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Stone Supply & Ordering FAQs
Find answers about stone materials, samples, custom fabrication, quality checks and export delivery. Get the details you need to plan your next order.
48 practical answers across 8 topics
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01Quotes, Orders & Payment
Prepare a clear inquiry, understand the quotation and agree the details before ordering.
What information do you need to quote a stone order?
Send the material or product name, dimensions, thickness, finish, quantity and delivery destination. For custom pieces, include drawings, edge profiles, cutouts and any packing or inspection requirements.
If some details are still being developed, share the information you have. Our team can identify what needs clarification and prepare a quotation around an agreed scope. Send your stone inquiry.
What is the minimum order quantity for slabs and custom stone products?
Minimum order quantity depends on the material, available slab selection, product type and fabrication required. A stock slab order and a batch of specially shaped pieces may have different practical minimums.
Tell us the quantity you need for each item, including any trial order or replacement pieces. We can review the request and explain the applicable minimum, production arrangement and packing implications in the quotation.
Can I combine different materials and products in one order or container?
Mixed orders can be reviewed for projects that need several stone materials or finished products. The combination needs to work with production timing, crate sizes, weight distribution and safe handling.
Send an itemized list showing material, size, finish and quantity for each product. We can assess whether the items can be consolidated and identify any separate production or shipping arrangements before you confirm the order.
What factors affect the price of a stone order?
Stone prices reflect the selected material and slab grade, thickness, finish, quantity and usable yield. Vein matching, complex cutting, edge details, reinforcement, inspection and export packing can also affect the final cost.
For a useful comparison, request quotations against the same specifications and delivery scope. When reviewing stone slabs, consider the usable layout as well as the price per square meter.
What payment terms and currencies are available?
Payment arrangements and the quotation currency are confirmed for each order before acceptance. They depend on the order scope, purchasing arrangement and the commercial terms agreed between both parties.
Please state your preferred currency and any payment or documentation requirements when requesting a quote. The quotation and order confirmation should clearly record the payment stages, timing and bank details to be used for the transaction.
How do we confirm an order or request changes after approval?
An order is confirmed against the agreed quotation, material selection, specifications, drawings, quantities and commercial terms. Check the latest documents carefully so both teams are working from the same approved revision.
For a change, contact us promptly and identify the affected items and drawing revisions. We will review the production stage and explain any impact on material use, price or schedule before the revised scope is agreed.
02Materials & Applications
Choose materials around your application, visual preferences, budget and project conditions.
How do I choose between marble, granite, quartzite and engineered quartz?
Start with the application, desired appearance, maintenance expectations and budget. Marble, granite, natural quartzite and engineered quartz have different compositions and processing characteristics, so a similar color does not necessarily mean similar performance.
Share the intended location, exposure and finish with our team. We can help narrow the options, then review the specific material and supporting information before samples and final specifications are approved.
Which stone materials should I consider for countertops, floors and wall cladding?
The appropriate stone depends on how the finished surface will be used. Countertops need consideration of food preparation, cleaning and heat exposure; flooring adds traffic and slip resistance; cladding requires coordination of panel sizes, weight and fixing details.
Provide the application, environment and project specifications. We can review candidate materials and fabrication options, while the project designer or installer confirms the complete installation system.
How do you assess whether a stone is suitable for outdoor or freezing conditions?
Outdoor selection requires a review of the particular stone, climate, finish and installation conditions. Water absorption, freeze-thaw exposure, surface wear and the compatibility of any filling or treatment may be relevant to the assessment.
Tell us the project location and intended use, and share any specified test requirements. We can review the proposed material and available documentation with you; suitability should be established for that application before ordering.
What should I consider when choosing stone for bathrooms and wet areas?
Consider water exposure, drainage, cleaning products, surface finish and the slip-resistance requirements of the installation. A polished wall panel and a shower floor have different needs, even when they use the same stone.
Share drawings and the intended location of each piece. We can help review material and finish options, while your designer or installer checks waterproofing, adhesives, joints and the other components of the wet-area system.
Why do natural stone slabs vary in color and veining?
Natural stone forms through geological processes, so color, mineral markings and vein patterns can vary between slabs and within one slab. Variation can also change across quarry areas or separate production batches.
Agree the acceptable visual range using representative samples and current slab photographs. For coordinated project areas, discuss slab selection, vein direction and layout approval before cutting so the finished appearance follows the approved material reference.
Can you suggest alternative stones to match our design and budget?
Yes. Share the reference material, desired colors and veining, application, quantities and target budget. We can review alternative selections and explain how material choice, slab layout, thickness and fabrication details may affect the overall cost.
An alternative should be assessed for both appearance and use. Options may include other natural stones or engineered quartz, with samples and specifications reviewed before a substitution is approved.
