Did you know that not only are there different types of stone that can be used for your tile project, there are also different finishes? While most people know to consider things like color and size when designing their project, it is also important to consider the finish. The finish you choose has an impact on the durability and practicality of your masterpiece.
For example, though a polished surface is always eye-catching and dramatic, it is also extremely slippery when wet. It would be dangerous to used a polished tile for flooring. This finish is much more suited to countertops and sometimes walls.
On the other hand, a honed surface is not nearly as slippery and naturally becomes a better choice for flooring. What you lose in brilliance and gloss, you make up for in safety.
Tumbled stone is a very popular choice due to its rougher texture that provides slip-resistance. It also has a beautiful weathered look that is timeless and attractive. For many, this is a win-win scenario.
In all, there are six major types of finishes to choose from. These types are listed below:
On the other hand, a honed surface is not nearly as slippery and naturally becomes a better choice for flooring. What you lose in brilliance and gloss, you make up for in safety.
Tumbled stone is a very popular choice due to its rougher texture that provides slip-resistance. It also has a beautiful weathered look that is timeless and attractive. For many, this is a win-win scenario.
In all, there are six major types of finishes to choose from. These types are listed below:
| Tumbled - the most popular option in home improvement. Multiple pieces of natural stone are put in a tumbler to produce this weathered look. Downside: its porous surface requires it to be sealed periodically. | 
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| Polished - a beautiful glossy finish that is often sought after due to the vivid display of colors. This is a non-porous surface that is typically used for countertops. Downside: Very slippery when wet. | 
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| Honed - This texture has a higher durability and a rough surface for traction, and so is a popular choice for areas of the home where there will be a lot of foot traffic. Downside: Not as glossy as polished texture, and porous like tumbled texture. | 
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| Sand Blasted - this tile is professionally blasted with sand so that it has a textured surface but can also have a slightly glossy finish. This tile also frequently features unique designs in the stone that is also created through the sand blasting technique. A very nice choice for those looking for something truly unique. Downside: Not as glossy as polished. | 
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| Flamed - This is a dramatic tile that features natural crystals that have exploded inside the stone. Because it is created at such extreme temperature, it has a slightly glossy finish. However, it still has a rougher texture that is created by the exploding crystals. Downside: Porous like tumbled texture. | 
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| Sawn - Appropriately named, this tile gets its texture by being cut with a gang saw. It is often combined with other techniques from the list above. Downside: Not as elegant or refined looking as polished or tumbled. | 
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