Tumbled vs. Honed Stone for Bathrooms

Production

• Tumbled stone consists of stone tiles rolled in a tumbler for a predetermined amount of time. The resulting stone has a rough and weathered appearance and rough texture, like rock found in a harsh outdoor environment. Honed stone is sanded to give it a matte finish and a smooth surface. Neither stone finish is highly reflective.

Size

• Because tumbled stone must fit into a tumbler, each piece has a size limit that varies by manufacturer. Some manufacturers tumble pieces 12 inches square, but others allow only 6-inch squares to be tumbled. Honed stone is not limited by size, but the honing process is charged per foot of stone.

Texture

• Each stone finish has a different texture from the finishing process. Tumbled stone, as mentioned, feels rough. It also has surface imperfections such as chips or pitting. Rubbing your hand over honed stone, however, is simple on its smooth surface.

Uses

• The smooth finish of honed stone works best as counters in bathrooms. Some stone surfaces with a honed finish are easier than other surfaces to clean, such granite, because the honed finish does not streak. Avoid using a smooth surface such as honed stone on bathroom floors. Tumbled stone is a better option for the floors because its naturally rough texture helps to provide feet with a gripping surface and reduce falls. Using caution is still necessary when walking on a tumbled stone floor, however, especially if the floor is wet.