Stone selection guide
Review the stone, the full slab and the fabrication details before making a selection.
Identify the stone
Commercial stone names describe a market reference. They do not replace confirmation of the actual stone, its geological classification or its source. Ask for the material’s documentation and current slab photographs before making a specification.
Define where the stone will go: an interior wall, a floor, a worktop or a shaped detail. Share the expected use and the site conditions so the stone, finish, support and installation can be reviewed together.
Review the full slab
A small sample can help establish a color direction. The full slab reveals the distribution of veins, changes in tone and areas of stronger movement. For a multi-piece installation, review the slabs as a group.
Compare the selected stone with the actual adjoining finishes under representative lighting. Screens, lighting conditions and photography can affect how a stone appears, so agree the approval method for the actual material before cutting.
- Review the background tone and the strongest veins.
- Identify which areas will appear in the finished pieces.
- Agree how variation between adjoining pieces will be handled.
Choose a finish
A polished surface has a reflective sheen; a honed surface offers a matte appearance. The finish changes the way light interacts with the material. Compare physical samples in lighting close to the finished setting.
Finish options and suitability depend on the selected stone. For floors and wet locations, ask the project professional to review the required performance and relevant test information. A finish description alone does not establish suitability.
General finish terminology: Floor & Decor’s stone texture guide
Plan veins and joints
Mark the intended vein direction, finished dimensions, edges and joint positions on the drawings. A cutting layout helps show how the selected slabs relate to each finished elevation or surface.
If bookmatching is part of the design, confirm the availability of suitable slabs and approve their arrangement. Do the same for corners, returns and transitions: these are places where the pattern and the construction need to work together.
Agree thickness, reinforcement, cutouts, fixing or support requirements with the fabricator and the responsible project professionals before production.
Prepare an enquiry
For an initial enquiry, provide the material reference, application, approximate quantity, required dimensions and preferred finish. Include the destination and target timing. Dimensioned drawings and a cutting schedule help clarify the scope.
Before ordering, review what the quotation includes: selected stone, fabrication, finishing, packing and the agreed delivery terms. Confirm sample approvals, production approvals and the responsibilities of each party in writing.
Project brief checklist
- Material reference and intended application.
- Finished dimensions, quantity, thickness and preferred finish.
- Drawings showing vein direction, joints, edges and cutouts.
- Delivery destination and target schedule.
Care for finished stone
Ask for care instructions for the selected stone and finish. Use a suitable neutral cleaner, blot spills promptly and avoid acidic cleaners on calcium-based stones such as marble. Discuss any sealing requirements before installation.
Care guidance belongs with the material specification, so the owner and maintenance team know how to look after the finished surface.
Further reading: Natural Stone Institute care guidance