BUYING GUIDE
What to Look for When Buying Stone Slabs
Thickness, finish, veining, and origin — the complete checklist every buyer should know before visiting a stone yard.
THE CHECKLIST
5 Things to Check Before You Buy
Not all stone slabs are equal. These are the five factors that separate a great slab from a disappointing one.
01
Thickness
Standard countertops are 3cm (1¼”). Thinner 2cm slabs need plywood backing. Always confirm thickness — it affects durability and edge options.
02
Finish
Polished — glossy, shows veining sharply. Honed — matte, softer look, hides scratches. Leathered — brushed texture, hides fingerprints. Choose based on lifestyle.
03
Veining
Always view the full slab standing up — not a small sample. Check movement direction, colour contrast and whether veining flows consistently across your planned cuts.
04
Origin
Stone origin affects rarity and price. Italian marble, Brazilian quartzite, and Indian granite each have distinct characters. Ask for country and quarry information.
05
Quantity
Order 10–15% more than your measured area for cuts and waste. Natural stone slabs vary lot-to-lot — confirm you have enough from the same batch before fabrication begins.
STONE TYPES
Choosing Your Stone Material
Each stone type has different hardness, porosity and character. Know the differences before you decide.
Marble
Best for: Feature walls, bathrooms, luxury kitchens
Hardness: 3–4 Mohs — softer, scratches possible
Porosity: High — seal every 1–2 years
Character: Classic veining, timeless elegance
Price: $$–$$$
Quartzite
Best for: Kitchen countertops, high-use surfaces
Hardness: 7 Mohs — very hard, scratch-resistant
Porosity: Low–medium — seal every 1–3 years
Character: Marble look with granite durability
Price: $$$
Granite
Best for: Kitchens, outdoor use, high-traffic areas
Hardness: 6–7 Mohs — extremely durable
Porosity: Low — seal every 2–3 years
Character: Speckled texture, wide colour range
Price: $–$$
Quartz
Best for: Families, rentals, consistent design
Hardness: 7 Mohs — very scratch-resistant
Porosity: Non-porous — no sealing needed
Character: Uniform patterns, engineered consistency
Price: $$
VISIT PREP
Before You Visit a Stone Yard
Arrive prepared. These steps will save you time and help you make a confident decision on the day.
Bring Your Measurements
Know your countertop square footage, island dimensions, and backsplash area. Bring a floor plan sketch if you have one. This helps the team confirm how many slabs you need and whether book-matching is possible.
Know Your Cabinet Colour
Bring a cabinet door sample, paint chip, or a photo on your phone. Stone selections look completely different next to warm wood versus cool white paint. The contrast between countertop and cabinetry defines the whole kitchen.
Set a Budget Range
Stone is priced per square foot. Installed costs typically range from $40 to $200+ per sq ft depending on material, thickness and edge profile. Know your range before you walk in — it helps narrow the selection and avoid falling in love with something out of budget.
Ready to Find Your Stone?
Visit our Texas showroom or browse our full catalogue online. Our stone experts are here to guide you from slab selection to final installation.