Natural Stone Procurement: Approve Slabs, Not Only Small Samples

A small natural stone sample can help establish color and texture, but it may not show the variation across the slabs used for a project. Procurement should connect appearance approval to the actual material reserved for fabrication. This is particularly important where adjacent panels or countertop sections are expected to relate visually.

Review the available material

Ask for identified slab images and a layout showing how visible pieces will be cut. Record the approved slab references, dimensions and any areas excluded from visible surfaces. Natural Stone Institute's educational material emphasizes reviewing actual slabs when appearance matters; do not treat a small showroom piece as an exact production promise.

Coordinate fabrication details

Provide cutout dimensions, edge profiles, joints, backing and support information approved by the appropriate project specialists. Confirm who takes final measurements and who accepts the fabrication drawings. Changes after cutting can be costly or impractical.

Approval record

• Slab or batch identifiers and dated images.
• Piece layout and visible-face orientation.
• Treatment of natural features and proposed repairs.
• Packing, handling and installation responsibilities.

Ask about the material's suitability and maintenance for the intended use. Avoid choosing solely by a commercial stone name, which may not communicate all relevant properties. Keep product assessment, fabrication approval and installation design as connected but distinct decisions.