Before You Order Natural Stone, Do This First

There’s a lot that happens between choosing natural stone and seeing it become part of a finished project, and much of it relies on timing and details.

A natural stone order is more than a collection name, pattern, and quantity. Taking a little time to coordinate what the project needs before the order is placed can make the process easier for everyone involved, and help set the project up for success from the start! Here's how.

Rooney inspecting ahead of giving this sample pallet the paw of approval. 

Start with the Project

What is the stone being used for? A walkway, patio, fireplace, exterior siding, retaining wall, or architectural detail may call for very different products. The intended application can help narrow down the right stone, thickness, pattern, and finish. This can make the selection process a lot easier.

Know Your Quantities

How much material does the project actually need? Natural stone is sold in different ways depending on the product, so it's important to understand coverage, pallet quantities, and how much additional material may be needed for cuts, fitting, and natural variation. A Thinstone Veneer pattern can also affect the amount of material required. Not sure? Ask. Working through quantities before an order is placed can help avoid surprises later.

Sterling Tan Split Flagstone 

Think About Timing

When does the stone need to be ready? Lead times can vary based on the product, quantity, production schedule, and current demand. If a project has a firm installation date, it's worth talking through timing early. Planning ahead gives everyone more room to work with, and helps keep the stone moving from production to delivery to the job site when it's needed.

Look Beyond the Sample

A sample is a starting point, not the whole story. Natural stone can vary in color, texture, pattern, and character from piece to piece, and especially across a larger quantity of material. That's part of what makes it natural, and what makes every project unique. When comparing materials, consider the range of variation, and how the stone will work with the other materials in the project.

Liberty Hill Ashlar Stone Wall with Dusty Rose Dimensional Steps (supplied by SBI/Heritage)

Think About the Details

The big decisions are important, but the smaller ones can matter just as much. Does the project need corners, caps, treads, or other finishing materials? What pattern or finish will work best? Are there details that need to be coordinated with the installation? Answering those questions early can help keep the project moving once your natural stone order arrives.

This part of the process doesn't make it into the finished photo, but definitely impacts it! The expertise behind the stone--Authorized Dealers, and the masons, contractors, and designers--each bring a different piece of the project to the table. Good communication early on helps connect those pieces, and can make the path from an order to finished project a whole lot smoother. 

Download the catalog to find the best options for your next project here.