Choose the pages to read for your project, then compare the proposed material and finish on physical samples. Answer all five questions to get a short reading list with a reason for each link. You can also use the complete list below at any time.

Five questions · Reading suggestions · No product or supplier selection

All finish references

Use this list with or without JavaScript.

  • Polished granite

    For a reflective appearance on counters or walls; review glare, visible marks and the actual sample.

  • Polished vs honed

    For comparing reflection, visible marks and cleaning expectations in the intended lighting.

  • Flamed vs honed

    For exterior surface decisions, including wet-use evidence, weathering and care.

  • Flamed vs bush-hammered

    For comparing textured exterior finishes and the specification checks each needs.

  • Bush-hammered granite

    For a mechanically pitted texture; inspect cleaning access, texture consistency and project suitability.

  • Split-face granite

    For an irregular fractured appearance on vertical surfaces, with attention to joints and cleaning access.

Use the reading list with a sample

A finish name describes a way of working the surface; it does not approve a stone for an installation. Compare the offered material, exact finish, treatment, dimensions and intended lighting. Look at fingerprints, dust, water residue and the result of the planned cleaning method on a representative sample. For textured faces, include edges, joints and access for cleaning in the discussion.

For walking surfaces, review the expected wetting, contamination, footwear, traffic and maintenance. The HSE flooring guidance relates surface choice to the activity and contamination expected in use. The selector provides no slip rating or wet-safety certification. A textured appearance alone cannot settle that question; use the slip-resistance guide with the responsible specifier.

For walls and countertops, consider their own exposure, support, edge and cleaning requirements. Selecting “outdoors” changes the reading route; it does not establish weathering suitability for a particular stone. Read the linked finish pages before writing the finish into an order, and retain an agreed reference using the samples and mock-ups guide and sample approval record.

What your answers do

The use and exposure answers establish the main reading route. Slip priority brings textured-finish comparisons into walking-surface routes. Appearance adds reflection, sheen or fractured-face references as relevant to the use. Care preference adds cleaning trade-offs to the suggestions. The list contains up to four existing finish pages, with no product or supplier recommendations.

Answers stay in this page’s memory and are not saved or submitted by the selector. Clear answers to start again. Without JavaScript, use the complete finish list above; its links and one-line use notes remain available.