10 Types of Natural Stone Finishes

Natural stone finishes affect far more than just how a surface looks. The right finish can influence everything from slip resistance and weather durability to ease of cleaning and overall aesthetic appeal.

Whether you're designing a garden patio, specifying materials for a public walkway, or choosing a feature wall finish, it’s essential to understand how different stone finishes perform.

From smooth and polished to rugged and rustic, each type of finish serves a distinct purpose. At Armstrongs, we supply a wide range of stone types, including sandstone, granite, and gritstone - each offering different finish capabilities.

All of our materials are quarried locally in the North West, giving us direct control over quality and consistency.

In this guide, we’ll break down ten of the most popular natural stone finishes, explain what they’re best used for, and help you choose the right option for your project.

What is a stone finish and why it matters

A stone finish refers to the surface texture and appearance of a piece of natural stone after it has been processed. Finishing can be done by hand, machine, or chemical treatment depending on the look and performance required.

Choosing the right finish matters for several reasons:

• Slip resistance – vital for outdoor paving or steps
• Durability – certain finishes withstand weather better than others
• Maintenance – some are easier to clean and keep looking new

• Aesthetics – colour, texture, and reflectivity all impact the final result

1. Polished finish

• A polished finish results in a highly reflective, mirror-like surface. The stone is ground down and buffed until it reaches a high sheen, making colours and natural veining stand out.
• Best for: Interior walls, countertops, decorative pieces
• Limitations: Slippery when wet - not recommended for exterior paving

• Stone examples: Granite (e.g. Shap Quarry), marble
  

  2. Honed finish
  

• A honed finish is smooth like polished stone, but with a matte surface. This finish softens the stone’s natural appearance and reduces glare, while still providing a refined look.
• Best for: Interior flooring, staircases, cladding
• Benefits: Improved grip over polished; hides light scratches

• Stone examples: Sandstone, gritstone
  

  3. Leathered finish
  

• A leathered finish has a textured feel with a slightly undulating surface. It’s achieved by gently brushing the stone to expose its natural pits and patterns.
• Best for: Outdoor worktops, feature cladding, signage
• Benefits: Non-slip, hides fingerprints, unique natural character

• Stone examples: Granite (particularly effective on darker stones)
  

  4. Bush-hammered finish
  

• A bush-hammered finish is achieved by pounding the stone surface with a specialised hammer, creating a uniform pattern of small craters.
• Best for: Paving, ramps, external stairs, façade panels
• Benefits: Excellent slip resistance, especially in wet conditions

• Stone examples: Granite, gritstone
  

  5. Sandblasted finish
  

• A sandblasted finish is produced by firing fine abrasives at the stone under high pressure. It creates a lightly textured surface with a soft, uniform appearance.
• Best for: Paving with moderate traffic, signage, wall features
• Benefits: Subtle texture, visually consistent, masks imperfections

• Stone examples: Sandstone
  

  6. Flamed finish
  

• A flamed finish is created by exposing stone (typically granite) to intense heat, causing the surface to burst and roughen. It’s a popular non-slip finish.
• Best for: Driveways, pool surrounds, coastal paths
• Benefits: High grip even when wet; ideal for outdoors

• Stone examples: Granite (e.g. Shap Granite)
  

  7. Split face / natural cleft finish
  

• A split face finish (also called natural cleft) retains the raw, rugged surface of the stone as it breaks along its natural bed.
• Best for: Rustic walls, fireplaces, garden features
• Benefits: Natural texture, minimal processing

• Stone examples: Sandstone from Brinscall or Waddington Fell
  

  8. Sawn finish
  

• A sawn finish is produced by mechanically cutting the stone into slabs or blocks. It results in a flat surface with visible saw marks and a raw appearance.
• Best for: Steps, base layers, architectural stonework
• Benefits: Accurate dimensions; ideal for construction applications

• Stone examples: Gritstone, sandstone
  

  9. Tumbled finish
  

• A tumbled finish is created by rotating stone pieces in a drum with abrasive materials. This softens edges and gives the stone a worn, antique look.
• Best for: Cottage-style paving, garden paths, walling
• Benefits: Smooth underfoot; timeless appearance

• Stone examples: Sandstone, limestone
  

  10. Bush-chipped / antiqued finish
  

• A bush-chipped or antiqued finish gives the impression of aged, hand-worked stone. Chisels or hand tools are used to lightly roughen the surface without damaging the integrity of the material.
• Best for: Heritage renovations, period properties, decorative features
• Benefits: Authentic, aged character

• Stone examples: Sandstone, granite
  

  Choosing the right finish for your project
  

• When it comes to selecting the right finish for natural stone, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, it depends on where and how the material will be used.
• For outdoor paving or steps, safety is key, so rougher textures like flamed, bush-hammered or split face finishes offer the best grip. For interiors, honed or polished stone may be more appropriate for their smooth appearance and ease of maintenance.
• You’ll also want to consider the type of stone itself. For example, Shap granite responds well to flamed and polished finishes, while Brinscall sandstone is often used with honed or sandblasted textures. The right pairing ensures the stone not only looks the part but performs well for years to come.

• If you’re unsure, Armstrongs can guide you through the decision. With decades of experience, in-house finishing capabilities, and local quarries producing high-quality sandstone, gritstone and granite, we’re here to help you find the perfect finish for your project, whether it’s a residential patio or a large-scale public realm scheme.
  

  Natural Stone Finish FAQs
  

  What’s the most durable stone finish for outdoor use?

  Flamed and bush-hammered finishes are among the most durable and slip-resistant, making them ideal for high-traffic outdoor areas like driveways, public walkways and steps. These finishes also hold up well against frost and heavy wear, ideal for all types of British weather.

  Can I use polished stone outside?

  We don’t recommend polished stone for external flooring as it can become extremely slippery when wet, which poses a risk for outdoor applications. It’s best suited to internal walls or decorative surfaces where safety underfoot isn’t a concern.

  Which finish is best for public realm or commercial paving?

  Bush-hammered, flamed, and sandblasted finishes are commonly specified in public realm schemes due to their non-slip properties and long-term durability. These finishes are also easy to maintain over time, even in high footfall environments.

  How does the stone type affect the finish options?

  Not all finishes work with every stone. For example, granite can take a polished or flamed finish well due to its density, whereas softer stones like sandstone are better suited to honed, sandblasted or tumbled finishes. At Armstrongs, we can advise on the best combinations based on the stone you’re using.

  Do natural stone finishes require much maintenance?

  It depends on the finish and where it’s used. Polished and honed stones are easier to clean but show marks more readily.

  Rougher textures like split face or bush-hammered can hide dirt but may need more attention to prevent build-up. We can advise on aftercare depending on your project environment.

  Can Armstrongs provide custom finishes?

  Yes. If you have a project with specific design or safety requirements, our in-house team can deliver bespoke finishes using your chosen material from our local quarries. Just get in touch with your specification.