Vanak Limestone Bush-Hammered

P5
Slip Rating
V2
Colour Variation
Quality Grade:
SAFDS-34-RWTFE

Technical Specifications

Porosity
5%
ASTM C97
Density
2324kg/m³
ASTM C97
Water Absorption
2.1%
ASTM C97
Compressive Strength
10.3MPa
ASTM C170
Abrasion Resistance
50.8mm
EN 14157
Cold Resistance
-5°C
Standard
Heat Resistance
80°C
Standard
Flexural Strength
6.1MPa
Standard

Project Configuration

Installation & Care

Dry Cladding (Mechanical Fixing)

Traditional Mortar (Wet Fixing)

Avoid abrasive brushes

Mild soap solution

About This Material

Vanak Limestone Bush-Hammered

Vanak Limestone Bush-Hammered is an Iranian natural limestone with a light cream-to-beige color and a mechanically textured surface. Repeated impacts from multi-point tools create numerous small depressions across the face, reduce reflection and generally provide more grip than polished limestone.

The controlled texture makes the material suitable for façades, pedestrian paths, garden paving, courtyards and selected exterior stairs. Its relatively uniform background also supports coordinated installation across large architectural areas.

Vanak Limestone Bush-Hammered with a light cream textured surface
Iranian Vanak Limestone with a controlled bush-hammered texture

What Is Vanak Limestone Bush-Hammered?

Vanak Limestone Bush-Hammered is produced by repeatedly striking the stone surface with a mechanical tool fitted with multiple metal points. Each impact removes a small amount of material and forms a rough, granular texture.

Unlike a polished surface, bush-hammering does not reflect light strongly. It is also rougher than a honed finish and is commonly selected where surface traction and low glare are important.

Natural Characteristics of Vanak Limestone

Vanak Limestone is sourced from Iran and is known for its light cream-to-beige background and relatively consistent natural texture. Color, fine fossils and mineral points may vary between quarry sections and blocks.

  • Light color range: generally cream to beige.
  • Textured surface: small controlled depressions are formed mechanically.
  • Low reflection: the finish reduces glare in direct sunlight.
  • Natural variation: color and markings differ between production batches.
  • Good workability: suitable for tiles, panels, steps and custom components.
  • Coordinated sorting: project-specific color and texture selection is available.

Bush-Hammering Process

The production of Vanak Limestone Bush-Hammered normally includes the following stages:

  1. Block selection: checking color, cracks, fossils and structural condition.
  2. Primary sawing: producing slabs or strips in the required thickness.
  3. Calibration: controlling thickness and surface flatness.
  4. Bush-hammering: creating the specified texture with multi-point tools.
  5. Dimensional cutting: producing tiles, panels, steps and custom pieces.
  6. Cleaning: removing stone dust and loose particles.
  7. Quality control: checking dimensions, texture, cracks, edges and color range.

Light, medium and deep bush-hammering create different textures and color appearances. The required pattern and depth should be approved through a physical sample before mass production.

Surface Grip and Safety

The rough surface of Vanak Limestone Bush-Hammered generally provides more grip than polished limestone, particularly when used for pedestrian paths and exterior stairs. However, no natural stone finish should be described as completely slip-proof without testing.

For public, wet or safety-sensitive flooring, slip resistance must be verified according to the project specification and applicable local requirements.

Applications

  • Exterior façades and wall cladding
  • Public pedestrian paths
  • Garden paving and landscape areas
  • Courtyards and open yards
  • Building entrances
  • Exterior steps and risers
  • Selected terraces and pool-surround areas
  • Decorative textured walls

Exterior Use and Frost Considerations

Bush-hammering changes the surface texture but does not make limestone waterproof or automatically frost-resistant. Exterior suitability depends on batch-specific water absorption, strength, drainage, thickness, fixing details and freeze-thaw exposure.

In cold or wet climates, laboratory testing, correct drainage, compatible impregnation and an engineered installation system may be required.

