Glossary
Honed, Flamed or Bush Hammered: Which Stone Finish Fits You?
A short glossary of honed, flamed, sawn cut, bush hammered, rough face and carved finishes.
Installation
Pool Surround Stone: 7 Things to Get Right Before You Order
What to look for in stone around a swimming pool: grip, finish, heat, drainage and care.
Quick answer
For pool surrounds choose stone that gives grip when wet, suits the water and sun, and drains well. Sukabumi green stone, black lava stone and andesite are all used around pools.
What a Pool Surround Must Do
A pool surround is wet, sunny and walked on barefoot. The stone should give grip, feel comfortable underfoot, cope with pool water and splashes, and look good next to the water.
Grip: Choose the Finish Carefully
Honed stone is smooth. Textured finishes such as flamed or bush hammered give more grip and are commonly chosen for wet areas. See natural stone finishes explained.
General advice: Wet a sample and walk on it barefoot before you decide.
Stones Used Around Pools
Three of our stones are used around pools:
| Stone | Type | Colour | Finishes | Standard sizes | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sukabumi Green Stone | Quartzite (Zeolite) | Green, Crystal Green | Honed, Sawn Cut | 10x10, 10x20, 15x15, 20x20 cm | 1-1.3 cm (tiles), 2-3 cm (pavers) |
| Black Lava Stone | Basalt (Lava Stone) | Dark Grey, Black | Honed, Sawn Cut, Bush Hammered | 20x20, 30x30, 30x60, 40x60 cm | 2, 3, 4, 5 cm |
| Andesite Stone | Andesite (Volcanic) | Grey / Dark Grey (Spotted) | Flamed, Bush Hammered, Honed | 30x30, 30x60, 40x60, 60x60 cm | 3, 4, 5 cm (pavers) |
Sukabumi green stone is also known as Bali green stone and is listed for swimming pools and water features. Black lava stone is used for pool coping, and andesite for steps and paving.
Colour and Heat
Dark stone absorbs more heat in direct sun than light stone. If the pool deck has little shade, test samples in your own sunlight before you choose a dark colour.
Drainage and Falls
Water should run away from the pool edge and from walls, not collect on the surface. Your designer or installer sets the falls and drainage as part of the pool construction.
Installation Basics
Use an installer experienced with natural stone and wet areas. They choose the adhesive, bedding, joints and any waterproofing for the project.
General advice: Installation methods vary by project, so follow your installer's advice and local building rules.
Cleaning and Care
Rinse the surface with clean water, brush away dirt and algae, and use a mild cleaner. Rinse off pool chemical splashes, and ask your supplier or installer about sealing.
Frequently asked questions
Which natural stone is suitable for swimming pool surrounds?
Sukabumi green stone, black lava stone and andesite are used around pools. The right choice depends on grip, colour and budget, so compare samples.
Is honed stone slippery when wet?
Honed stone is smooth. For wet areas many buyers choose a textured finish such as flamed or bush hammered. Wet-test a sample before you decide.
What thickness is available for Sukabumi green stone?
Sukabumi green stone is listed at 1 to 1.3 cm for tiles and 2 to 3 cm for pavers.
Can I get samples for my pool project?
Yes, samples can be arranged before a large order. Tell us the stone and finish you need.