Granite Surface Finish Comparison — Flamed vs Brushed vs Leathered
The surface finish of granite is as important as the stone itself. Different finishes serve different functional and aesthetic purposes in urban and landscaping projects.
Flamed Finish: Created by applying a high-temperature flame to the stone surface, which causes the crystals to burst and create a textured, slip-resistant surface. Ideal for: public pavements, pool surrounds, driveways, and any area requiring high slip resistance.
Brushed Finish: Achieved by brushing the surface with abrasive rotary brushes. This creates a softly textured, slightly weathered appearance while maintaining comfort underfoot. Ideal for: pedestrian plazas, park pathways, commercial entrances.
Leathered Finish: A textured, low-sheen finish that feels like leather to the touch. It hides fingerprints and water spots while retaining the stone's natural colour variation. Ideal for: urban furniture, countertops, feature walls.
Honed Finish: A matte, smooth surface with a satin-like appearance. It offers a modern, understated look and is comfortable for walking. Ideal for: interior floors, covered walkways, memorial spaces.
Polished Finish: A glossy, mirror-like finish achieved through fine abrasives. It showcases the stone's colour and veining dramatically. Ideal for: showrooms, lobbies, feature accents.
Scratched Finish: Linear scratch patterns created by wire brushing. Provides directional texture and excellent slip resistance. Ideal for: ramps, stairs, crosswalks.
Split-face Finish: A natural, rough texture achieved by splitting the stone along its natural cleavage. Ideal for: feature walls, facades, retaining walls.
At Sadaf, we offer all these finishes across our granite and travertine product lines. Our technical team can recommend the optimal finish based on your project's specific requirements.