<p>As many surfaces you have, that many times you are a stone</p>

Variability of Surface Treatments

Natural stone is no longer just smooth shiny pavements and cladding. Polished surfaces still have their use, especially in interiors, but they are often replaced by more variable, practical, and more subdued surface treatments. One such alternative could be a ground surface, which is also smooth but matte, creating a friendlier, less ostentatious atmosphere in the interior. A popular middle ground is a smooth, yet semi-gloss brushed surface.

Coarser surface treatments differ primarily in their method of processing, and consequently in the resulting degree of roughness. While flaming roughens the stone's structure due to thermal shock caused by heating with a flame and rapid cooling, sanding processes the stone with a stream of abrasive particles. Peening is then a purely mechanical treatment involving the use of a special hammer or machine peening head. These rough surfaces find their use mainly in exteriors, where their more natural appearance and slip-resistant properties stand out.

The desired finish can sometimes only be achieved by combining multiple processes. A common combination is flaming and brushing, where the surface is first roughened by flaming and then smoothed with brushes. The result is a relief-like but smooth-to-the-touch surface. Similarly, multiple brushing with variously rough brushes can achieve a leather surface that also features a structured but smooth surface with closed pores. Such surfaces are particularly suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where non-absorbency and stability are desired.

Innovative Surfaces

While the surface treatments mentioned so far are to some extent traditional stonemasonry methods that enjoy constant popularity, new processing methods are also emerging that further expand the possibilities of working with stone and its variability.

These new methods often build on a creative combination of individual surface treatments. An example might be the combination of sandblasting, water jetting, and brushing. Depending on whether the water jet acts in one or two directions, these surfaces are called wenge or jute. Surface treatments wood and tranche follow a similar principle, where diamond blades engrave tiny grooves into the stone. Sequential peening, sandblasting, and water jetting result in a rockfinish surface, a rough matte surface that evokes the natural structure of a rock. The end result of these surface treatments is the virtually uniform texture applied across the entire surface of the stone, altering its appearance and tactile perception.

When designing special surface treatments, it is advisable to pair them directly with specific stones. Some surfaces stand out better on monochromatic or dark stones, while others are more suitable for stones with large grains or distinct patterns. An example is the cortex surface, which combines sandblasting and water jetting. The constant strength of the jet "bites" significantly less into the hard grains compared to the surrounding mass, resulting in a grooved surface with local interruptions that visually project from the stone's surface. Another example could be crust, a very rough natural surface that looks most impressive on granites containing labradorite, which creates the typical colored metallic sheen on its surfaces.

Plastic Images in Stone

Ipogeo is a separate chapter among surface treatments. In Italian, this name refers to something located underground or beneath the surface, metaphorically designating an underground sacred space. This corresponds with the essence of this surface treatment, which involves intervention in the upper layers of the stone through a combination of different methods. The result is a very tactile combination of prominent veining, grains, polished, ground, or on the contrary, completely rough natural surfaces at varying height levels. Ipogeo reveals the spirit of the stone and emphasizes its origin and connection to the earth. Stones with the ipogeo treatment are unique plastic images that directly invite touch, making them ideal for visually exposed spaces like receptions, bars, or interior feature walls.

Natural stone, as a visually attractive material, is always best seen in person. This is doubly true for familiarizing oneself with stone surface treatments – sight is complemented by touch. Visit DEKSTONE showrooms in Prague or Brno and feel the stone and its various surfaces for yourself.