Granite Finishes Explained: Polished, Rock Pitch, P2, P3, P5 and BRP
What polish codes like P2, P3 and P5 mean, how rock pitch and balance rock pitch (BRP) look, and how finish affects price, contrast and cemetery approval.
Two headstones can share the same shape and size and still look completely different because of their finish — which surfaces are polished mirror-smooth and which are left rough. Finish codes appear on every catalog page and quote, so it's worth knowing what they mean.
Polished
A polished surface is ground and buffed until it reflects light. Polishing brings out the full depth of the granite's colour — black granite looks truly black only when polished — and gives the strongest contrast for engraving and laser etching. It's also the easiest surface to keep clean.
Rock pitch
Rock pitch is a hand- or machine-chiselled edge that leaves a rugged, natural texture. It looks lighter than the polished face because the rough surface scatters light. Rock pitch adds character, hides minor chips, and suits rustic and traditional designs.
The polish codes
| Code | What's polished | Typical look |
|---|---|---|
| P1 | Front face only | Polished face, other sides rock pitch or sawn |
| P2 | Front and back | Two polished faces, edges rough |
| P3 | Front, back and top | Clean top line, rough sides |
| P5 | Front, back, top and both sides | Fully polished, contemporary |
| BRP | "Balance rock pitch" | Every surface not polished is rock pitched |
So "P2 BRP" means front and back polished with all remaining edges rock pitched, and "3-side polish, balance rock pitch" means three polished surfaces with rough edges elsewhere. Codes vary a little between factories, so always read the description next to the code.
Other finishes you may see
- Sawn — flat, matte surface straight from the saw, often used on the underside of bases.
- Honed — smooth but matte; less contrast than polish.
- Steeled / frosted — a fine textured surface used for panels and lettering backgrounds.
- Flamed or shot-blasted — rough, slip-resistant textures more common on benches and paving.
How finish affects your memorial
- Contrast: engraving and etching read best against polished surfaces.
- Price: each polished surface adds labour, so P5 costs more than P2 BRP in the same size.
- Weathering: both polished and rock-pitched granite last for generations; polish simply stays easier to clean.
- Cemetery rules: some sections specify finishes, especially for bases or matching family stones.
In the Design Studio, the serpentine models show the difference: the 3-side and 2-side polish versions have rock-pitched sides, while the 5-side polish version is smooth all round.
Key Takeaways
- Polished surfaces show the granite's true colour and give the best engraving contrast.
- Rock pitch is a chiselled, natural edge that adds texture and character.
- P1, P2, P3 and P5 count the polished surfaces; BRP means everything else is rock pitched.
- More polished surfaces mean more labour and a higher price.
Next Step
Compare finishes in our granite quality guide, then request a quote with the finish code you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P2 mean on a headstone?
P2 means two surfaces are polished — usually the front and back. The remaining edges are typically rock pitched or sawn.
What is balance rock pitch (BRP)?
Balance rock pitch means every surface that isn't polished is finished with a chiselled rock-pitch texture.
Is rock pitch or polished granite more durable?
Both are equally durable — it's the same stone. Polished surfaces are easier to clean, while rock pitch hides small chips and weathers naturally.
Does finish change the price of a headstone?
Yes. Each polished surface adds labour, so a fully polished P5 stone costs more than a P2 BRP stone of the same size.
Ready to get pricing for your granite monument?
Request pricing, factory specifications, and DAP delivery timelines from our team.