Installation and Sealing

  • Use an adhesive or mortar system compatible with natural limestone.
  • Provide a stable substrate, correct slope and sufficient drainage.
  • Use mechanical anchoring for façade panels when required by engineering calculations.
  • Apply a compatible penetrating sealer where moisture or staining is expected.
  • Remember that sealing reduces absorption but does not waterproof limestone.
  • Test adhesive, grout and sealer on a physical sample.
  • Provide movement joints according to the project design.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Clean Vanak Limestone Bush-Hammered with a soft brush, water and a pH-neutral cleaner intended for calcareous natural stone. Avoid vinegar, acidic chemicals and uncontrolled high-pressure washing.

General maintenance guidance is available from the Natural Stone Institute.

Available Production Formats

Sorting and Quality Control

Every batch is inspected according to the approved project requirements. The main control criteria include:

  • Background color and acceptable tonal range
  • Texture depth and density
  • Dimensions and thickness
  • Surface flatness and edge condition
  • Visible cracks or weak areas
  • Consistency with the approved sample

Production and Export by Karimi Stone

Negin Sang Karimi (Karimi Stone) produces, supplies and exports Iranian natural stone. The company manages block selection, sawing, calibration, bush-hammering, cutting, inspection, sorting and export packaging.

Each order of Vanak Limestone Bush-Hammered can be produced as slabs, tiles, panels, steps or custom components, subject to block dimensions and project specifications. Honed, polished, sandblasted, brushed, split-face and cut-broken finishes are also available.

For samples, technical documents or a quotation for Vanak Limestone Bush-Hammered, visit the Karimi Stone contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bush-hammered limestone completely non-slip?

No. The texture generally improves grip, but slip resistance must be verified through suitable testing.

Can it be used in freezing climates?

The decision depends on batch testing, water absorption, drainage, stone thickness and installation details.

Does it require sealing?

Sealing is recommended in areas exposed to moisture, pollution, oil or staining substances.

Can the texture depth be customized?

Yes. Light, medium or deeper textures can be produced, subject to stone thickness and sample approval.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

How would you rate this?
- Select a rating

Reference Catalog

Stone Size Guide

Standard slab, tile, pattern and step sizes to help plan your takeoffs and orders. Dimensions are shown in centimeters unless otherwise stated.

Standard offering ! Tolerance indicated as ±

Slabs

Standard slab supply for project-scale cutting and fabrication.

Standard Slab

Dimensions (cm)
  • (250 × 150) ±20
  • (250 × 150) ±20
Thickness
  • 2 cm
  • 3 cm

Big Slab

Dimensions (cm)
  • (270 × 170) ±20
  • (270 × 170) ±20
Thickness
  • 2 cm
  • 3 cm
Tolerance applies to length and width. Thickness tolerance is available upon request.

Ask Price

Name(Required)
Product Details
SKU Code
SAFDS-34-RWTFE
Internal reference
Product Title
Vanak Limestone Bush-Hammered
Public name
Bush hammered natural stone finish Surface Finish 02

Karimi Stone · Finish Guide

Bush Hammered Finish

A highly textured, non-slip surface created by controlled hammer impacts, giving the stone a natural, weathered character for demanding outdoor conditions.

High slip resistance Rugged outdoor texture Visually natural & matte

Deep texture, strong performance

In a bush hammered finish, a head fitted with multiple diamond or carbide points repeatedly strikes the stone surface. These impacts chip tiny craters 1–3 mm deep, breaking up the smooth face into a rugged, non-slip texture. The result is a naturally matte, highly tactile surface that feels solid underfoot and stands up to tough weather and heavy use.

Slip resistance High grip
Surface Rugged and cratered
Best use Outdoor heavy traffic
Karimi Stone · Natural Stone Surface Library Bush Hammered Finish

Slip Rating & Wet Pendulum Guide

A concise overview of P1–P5 slip ratings so you can align each Karimi Stone finish with the right space, moisture level and safety expectation.

OVERVIEW

P1 → P5 safety band
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5
What the Wet Pendulum Test (WPT) tells you
The WPT measures how slippery a surface becomes when wet. Each finish is given a P rating from P1 (higher slip risk) through to P5 (maximum grip). As the number increases, the expected slip resistance also increases.