03Samples & Slab Selection
Move from reference images to an approved selection of samples and actual slabs.
How can I request stone samples, and how are sample and courier costs handled?
Tell us the material name or product link, requested finish, sample size and courier destination. If you need a particular batch or an actual slab reference, mention this when making the request.
We will review sample availability and confirm any sample preparation and delivery charges before dispatch. Contact our team with your selection so the sample arrangement matches the material and project you are considering.
How closely can a small sample represent the finished order?
A small sample is useful for reviewing color, texture and finish, but it cannot show the full pattern or every variation in a natural stone order. A large vein or contrasting mineral area may not appear in a small piece.
For visually demanding projects, review a representative sample range together with full-slab photographs or an agreed layout. Keep the approved references with the order documents for later checks.
Can you share current photos and videos of the actual slabs?
Yes. Current photographs and videos can support the review of available slabs, including their overall pattern, visible condition and identifying marks. Tell us which material, sizes and quantities you are considering so we can focus on a relevant selection.
Request full-slab views and close-ups of important details. Lighting and screens can affect the appearance, so combine visual records with samples and written selection notes when confirming the order.
How can we select and approve slabs remotely?
Begin with your required material, quantity, dimensions and visual preferences. We can coordinate photographs, videos or a remote discussion to review suitable slabs and the details that matter to your project.
Record the approved slab references, finish, vein direction and any agreed layout before production. Our factory virtual tour offers background on the facilities, while the order-specific selection should use current records of the actual material.
How are vein direction, bookmatching and batch consistency approved?
These details should be shown in the selection and layout records before cutting. Specify the preferred vein direction, where bookmatched pairs are needed and which rooms or elevations should have a coordinated appearance.
We can review the proposed slab arrangement against the drawings and discuss dry-lay approval where appropriate. Keep a clear record of the accepted layout and visual range, since natural stone patterns do not repeat identically across every piece.
Can selected slabs be reserved, and how is the approved selection recorded?
Slab reservation can be reviewed once the actual selection and order requirements are clear. Availability, reservation conditions and the confirmation needed to hold material should be agreed before relying on a particular batch.
Use identifiable slab photographs or references, together with the approved quantity, finish and drawing revision. Keeping these records attached to the order helps the purchasing, production and inspection teams work from the same selection.
04Products, Sizes & Finishes
Define the sizes, finishes and detailing needed for a comparable, practical quotation.
Do you supply slabs, tiles, cut-to-size pieces and finished stone products?
Yes. STOOANCE supplies stone slabs, tiles, cut-to-size panels and fabricated products, including countertops, vanity tops, stairs, tabletops and architectural details. You can coordinate different supply forms within the same project. Send a product schedule showing the material, finish, dimensions, quantities and intended use so we can review the scope together. Explore our stone slabs and kitchen countertops for relevant options.
What slab sizes and thicknesses can be requested?
Slab dimensions and thicknesses depend on the material, available blocks or stock, and the processing required. Tell us your preferred thickness and minimum usable slab size, rather than only a nominal size. For fabricated pieces, also share the largest finished dimensions and any visual matching requirements. We can then check suitable material options and identify whether the proposed cutting layout requires larger slabs, additional allowances or a different approach.
Which surface finishes can be considered for our selected stone?
We can review polished, honed, leathered, brushed and other finishes according to the selected material and application. Some treatments suit certain stones better than others, and the same finish can look different across materials. Share the intended location, desired appearance and maintenance expectations. A finish sample or approved reference helps establish the surface texture, sheen and overall effect before the order moves into production.
What edge profiles, cutouts and detailing can be specified?
Edge profiles, sink and hob cutouts, faucet holes, drainage details and other features can be reviewed from your drawings. Include profile sections, opening dimensions, corner details and the models or templates for any fittings. We check the proposed details against the selected stone, thickness and production method, then record the agreed scope on the fabrication drawings. Final site dimensions and installation interfaces should be checked by your project team before approval.
How should we specify dimensions, thickness, finish and measurement units?
A clear schedule should identify each piece by reference number and list length, width, thickness, quantity, material, surface finish and any edge or cutout details. State whether dimensions are in millimeters or inches and distinguish finished dimensions from rough allowances. Add drawings where written descriptions could be misunderstood. Using one approved revision for the schedule and drawings helps keep the quotation, fabrication and inspection aligned throughout the order.
How do slab layout and cutting allowance affect the quantity we should order?
The finished area alone does not determine how many slabs a project needs. Piece sizes, slab dimensions, vein direction, bookmatching, cutouts and cutting allowances all affect the layout and usable yield. Share the complete cutting list so these factors can be reviewed before purchasing material. Any spare pieces or future replacement stock should also be planned at this stage, particularly where matching the same batch is important.
05Custom Fabrication & Projects
Coordinate drawings, specialist fabrication and stone components across your project.
