Apart from the shape of the bowl, there are three basic textures. A pipe can have a smooth, sandblast or carved finishing, or a combination of these.

smooth. This finish is mostly used for pipes of which the grain of the wood is the eye-catcher. As these pipes are usually oil-cured, they can be recognised by a glossy waxed surface. These pipes can easily be stained in any colour.
sandblast. Pipes with a sandblast texture, also referred to as shell, rustic, relief or thorn finishes, have a rough surface and are lighter in weight than smooth finished pipes.
carved. To this category belong freeforms, spot carved and sculptured pipes.