The Complete Guide to Indian Sandstone Finishes

Indian sandstone is available in more finishes than any other natural stone. Choosing the right finish determines not only the look of your project but also its grip, maintenance requirements and longevity.

Natural Riven

The most popular finish for Indian sandstone. The stone is split along its natural grain, creating a textured, non-slip surface that shows all the natural beauty of the stone.

Best for: Patios, garden paths, traditional settings

Grip: Excellent — highly slip-resistant

Calibrated

All DNS Stones sandstone is calibrated to a consistent thickness (18–22mm). This means every slab is the same depth, making laying faster, easier and more precise.

Honed

Machine-honed to a smooth, flat surface. Honed sandstone has a more refined, contemporary look — ideal for modern gardens and indoor-outdoor transitions.

Best for: Contemporary patios, covered areas, indoor-outdoor flow

Note: Less grip when wet — suitable for covered areas or where children won’t be running

Sawn & Honed

All four edges are machine-sawn for a precision, straight-line finish, and the surface is honed smooth. Creates a very clean, architectural look.

Best for: Designers, architects, contemporary builds

Sawn Edge (Riven)

Natural riven surface with sawn, straight edges. The best of both worlds — natural texture with clean contemporary lines.

Tumbled & Aged

Stones are tumbled in a drum to create naturally worn edges and an aged, antique appearance. Perfect for traditional, cottage or heritage settings.

Best for: Period properties, rural gardens, cottage-style patios

Shotblasted

A high-pressure blast treatment that creates a uniform, textured anti-slip surface. Often used in commercial applications where consistent grip is required.

Choosing the Right Finish

DNS Stones stocks all finishes on our bestselling sandstones including Kandla Grey, Raj Green, Autumn Brown, Fossil Buff and more. Request a sample pack today.