Samples
We assist designers in specifying the ideal natural stones by providing small samples, typically 20x10cm in size. These samples allow designers and clients to experience the texture and appearance of the stone firsthand, helping them make informed decisions and narrow down their options especially in terms of colour.
As part of this process, we also provide photos of currently available natural stone slabs from overseas quarries. These photos are accompanied by approximate pricing for standard sizes like 60x60cm or 60x30cm, or for custom cut-to-size pieces. It’s important to note that larger tiles or custom (non-standard) dimensions may result in increased waste and additional recalibration of the manufacturing equipment, which can significantly raise the cost of the material.
Once nominated, we will deliver 2, 4 to 6 control samples to site, 60x60x2cm in size, depending on requirement as per below.
Delivery Time for Samples
Antique Brown
Travertine
Corchia
Italian Statuarietto Marble Example
Example where the material is busy with veins so the slab on the left was cut into 60x60x2cm samples from which five pieces were delivered to site to indicate thick dark gray patches, some tiles having thicker veins, some thinner veins, some slabs being very busy with veins others less busy, etc. All this is required for the client to understand ALL the characteristics in order for us to avoid future issues and misunderstandings. There is also no guarantee that each of these cut tiles will be supplied for a project in equal proportion as some might make up 50% of all tiles while others might only be 5%.
Control Samples and Client Approval Process
Once a client finalizes their decision and the designers complete the technical specifications, we, as the nominated suppliers, instruct the quarry owner to provide a range of 60x60cm, 2cm thick samples in the chosen finish (polished, semi-polished, honed, etc.).
If the stone is uniform such as the “Absolute Black” granite from India, then we can provide client with one or two 60x60cm samples. However, for busy materials such as the Italian or Greek Arabescato, we supply 4 to 6 samples of 60x60cm in order for the client to fully understand all the characteristics of the material.
As a general rule, two, four or six pieces are sent to the site for the client and designer to review, approve and sign, and for the main contractor to keep as control samples for the project’s duration. Additionally, two, four or six similar samples (as well as the approved slabs) are kept at the quarry’s manufacturing facility during production for cross verification purposes.
We always encourage clients, designers, and consultants to visit the quarry and manufacturing facility with us especially if the project requires a large quantity (10,000m2 of more). This ensures they can personally approve the selected stone before production starts and confirm that the supplier is reliable, professional, and able to deliver on time.
Interior vs. Exterior Use & Material Durability
Our team provides expert advice to all stakeholders whether the chosen materials are suitable for interior or exterior use, whether they are brittle or durable or if they are appropriate for flooring or wall cladding. We are committed to ensuring that our clients are fully satisfied with both the quality of the product and the level of service we provide.
