Outdoors, flamed, sawn or split finishes are usually considered, while polishing is better suited to interiors.
Finish matters more than the stone name
Sawing determines geometry; the finish determines texture. The same sawn sett can have a polished, honed or flamed top face and behave differently when wet.
| Finish | Surface character | Where it is usually appropriate |
|---|---|---|
| Polished | smooth, reflective | interiors, worktops, window sills |
| Honed | matt, non-reflective | interiors and protected exterior areas |
| Flamed | textured, rough | outdoor paving, entrances, steps |
| Sawn | flat, with saw marks | paving, surfaces for later finishing |
| Split | relief, uneven | paths, parks, historic settings |
The NIKA GRAN catalogue shows flamed paving and split setts as separate product types with different surfaces. For paving slabs and granite kerbs the finish is also agreed separately.
What affects safety
Beyond the stone itself:
- Water and ice. A wet polished surface can be hazardous regardless of rock type.
- Gradient and drainage. Standing water, finish, contamination and gradient affect risk together; these factors cannot be universally ranked without assessing the actual conditions.
- Contamination. Moss, algae, sand and leaves change grip.
- Joints. Wide uneven joints can help drainage but complicate movement with a trolley or walking aid.
- Maintenance. Cleaners that leave a film reduce grip.
A flamed finish should therefore not be read as a guarantee against slipping in every condition. It describes the surface only.
Preparing the selection
- Define the use: pedestrian path, entrance, terrace or vehicle access.
- Provide the gradient and how water is drained.
- Agree the finish for each element: steps, landing, kerbs.
- Check a sample wet, not only dry.
- Where the project specifies slip-resistance values, request evidence for the exact material and finish.
Testing and threshold values for a particular project are set by the designer or responsible contractor. We do not publish universal figures that no test report supports.
Frequently asked questions
Can granite be polished outdoors?
Technically yes, but textured finishes are usually chosen where water and ice occur.
Does flaming solve slipping completely?
No. It changes the surface, but water, ice, contamination and gradient still matter.
How is such paving maintained?
Remove sand and organic debris regularly, avoid film-forming cleaners and keep drainage working.
Explore the paving catalogue or send your site details.
Sources and scope
- Granite Setts UK: finishes — terminology of surface finishes.
- Natural Stone Institute: Care and Cleaning — care principles.
- NIKA GRAN catalogue — product range and stated finishes.
We do not state slip-resistance values without a test report for the specific material.
