Marble, granite and quartz are among the most rewarding — and least forgiving — materials to source. Four points that should be settled in writing before an order is placed.
Stone is a natural material, and no two blocks are identical. That is part of its appeal and the main source of disputes: what was approved in the showroom and what arrives on site can differ in colour, veining and finish. Most of these disputes can be avoided by settling a few points before the order is placed.
Material and origin
The same commercial name can describe stone from different quarries. The order should name the material precisely and, on larger projects, reference the specific block or batch from which the slabs will be cut.
Dimensions and tolerances
Thickness, slab or tile size, flatness and permitted dimensional deviation should be written into the specification. For countertops and cladding cut to measure, the factory should work from approved shop drawings.
No two blocks are identical — which is exactly why the details belong in writing.
Finish and appearance
Polished, honed, brushed or flamed finishes change both the look and the slip resistance. For marble with pronounced veining, it is worth agreeing whether slabs need to be book-matched and approving photographs of the actual slabs before cutting.
Packing and inspection
Slabs travel in wooden A-frames or bundles, tiles in crates; packing has to protect edges and surfaces over a long sea journey. Inspection before loading should check quantity, dimensions, finish and visible defects against the approved sample.
