How to choose natural stone for a project
A simple checklist to follow before you commit to a stone, from where it will be used to how it will be shipped.
Choosing stone is part design decision and part practical planning. Working through the points below before you request quotations will save time and avoid surprises.
1. Define where the stone will go
A kitchen countertop, a lobby floor and an exterior wall ask different things of a stone. Decide the application first, and whether it is indoors or outdoors, wet or dry, and how much foot traffic it will see.
2. Decide the look and accept natural variation
Natural stone is never identical from slab to slab. Some varieties are very even, others have strong movement. Decide how much variation you are comfortable with, and look at more than one slab or photo of the lot.
3. Pick the finish and thickness
Finish changes both appearance and how the surface behaves. Thickness depends on the application and on what your fabricator recommends. Confirm both early, since availability can differ by variety.
4. Approve samples before ordering
Screens and printed brochures rarely show stone accurately. Ask for physical samples or photos of the actual material, in the finish you plan to use.
5. Plan quantity and sizes with your fabricator
Cutting always produces some waste, and layouts affect how much stone you need. Your fabricator can advise on quantities and slab or cut-to-size requirements.
6. Think about packing and shipping
Stone is heavy and can chip at the edges. Check how it will be packed, how it will be loaded, which documents you need and whether a full or mixed container suits your order.
When you enquire, include the stone, finish, thickness, quantity and destination. A complete request gets a more useful reply.
Have a project in mind?
Tell us the stone, finish, thickness and quantity you are considering.