Paving terminology: a clear guide to paving terms

Calibrated

Paving cut or processed to a more consistent thickness. Calibrated slabs can still have a permitted thickness variation; check the tolerance stated for the specific product rather than assuming every range is identical.

Coverage (m²)

The area covered by a pack or order quantity, measured in square metres. Pack coverage varies by product and pack size. Allow extra for cuts and selection, and use the product listing to confirm the actual coverage.

Flamed finish

A heat-treated stone surface with a more textured appearance. The look and feel depend on the stone and finishing process, so check the product description and specification for the exact finish.

Handcut edge

An edge shaped by hand rather than cut to a uniform line by a machine. It can have a more irregular, traditional appearance; the edge and thickness characteristics vary by product.

Honed finish

A mechanically smoothed surface with an even, usually low-sheen appearance. Honed is different from highly polished; the exact texture and care requirements depend on the stone and product.

Joint and jointing

The gap between paving units is the joint. Jointing or pointing fills that gap with a suitable material. Choose a product compatible with the paving, joint width and installation method; follow its instructions.

Mixed-size pack

A pack containing more than one slab size, intended to create a planned laying pattern. Check the pack contents and layout instructions before calculating coverage or starting the installation.

Natural stone

Stone quarried from the ground and cut into paving. Colour, veining, texture and sometimes dimensions vary naturally between pieces and batches. View a sample, then check the product-specific guidance.

Porcelain paving

Manufactured ceramic paving with very low water absorption. Surface finish, grip rating, thickness and installation materials vary by product; check the specification and fitting instructions.

Explore porcelain paving slabs

Primer slurry

A bonding coat used on the underside of paving in some installation systems. The right primer and method depend on the paving and bedding mortar; follow the product and installation guidance.

Riven finish

A naturally split, textured surface with visible highs and lows rather than a uniformly smooth face. The amount of texture varies with the stone and product.

Sawn edge and sawn face

“Sawn edge” means the sides have been machine cut, usually giving a straighter outline. “Sawn face” describes the top surface. A product can have one without the other, so check which part is sawn.

Shotblasted finish

A surface treated with abrasive particles to create a more textured, dimpled appearance. The resulting texture varies by product; do not assume a finish name alone establishes a slip rating.

Setts and cobbles

Smaller stone or porcelain units used for paths, borders, decorative details and, where specifically suitable, driveways. Size, thickness and intended use differ between products.

Thickness

The depth of a paving unit, usually shown in millimetres (mm). Thickness affects the product’s specification and installation requirements; check the exact range and permitted tolerance.

Tolerance

The allowed variation from a stated measurement, such as thickness or size. Tolerances are product-specific; use the product specification rather than assuming a single figure applies to all paving.

Tumbled finish

A finish that softens or rounds edges to give a more weathered appearance. The degree of tumbling varies; check the product images and description for the look of that range.

Sample

A small piece used to judge colour and surface before ordering. With natural stone, the sample is a guide to the material, not a guarantee that every slab in a pack will look identical.