Marble and natural stone slabs have been used in Egyptian and Mesopotamian architecture, sculpture, and design thousands of years ago. Today, about 93% of homeowners choose natural stone for their kitchen countertops during renovation. A homeowner can go to their local home improvement store and find natural stone slabs for sale, but what about a hotel or other business? Here is your quick guide for purchasing the perfect stone for your business needs.
How a Business Can Find the Best Natural Stone Slabs For Sale.
One major point to keep in mind when purchasing granite, ceramic, marble, limestone, etc., for a large area is that these materials are naturally made. So no two pieces will be exactly the same. This feature is often what draws many people to the beauty of stone work, however it is not the best for carefully planned geometric floor designs.
What Types of Natural Stone Are For Sale?
There are about a dozen different types of natural stone slabs for sale on the market. Each variety is slightly different in that the composition of the stone is different. This means that some slabs are more resistant to daily wear-and-tear than others.
1. Granite. Granite is a popular choice for its durability. It resists stains and scratches, dings, and dents.
2. Limestone. Limestone is sensitive to acidic spills.
3. Marble.Marble is a dense, easy to work with stone that is favored in many applications..
4. Slate. Slate stones are durable and appreciated for their attractive appearance. The stone is only of a medium-density though.
5. Quartzite. Quartzite is excellent for flooring due to its natural properties, resulting in a dense, hard, abrasion resistant stone.
6. Travertine.Travertine, like limestone, is also sensitive to acidic substances.
Where to Purchase Wholesale Natural Stone.
When looking for natural stone slabs for sale, it can be a good idea to consult a stone manufacturer. This is a person who is an expert on natural stone slabs. The stone manufacturer will be knowledgeable about the best options for your space, instead of just offering natural stone for sale. Businesses especially can benefit from consulting a stone manufacturer when they begin the process of adding natural stone to their work building.
The source to purchase natural stone slabs can be from one of several places. Where a business purchases their stone from depends on the amount of time they have, their budget, and their connections. One option is of course a stone fabricator. Another option is the nearest stone distributor storefront. Some buyers choose to go directly to the quarry instead, while others trust in international stone suppliers.
How to Find the Best Natural Stone Slabs For Your Business.
Stone slabs are not uniform in color or formation. This is part of its beauty. However, there are some indications of quality which relate to the way the stone was cut at the quarry. Since 2013 natural stone suppliers have needed to comply with CE standards for their products as a form of quality control. A declaration of performance, or DoP, is also required. Stones without these stamps of approval shouldn’t be considered.
Renovating a space is stressful, but it can also be enjoyable. The key is to have the right information from the start. Gather the details from your space, such as the approximate square footage, the amount of foot traffic or daily use, and the chances of spills or stains. Then it will be simpler to choose the best type of natural stone slabs for your business.