Can you fabricate stone products from our drawings or reference designs?
Yes. We can review drawings or reference designs for cut-to-size panels, countertops, stairs, furniture and decorative stonework. Send the material preference, finished dimensions, quantities and the details that matter to the design. We coordinate the proposed fabrication scope and clarify anything that needs adjustment before production. A reference photograph is useful for the visual direction; approved dimensions and fabrication drawings provide the basis for producing the finished pieces.
Which drawings and file formats are needed before production?
Dimensioned PDF drawings and a piece schedule are a practical starting point. For detailed cutting, profiles or patterns, editable CAD or vector files may also be requested. Include plans, elevations, relevant sections, edge details, cutouts and revision numbers, with measurement units clearly stated. Site dimensions and fitting templates should be confirmed by your project team. The required file format is agreed during technical review so the final production information is consistent.
Can you review complex shapes, CNC details and waterjet patterns?
Yes. Send the design files, profile sections and intended material for review of complex shapes, CNC details, carvings or waterjet patterns. We assess the geometry, thickness, joint layout and finishing requirements before confirming the fabrication approach. Detailed or fragile features may require a sample or adjusted design. Our stone waterjet and stone carvings pages show relevant product categories to help explain your requirements.
Can you coordinate different stone products for one hotel, villa or commercial project?
Yes. STOOANCE can coordinate material selection and fabrication for different areas of a hotel, villa or commercial project. A combined schedule can cover floors, wall panels, countertops, stairs and other specified stone components. Organize requirements by area, material, quantity and required delivery stage. This allows the team to review batch coordination, drawing approvals, production sequencing and packing together, while keeping the specifications for each product clear.
Can pieces be dry-laid, numbered and organized by room or installation sequence?
Dry laying, piece numbering and area-based packing can be included in the agreed project scope. These steps are especially useful when vein direction, patterns or the relationship between adjacent pieces matters. Specify which areas require layout approval and how rooms, elevations or installation zones should be identified. Approved layout records and piece marks can then be carried through to the packing list, helping your receiving and installation teams locate the correct components.
Can project labels, private labeling and packaging details be customized?
Project labels, product references, private labeling and selected packaging details can be reviewed with your order. Provide the label text, artwork, language, piece-code structure and any carton or crate requirements early in the quotation process. We check how these details can be incorporated into production and packing. Labels should remain consistent with the approved piece schedule and packing list so branding requirements also support clear identification during receiving and installation.
06Quality Control & Inspection
Agree what will be checked and how the finished order will be reviewed before packing.
What checks are carried out before stone products are packed?
Inspection is organized around the approved material references, drawings and order specifications. Relevant checks can include dimensions, thickness, surface finish, visible condition, edges, openings, quantities and piece identification. Projects with matching or pattern requirements may also need a layout review. Agree the important inspection points before production so the team can document the results in a useful format and resolve identified issues before the goods proceed to packing.
How are dimensional tolerances and acceptance criteria agreed?
Tolerances and acceptance points should be agreed before production, with reference to the product, material, application and project specification. Send the requirements for dimensions, thickness, flatness, joints, finish and any critical interfaces. We review their suitability for the proposed fabrication method and record the agreed criteria with the order information. Samples, drawings and layout approvals should use the same references that the inspection team will check against.
How are natural fissures distinguished from damage that needs further review?
Features that may be natural fissures and marks that may indicate handling or processing damage need to be reviewed in context. Share clear close-up and wider photographs, the affected piece reference and, where possible, images of the edge or back. The review should consider the approved material reference, the condition of the piece and its intended use. A visible line should neither be automatically accepted nor rejected without assessing the relevant details.
How are resin treatment, filling, mesh backing and repairs disclosed?
Ask for the condition and treatment details of the selected slabs during material approval. Relevant information may include resin treatment, filled areas, mesh backing and any visible repairs. Request clear photographs of the face, back and areas you want reviewed, and identify any treatment restrictions in your specification. Recording these points before cutting helps the material selection, fabrication method and acceptance criteria remain consistent with your project’s requirements.
Can we visit the factory or arrange an independent inspection before shipment?
A factory visit or independent pre-shipment inspection can be coordinated with the production schedule. Let us know your preferred inspector, proposed timing and inspection checklist before arrangements are finalized. The scope should identify which goods, approved references and acceptance criteria will be examined, along with the reporting process. You can also explore our factory virtual tour when planning discussions about the materials and fabrication for your order.
What inspection records or material test reports can be requested?
You can request an agreed set of inspection photographs, measurement records, layout references and packing information for your order. Material test reports should be discussed separately against the selected stone, required test method and destination or project specification. An existing report may not cover every material or batch; if additional testing is needed, its scope, sample requirements, cost and timing should be confirmed before the order and inspection schedule are finalized.
