A compilation of common surfaces for natural stones:
Chemically etched surface: Natural stone surfaces are etched in the manufacturing plant or in the already installed state using chemical substances. This process can also improve slip resistance at a later date, but it can lead to visual impairments in the form of discoloration. Typical applications: floor tiles, floor tiles.
Brushed surface: Brushing the natural stone surface is usually done after the surface has been flamed or sandblasted. The surface roughened by the pre-treatment still appears rough due to brushing, but much softer.
Fractured surface: The rock is fractured, making the surface rough and uneven. The natural colouring of the rock is retained. Typical applications: natural stone masonry, palisades and edge stones, rarely in the floor area.
Flamed surface: The surface of quartz-containing rocks is flamed with a burner under high heat. As a result, particles of the rock close to the surface are released, resulting in greater roughness and at the same time a uniform structure. Typical applications: Outdoor flooring.
Ribbed surface: By working with a corrugating hammer, the natural stone is given a straightened, streaky structure. The hammer has several parallel metal cutting edges. This surface treatment is only applied to solid workpieces, as the risk of breakage is too high with plates, for example.
Ground surface: The degree of grinding is given as C30 to C800. C800 describes an almost polished surface, while C30 is a very coarse grind with clear grinding and sawing marks on the rock surface. Here, the rock's own textures and hues are hardly recognizable. Ground surfaces can be reworked at any time, even when installed.
Bush-hammered surface: The stone surface is mechanically roughened with the help of a stick hammer, a tool with pyramid-shaped teeth. The optics look "dotted" with small regular dents in the surface. Typical application: Outdoor floor coverings.
Tumbled surface: Natural stone slabs sawn to size are placed in a rotating free-fall mixer together with quartz and water. The panels collide with each other, edges are chipped off and the surfaces are roughened. Overall, the panels have an "antique" look with rounded edges. Typical application: Floor coverings
Roughly hewn surface: Further processing of a broken natural stone surface. The rock is roughly smoothed with hammer and chisel. Typical applications: edge stones, palisades.
Source: bauwion
