GLOSSARY
Our stone comes in a range of finishes for aesthetic or practical effect. In a bathroom, for example, a textured finish will provide better slip resistance; whereas if you are restoring a heritage property, an ageing process such as ‘seasoned’ helps match to existing materials. Please note: these descriptions are only a guide because every stone is unique and reacts to the finishing process differently.
FINISHES APPLIED TO NATURAL STONE Distressed
FINISHES APPLIED TO PORCELAIN AND CERAMIC Matt Low sheen with some texture or graining. Varies depending on tile. Satin Low sheen and smooth to touch. Varies depending on tile. Gloss A shiny finish glaze. Some glazes are designed with a crackle effect and require sealing. Polished finishes are more susceptible to scratching, especially floors. Polished Highly polished by mechanical process. Polished finishes are more susceptible to scratching, especially floors. Textured Normally matt with some relief to the surface.
Seasoned/Heritage With heavily tumbled edges and a textured surface, which is either naturally-occurring or applied, Seasoned/Heritage stone has a rugged, flagstone effect. Tumbled Tumbled stones are individually placed in a jumbo rotating vat, which is full of pebbles, to create naturally soft, round edges, much like pebbles on a beach. This is great for replicating a ‘lived in’ look that is not too rustic. Tumbled & Etched This is an extra etching process that is applied to tumbled stone to INCrease slip resistance. The stone undergoes a washing process that etches the surface, to improve the anti-slip properties whilst retaining its natural warmth and colour. Velvet/Natural Velvet/Natural finished stone is first etched, creating a ‘bleached’ look, and then undergoes a satino process which gives it a tactile, velvety feel underfoot. This finish works effectively in both traditional and modern interiors. Weathered/Vintaged This finish is the result of an intensive process where the edges of the tile are chipped, exposing an open-grain surface, which authentically replicates the appearance of ancient flagstones. Worn A worn finish is created through a smoothing process applied to riven stone, either by hand or machine. This grinds down the natural undulations of the surface to create the effect of old flagstones.
The edges of the stone are chipped by hand and cushioned using diamond grinding pads. This process gives a more refined time-worn appearance than our seasoned finish. Etched The face of the stone is sand-blasted to create a low-slip finish, perfect for external and wet areas. The process creates a more contemporary ‘bleached’ look, which looks seamless when run from inside to outdoors. Handmade Handmade refers to our terracotta collection, where raw clay is worked into moulds by hand, before being left to dry and Planing the surface of the stone with a machine at high-pressure, using diamond pads, creates a smooth satin or matt finish. The edges are diamond-sawn and typically contain imperfections; once grouted, these blend into the stone for a truly natural effect. Reclaimed/Recycled Genuinely reclaimed products are often more than 100 years old. Each tile varies and requires a little more attention on site to create the perfect finish. Riven A riven finish is naturally split along the strata of the stone to create an authentic surface that will vary from stone to stone. Riven stone tends to disguise the wear and tear of everyday family life. Satino baked. Honed Satino finished stone undergoes a high- pressure brushing process, to uncover its natural character. The edges are usually straight and slightly rounded.
2025 CA’ PIETRA DIRECTORY
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