Choosing the perfect natural stone slab

Hand selecting stone slabs and keeping up with the latest stone trends, is one of the most important components to meet buyers expectations when choosing natural stone slabs.

The purchaser should hand select the specific slab or stone trends they want to purchase, which then need to be tagged with the purchasers information. This is important because natural stone slabs are each unique and vary in the amount of coloration, veins, natural fissures, or more.

Find a fabricator that keeps stone trends in stock on the warehouse floor. Customers will be able to inspect the slab with their own eyes and ensure the slab will look cohesive in their home. By following our list of criteria below, customers will know exactly what they are looking for when purchasing a stone slab.

The End Result

Here are few questions to consider before you browse a showroom or warehouse of slabs. Where will your stone go inside your home and what characteristics of that room do you love?  Do you know if you want to see veins, natural fissures, or spots in your finished project? If you do not want to see certain characteristics in your slab, ask the fabricator to commit to avoiding these elements. It may sound like a lot to ask for, but any good fabricator will avoid any personal preferences for their customers.

Direction of Veins

The direction of the veins makes quite a difference. Your fabricator should be able to give you advice when you have questions regarding stone trends. After templates are created, it is advised to be present to be a part of the layout process, ensuring that things look the way you want.

Feel For Natural Fissures

A lot of granite colors have natural fissures. Make sure you are aware of any fissures and happy with the look before you fully commit.

Seams & Joints

The number of these seams and/or joints will be minimized by a skilled and experienced fabricator. Also, ensure that the fabricator has their own installers, rather than contracting out work. This becomes particularly helpful when it comes to warranty issues and deadlines.

Proper Lighting

The best lighting for choosing stone is with good indoor lighting. Looking at stone outside in bright sunlight can misrepresent what the stone will look like indoors. Don’t use outdoor lighting unless your stone is going to be placed outdoors.

Types of Finishing

If you want brushed or honed countertops talk to your fabricator about the maintenance. It’s recommended that brushed or honed stone be sealed by a professional. A brushed or honed black granite is harder to maintain due to visible fingerprints, dust, and marks from cooking oil that can stain the stone.

If you are interested in adding natural stone to your home, office or retail space, contact us at GMS Werks and we would love to help you create the space you’ve always dreamed of!