Polished - Polished stone has a shiny, mirror-like surface. Marble, granite, limestone and travertine tiles and slabs are polished on large polishing machines, which progressively grind the stone from the rough saw-cut surface (visible on the back side of tiles or slabs) to a spectacular (mirror-like) finish. This is accomplished by finer and finer circular polishing heads moving over the surface of the slabs or tiles as they move along a polishing line, until the desired finish is achieved. This is a process analogous to finishing wood, in which finer and finer sandpaper is used to smooth the surface.

Honed - Honed stone has a matte or satin finish for a softer, more subdued look. This is achieved at the factory by stopping just short of the last stage of polishing. Some fabricators have special equipment and can hone marble in their shops by removing the factory polish. One feature of honed marble is that it doesn't show etching as readily, or wear patterns on floors. Some prefers it because it has a less formal, softer appearance than polished stone.

Flamed - Applying blowtorch-strength heat to the surface of granite, which actually pops some of the crystals and creates a deeply textured surface, produces flamed stone. Flamed granite is ideal for use outside and can also be used for dramatic effect as an accent material in a polished granite floor. In addition to its rough beauty, flamed granite has a highly textured surface, which gives it a very non-slip surface, ideal in an exterior installation where water might create a hazard, or where slip resistance is a concern.