RATING SCALE SNAPSHOT

From higher slip risk to maximum grip
Each Karimi Stone P icon below is your quick visual code before checking detailed applications.

P1 → P5  Left = smoother | Right = more textured

P1

Dry circulation

Higher slip risk

For dry-only walkways and light traffic areas where water is not expected on the surface.

P2

Light splash

Occasional moisture
Bathrooms, small kitchens and transition areas that see brief, easily managed water.
P3

Everyday wet public

Balanced grip
Entries, amenities, undercover car parks and fresh food retail where wet floors are common.
P4

High exposure

Wet, high traffic
Pool surrounds, communal showers and external ramps under 1:14 where water is constant.
P5

Maximum grip

Highest safety band

Commercial kitchens, covered loading docks and pool ramps or stairs leading into water.

HOW TO READ THIS POPUP

Start with water, movement and consequence
Consider how wet the floor can get, how quickly people move, and how critical a slip could be. Then use the cards below to align each area of your project with a suitable P rating before you select a Karimi Stone finish.

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

P1 – dry circulation
Higher slip risk when wet

P1
For areas intended to remain dry with controlled walking speeds – such as supermarket aisles, separate shops inside centres or dry lobby and corridor zones.
Retail aisles
Dry-only entries
Light traffic

P2 – light splash
Transitional & semi-wet areas

P2
For spaces where occasional water is expected but quickly managed – like hotel bathrooms, apartment kitchens, laundries and transition zones between wet and dry areas.
Hotel bathrooms
Apartment kitchens
Laundries

P3 – regularly wet public
Balanced everyday grip

P3
Used where wet conditions are common – entries and access ways, toilet facilities in public buildings, undercover car parks and fresh food retail areas.
Public entries
Toilet facilities
Undercover parking

P4 – high exposure
Wet, high traffic environments

P4
Selected for consistently wet and busy areas such as pool surrounds, communal showers, external ramps under 1:14 and service zones behind bars.
Pool surrounds
Communal showers
Light traffic

P5 – maximum grip
Demanding commercial use

P5
For the most demanding applications: commercial kitchens, loading docks under cover, steep external ramps, swimming pool ramps and stairs leading into water.
Commercial kitchens
Loading docks
Pool ramps & stairs
TEST STATUS CODES

Where a P rating is not shown

For the most demanding applications: commercial kitchens, loading docks under cover, steep external ramps, swimming pool ramps and stairs leading into water.

?

N/T

No Wet Pendulum slip testing has yet been performed on this surface finish.

N/A

Wet Pendulum testing is not applicable or cannot be performed for this surface format.

W

WPT

Indicates that the Wet Pendulum Test method has been used to determine the rating.

Always refer to the specific data sheet for each Karimi Stone product to see which of these codes or P ratings apply.

Information disclaimer

This guide is a general summary only and does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Slip resistance requirements vary by project, location and use. Always confirm ratings and regulatory obligations with qualified slip-rating and building-compliance professionals before final specification.

Colour Variation Guide

A premium, visual overview of how colour movement evolves from calm, uniform surfaces to high-impact, expressive finishes.

Variation scale

Choose a variation level

V2 selected

V0
V1
V2
V3
V4
Calm & uniform
Highly varied
Reading the scale
V0 is almost seamless with minimal tone shifts, while V4 is bold and highly expressive. Use this guide to align the surface movement with the mood of your space.
Variation reference cards

Near-Zero Variation – V0

Ultra-consistent tone with almost no visible shift between pieces. Ideal for gallery-like, minimal interiors where the surface should visually disappear.

Soft Variation – V1

Delicate, low-contrast changes gently break up the surface. A refined choice for calm kitchens, ensuites, and open-plan living spaces.

Moderate Variation – V2

Balanced, natural movement with visible differences in tone. Adds character and depth while staying easy to style with cabinetry and textiles.

Expressive Variation – V3

Stronger contrast from piece to piece with noticeable light and dark areas. Best when you want the surface to act as a key design feature.

High-Drama Variation – V4

Pronounced shifts in hue and tone, creating a richly patterned, statement finish. Ideal for feature walls, dramatic floors, or high-impact spaces.

Request Quote

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)