Selecting The Correct Stone

Posted on 20th April 2020

Selecting the right stone for your project can offer a wide range of choices, colours and sizes. Let's take a look at what you should consider when purchasing the correct stone for your project. 

1. Obtain a sample of your material of choice. All samples should be labelled and have their traditional name, quarry location, country of origin and the petrological family declared, together with a sample reference number.
2. All stones will have a declaration of performance [ DOP] and a CE certificate. These will be applicable to the proposed application of the natural stone tile or paving.
3. View pictures of indicative range samples. As a single sample is not always representative of all the tiles/ paving you may receive, a small number of range samples should be viewed that will show the indicative general colour range, as well as the tone and texture of the stone. *Note: Stone is a natural product so all characteristics are shown should be considered as typical of the normal production and not as flaws, and therefore should not become a reason for rejection, unless their concentration becomes excessive and the typical character of the stone is lost.
4. Where possible project pictures should be viewed that show the use of the chosen material.
5. Understand the materials quarry and manufacturing origins that form the chain of supply. It is not normally possible to visit the quarry of origin or manufacturing facility, so it is important to at least know where your product is made, as often many names of materials hide their true identity and the source.