Paving Stone – Which Finish Do I Choose?
PATIO SLABS – UNDERSTANDING THE TECHNICAL TERMS
Antique / Tumbled / Aged Surface and Tumbled Edges
A term which encompasses various ageing/distressing methods which achieves an aged look to natural stone paving. To create an authentic antique appearance, the stone undergoes several processes to produce the final finish, where the stone is subtly aged by a tumbling action with pebbles.Tumbled paving stones deliver a rough, pitted surface with broken, rounded edges and corners.
Brushed Surface
A form of antique stone, which has only slight surface texture with satin matt, aged finish. By circular brushing motions, a stunning rustic look is created.
Riven Surface
A naturally cleft or riven face simply achieved by splitting blocks of stone. This term usually relates to slate or sandstone, giving a fairly rustic feel.
Calibrated
Where the stone has been finished to a uniform thickness. A good, solid thickness for paving is 22 mm. Stone with this finish may be slightly more expensive to buy, but saves an enormous amount of time when laying. (see my video here)
Hand-Cut / Dressed
Where the stone has been split and left to have varied thicknesses.
Chipped / Chisled Edges
Where the edge of the stone has been worked to give a rustic uneven appearance.
Sawn Edges
Where the edge of the stone has been cut by machine to provide a clean-cut edge.
With natural stone you have a wide range of finishes available. Let me know if I have missed any or if you have any other technical questions on patio paving.
