Cobblestones have grown in popularity over the years due to their inherent old-world charm. There are many types of cobblestones, but true cobblestones are natural stones that are durable, quarried into small shapes, and used as paving material to add traction and reduce mud and muck in roadways.
Today’s cobblestones come in different shapes and sizes, available in many types of finishes. Using the right cobblestones with the right finish is also very important, not just for aesthetic pleasure.
For example, porphyry cobblestones known to be very durable will benefit from more traction on steep driveways because of their split finish surface than travertine cobblestones with tumbled surfaces.
The most common surface finishes for cobblestones include bush-hammered, split-finish, sandblasted, tumbled and exfoliated. Each finish gives a distinctive look, accentuates specific characteristics and attributes of the mineral inclusions and creates a slip-resistant surface.
Bush-hammered
Bush-hammered finishes are made using a high-impact hand or machine tool to create small pits distributed uniformly across the surface. The result is a highly slip-resistant surface suitable for a wide range of applications. Colour variations are highlighted, emphasising tonal contrast. However, because of its process, the patterning is dulled. Bush-hammered finishes are common on granite.
Split finish
Each type of stone fractures in a particular way because of the way the minerals are aligned within the stone and how the stone was formed. Natural split finishes display an uneven surface that splits along these fracture lines during the quarrying process. A split finish highlights the grain, texture and striations that occur naturally in the rock. Porphyry and slate often have a split finish.
Sandblasted finish
Sandblasted finishes use fine sand to abrade the stone’s surface, resulting in a slip-resistant, finely textured surface. Colours are muted, lighter and softened. Sandblasted finishes are common on Bluestone, limestone, and marble.
Tumbled finish
Tumbled finishes are a popular finish that creates a smooth look with edges looking worn out as if the stone has been used for centuries. The stones are placed in a vibrating drum with other stones, sand and abrasives, which creates a soft surface and irregular edges. Our limestone and travertine come in tumbled finishes. Tumbling can be combined with other surface treatments for a custom look, like some of our marble that comes in the sandblasted finish with tumbled edges.
Exfoliated finish
Exfoliated, also called flamed surfaces, use high heat to fracture and spall the mineral inclusions. The result is a roughened, non-slip surface. Colours are muted, which masks irregularity in pattern and reduces tonal contrast. Granite often has this surface finish.
Outdoor & General offers a wide selection of granite, basalt, marble, limestone and porphyry cobblestones in different colours to suit your needs. Visit our showroom in Punchbowl, NSW and have a look at our natural stone products. For more information, call us on (02) 9791 1595.