Sandblasted, Bush-Hammered & Flamed Finishes for Exterior Stone

Exterior surfaces require natural stones that are not only beautiful but also durable and safe. This is where sandblasted, bush-hammered and flamed finishes become essential. These finishes enhance slip resistance, improve weather performance and highlight the natural texture of materials like marble, travertine, limestone, basalt, and granite.

In this guide, we explain how each finish is produced, where it is used, and how it performs on different Turkish natural stones. For a general overview of stone families, you may also visit the Introduction to Turkish Natural Stones article.

1. Sandblasted Finish: Uniform & Non-Slip

A sandblasted finish is created by blasting the stone surface with high-pressure sand. This produces a lightly textured appearance with good grip and a clean, matte look. It is commonly applied to limestone, marble, travertine and basalt.

• Excellent non-slip performance
• Ideal for walkways, pool surrounds and terraces
• Softens color intensity without hiding natural character

Sandblasted Limra limestone is widely used on modern villa facades and exterior stairs. For more on façade stones, see Limra Limestone: The Reference Turkish Limestone for Facades.

2. Bush-Hammered Finish: Strong Texture for Heavy-Duty Areas

A bush-hammered finish is created by repeatedly impacting the stone with a mechanical hammer covered in small pointed tips. This results in a rugged, highly textured surface with superior grip. It is often applied to:

• Basalt and andesite for streetscapes
• Marble and travertine for exterior stairs
• Granite in public pathways

Architects specify this finish when maximum slip resistance is crucial. You can explore these paving stones in the article: Basalt & Andesite Paving Stones from Turkey.

3. Flamed Finish: Best for Granite and Hard Stones

A flamed finish is produced by exposing the stone surface to an extremely high-temperature flame, causing minerals to burst and creating a rough, crystalline surface. This finish is mainly used on:

• Granite
• Hard basalt
• Some dense limestones (select varieties)

Flamed granite is a top choice for high-traffic outdoor areas such as public plazas, hotel entrances and commercial walkways. Learn more in: Turkish Granite Selections for High-Traffic Projects.

4. Which Finish Should You Choose?

When selecting between sandblasted, bush-hammered and flamed finishes, consider:

• Required slip resistance (pool vs. plaza)
• Stone type (marble vs. granite vs. basalt)
• Climate and freeze-thaw conditions
• Desired visual texture and design style

For lighter shades and clean lines, sandblasted travertine or limestone works best. For rugged, long-lasting pavements, bush-hammered basalt is ideal. And for heavy commercial use, flamed granite remains the benchmark.

If you're unsure which finish is right for your project, browse the Products page or contact our team through the contact page.