Natural marble

not only boasts incredibly rich textures

but also offers a wide variety of surface treatments

each treatment is suitable for specific applications.

Different processing methods are applied to the stone surface

to give it different appearances

in order to meet the needs of various environments and designs.

Today, let’s learn about 15 types of stone surface treatments together.

01. 15 Types of Stone Surface Treatments

(1). Polish Finish

This involves polishing the stone surface to a mirror-like smoothness.

It has a very high gloss level,

making the stone’s texture and color stand out more.

Advantages include aesthetics, easy cleaning, and wear resistance.

However, its slip resistance is relatively poor.

It can be slippery in damp environments.

Processing fee is approximately 20-50 yuan per square meter.

(Basic Polishing)

For example, in the lobby floor of a five-star hotel,

polished stone

can make the entire space appear luxurious and grand.

(2) Honed Finish

Low gloss

Like soft light shining on it

Smooth to the touch

Retains the natural texture of the stone

Advantages: Good slip resistance

Understated elegance

Disadvantages: Not as stain-resistant as polished surfaces

Processing cost is approximately 25-60 yuan per square meter

In some high-end residential buildings, matte stone is used for stair treads

to prevent people from slipping when going up and down stairs

(3).Acid Pickling Finish

This involves slightly etching the stone surface

to create a vintage texture

resulting in reduced gloss

advantages include slip resistance and stain resistance

However, it’s not suitable for carbonate stones

such as marble

The processing fee is approximately 30-70 yuan per square meter

In a european-style kitchen

an acid-washed stone countertop

gives a nostalgic feel

It’s suitable for bathroom and kitchen countertops

and antique-style walls

(4). Flamed Finish

This finish is achieved by high-temperature flamed treatment of the stone surface,

making it rough and porous,

giving it a natural, rugged look.

Advantages include excellent slip resistance and wear resistance.

Disadvantages include an uneven surface that easily accumulates dust.

Processing costs are approximately 40-100 RMB per square meter.

(Suitable for granite)

In outdoor pedestrian plazas,

flamed stone flooring

can prevent people from slipping in the rain.

(5). Warm and Smooth Surface

After creating an antique finish using steel brush grinding,

high-gloss polishing is applied using resin abrasives,

giving the stone surface an irregular, textured feel while

achieving high gloss.

Advantages include a gentle, skin-like feel, visual comfort,

imperfections are less noticeable, and the natural texture is elegant and durable.

Processing fees are approximately 80-150 RMB per square meter.

Warm and smooth marble surfaces are particularly suitable for walls,

bathroom floors, coffee table surfaces, etc.

(6). Water-washed finish

This involves using a high-pressure water gun to impact the stone surface,

creating a uniformly rough texture.

It looks more natural than a matte finish.

Advantages include slip resistance and preservation of the stone’s color.

Disadvantages include the need for regular cleaning of the pores.

Processing costs are approximately 50-120 yuan per square meter.

In some modern-style residential courtyards,

water-washed stone can make the space look more natural.

(7).Flamed Stone Finish

This finish is achieved by mechanically hammering the stone surface

to create dense pits, resembling the skin of a lychee.

The advantage is excellent slip resistance.

However, the uneven surface can easily trap dirt.

The processing cost is approximately 40-90 yuan per square meter.

On park steps,

flamed stone

can prevent people from slipping when going up or down steps.

(8). Pineapple Finish

Its texture is deeper than that of lychee finish,

giving it a stronger three-dimensional effect.

The advantage is its strong decorative appeal.

The disadvantage is that it is more difficult to clean.

The processing fee is approximately 60-130 yuan per square meter.

On some commercial plazas,

pineapple finish stone can become an attractive decorative highlight.

(9). Antique Finish

This is an artificially aged finish, where the edges of the stone are worn,

creating a sense of history.

The advantage is its strong artistic appeal.

However, the process is relatively complex.

The processing fee is approximately 100-200 yuan per square meter.

On the exterior wall of a retro-style castle building,

antique-finish stone

can make the building look more aged.

(10). Grooved Surface

This involves cutting parallel or intersecting grooves into the stone surface.

Advantages include drainage and slip prevention.

However, dirt can easily accumulate in the grooves.

Processing cost is approximately 50-150 yuan per square meter

(depending on groove depth)

In public bathroom floors

Grooved stone can prevent people from slipping

and facilitate drainage.

(11). Leather Finish

After acid etching to create an antique finish,

it is polished with resin abrasives,

giving the stone surface a regular, textured feel,

while showcasing a high-gloss leather-like texture.

Suitable for stones with good density,

and few impurities.

Advantages include skin-friendly and non-slip surface, warm and smooth touch,

soft finish, wear-resistant, luxurious texture,

conceals scratches and doesn’t show dirt easily.

Processing fee is approximately 90-180 RMB per square meter.

Applications include: high-end bathroom walls, hotel and club backdrops,

private residence tea tables, commercial space main walls,

luxury counter finishes.

(12). Natural Surface

This refers to unpolished, naturally fractured surfaces.

Advantages include low cost and a natural, rustic feel.

However, the smoothness is relatively poor.

Processing costs are approximately 30-80 yuan per square meter.

In a natural-style garden landscape,

natural-surface stone

can blend well with the surrounding natural environment.

(13). Sandblasted finish

This finish uses high-pressure sandblasting to create a uniform frosted texture.

Advantages include slip resistance and no light pollution.

However, light-colored stone tends to show dirt easily.

Processing costs are approximately 60-120 yuan per square meter.

In a public bathroom, sandblasted stone was used on the walls.

This helps prevent water droplets from splashing when they slide off.

(14). Water Ripple Texture

The surface presents a wave-like texture, with a strong artistic feel.

The advantage is its unique visual effect.

However, it is difficult to process.

The processing fee is approximately 150-300 yuan per square meter.

On the lobby wall of a high-end hotel,

water ripple stone

can become an eye-catching decorative element.

(15). Carved Surface

These are hand-carved or machine-carved patterns or reliefs.

The advantage is high artistic value through customization.

However, the price is extremely high.

Processing fees are approximately 500 – 2000+ RMB per square meter.

(Depending on the complexity)

In an art museum exhibition hall,

carved stone screens

can display exquisite works of art.

02. Summary

For high-end interior decoration,

polished, matte, and leather finishes are good choices.

These surface treatments can make the space

appear refined and elegant.

For outdoor slip resistance,

flamed, lychee, and pineappl finishes are excellent choices.

Their slip resistance ensures the safety of people walking outdoors.

For retro-style projects,

antique and acid-washed finishes can create a vintage atmosphere.

With a limited budget,

natural, sandblasted, and grooved finishes are more economical options.