ANTIQUE / TUMBLED / AGED SURFACE and TUMBLED EDGES

A term which encompasses various ageing/distressing methods which achieves an aged look to natural stone floor tiles and paving stones. 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 tiles and paving stones deliver a rough, pitted surface with 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. This is particularly effective travertine floor tiles which are available in pillowed edge, chipped edge and sawn cut edge details.

 

FILLED SURFACE

Travertine floor tiles are characterised by surface pits and holes, these can be pre-filled at source by a stone resin which is as similar as possible to the colour of the stone which gives a smoother surface. This only fills holes apparent on the surface, therefore holes may be still visible at back of the tile. Some filler may come out or the holes may become visible. This is not unusual and holes should be refilled with a suitable grout or resin.

 

UNFILLED SURFACE

This is mainly seen on Travertine floor tiles in their "natural" unfilled state. Surface holes are filled with grout during installation or left unfilled for a more rustic appearance.

 

HONED SURFACE

The stone is run through a machine to give a smooth and non-reflective finish, which helps to highlight the natural markings in the stone. On limestone floor tiles and travertine floor tiles, this satin surface will pass most co-effecient of friction tests unlike more highly polished stones.

 

POLISHED SURFACE

Where the stone is worked to achieve a high reflective, glossy finish which is only suitable for internal use.

 

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.

 

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.

 

PILLOWED EDGES

A form of antique stone, where the edges have a soft, but almost pronounced ‘pillowed’ edge.