing method. It is created at a slower pace to ensure distinct canyons and gorges inspired by natural stone elements.
Satin Finish
A finish that offers a subtle sheen without the clarity seen in a mirror or gloss finish. Ideal for travertine stone, satin marble is often used in high-traffic areas because of its incredible ability to hide imperfections flawlessly. However, it’s important to consider the cleaning requirements. You will need a pH-neutral cleaner to preserve the finish—and keep it looking fresh.
Sandblasted Finish
Credit: Tino Stone
Sandblasted finish is a natural, anti-slip, finely textured surface. Craftsmen use water (and sometimes air pressure) to spray the stone with a combination of beads and stone. The treatment removes saw marks on the stone, leaving behind a smooth surface. Sometimes, the polish gives the surface almost invisible fine circular imprints. Further, some even utilize the process to carve beautiful patterns or designs into the stone.
We mostly find sandblasted natural stone in the bathroom, around the poolside, or generally in wet areas. Its high durability yet beautiful aesthetic make it the perfect option to make a statement without compromising functionality.
Natural Cleft
A finish that’s usually done on slate and sandstone. The surface of this natural stone is a bit uneven, due to the natural ridges that occur when the material is separated from the earth. Hence, a cleft finish occurs naturally during quarrying. You may also find a couple of granites and limestones on the market with heavy clefting, only suitable for wall installations and paving.
The Split Face Technique
Split face natural stone is created by a super simple mechanical action on the geographical structure of the material. The technique can be done on any type of stone and is often considered more rustic than all types of finishes.
Rugged, irregular, and uneven to the touch, this finish causes the stone slab to split in a particular direction, exposing the natural finish in all its glory.
If you are a lover of the rustic look, split face is a wonderful solution for the walls, as it lends an authentic feel, while the variation in color creates warmth. With its high resistance and wide range of patterns, the finish combines well with multiple other materials, too!