07Packing, Shipping & Delivery
Plan production, protective packing and international shipment around the agreed scope.
How is the lead time estimated for stock slabs and custom fabrication?
Lead time is estimated after we check material availability, order quantity, fabrication details and the approval schedule. Stock slabs mainly require selection, inspection and packing; custom products also need drawing confirmation and production time. Share your required delivery date early so STOOANCE can review a practical production and shipment plan. The quotation should distinguish factory readiness from shipping transit, customs clearance and delivery at destination.
How are slabs and finished stone pieces protected for export?
Packing is planned around the material, piece dimensions, weight and handling requirements. Slabs and fabricated products need different support arrangements, with suitable protection for faces, corners, edges and cutouts. We coordinate protective packing and export crates with the order scope. For delicate or unusually shaped pieces, discuss the packing layout before production. Tell us about destination handling and unloading conditions so these can be considered in the packing plan.
How are crates, piece marks and packing lists matched to our project?
Piece marks and crate references should follow the approved drawings and packing schedule. For project orders, labels can identify rooms, floors, elevations or installation zones, with quantities cross-referenced to the packing list. Agree this coding system before production and retain the same references through inspection and dispatch. This helps your receiving team locate the correct pieces and check deliveries without opening every crate. Review project requirements with our stone sales team.
How are shipping options, ports and freight estimates confirmed?
Send the destination country, port or delivery location, order quantities and preferred shipping arrangement. We can then review suitable loading and freight options with the shipment details. Freight estimates depend on cargo dimensions, weight, route, carrier availability and the date of booking. Confirm whether the estimate covers port-to-port transport or additional destination services, and check local unloading requirements with your forwarder before agreeing the shipment.
Can you quote under EXW, FOB or CIF terms, and what does each quote include?
Tell us which trade term and named location you need, and we can review the quotation basis for your order. EXW, FOB and CIF allocate different transport tasks and costs, so compare quotations using the same scope. The written offer should identify included packing, inland handling, freight or insurance where applicable, together with excluded destination charges. Confirm the applicable term, named place or port and responsibilities before placing the order.
Which shipping, origin and packing documents may be required?
Document requirements depend on the destination, shipment method and agreed trade terms. Common documents include the commercial invoice, packing list and transport document; a certificate of origin, insurance document or evidence relating to wooden packaging may also be requested. Ask your customs broker or importer to confirm the destination requirements before dispatch. Share that checklist with STOOANCE early so document preparation can be coordinated with packing and shipment rather than left until loading.
08Installation, Care & After-Sales
Prepare for installation, care for the selected material and know how to request support.
What installation information can you provide, and what should our local installer confirm?
We can coordinate product dimensions, approved fabrication drawings, piece references and layout information for the supplied stonework. Your local installer should confirm site measurements, substrate conditions, supporting structures, fixing methods, joints, adhesives and applicable local requirements before installation. Raise conflicts while drawings are being reviewed, especially for large panels, cutouts and stone stairs. Supply drawings help coordinate the order; they do not replace the installer’s site assessment or required engineering design.
How should the selected stone and finish be cleaned?
Use a cleaning method suited to the actual material, finish and any applied treatment. Routine care usually starts with a soft cloth, a compatible mild cleaner and clean water, followed by drying. Remove spills promptly, and keep abrasive pads and acidic cleaners away from sensitive natural stone. Engineered surfaces should follow their specific care instructions. Test an unfamiliar product on a discreet area or spare piece before cleaning the installed surface.
Does our stone need sealing, and how should a sealing product be selected?
Sealing needs depend on the stone’s absorption, finish and application; some natural stones benefit from an impregnating treatment, while engineered surfaces may not require it. Select a product compatible with the material and intended use, and follow its manufacturer’s application and maintenance instructions. A sealer can improve resistance to absorption but does not make stone stain-proof or prevent acid etching. Assess the actual material rather than applying one sealing schedule to every stone.
How do staining, acid etching and surface wear differ?
These are different surface issues and need different responses. Staining involves discoloration from an absorbed substance; acid etching changes the surface of acid-sensitive stone, often leaving a dull mark. Wear can include scratches or changes in sheen from use and abrasion. Cleaning alone may not correct an etched or worn finish. Record the material, finish, likely cause and clear photographs before seeking a treatment recommendation or advice from a stone restoration professional.
What should we do if stone arrives damaged or does not match the approved order?
Document the condition before installation or further handling. Keep the packaging and labels, photograph the unopened crate where possible, and record affected piece marks, quantities and visible damage. Notify the carrier and STOOANCE promptly, following the receiving procedure agreed for the shipment. We can compare the evidence with the approved order, inspection records and packing references, then review the appropriate next steps with you. Contact our team with your order reference and photographs.
How can we order spare or replacement pieces for a later project stage?
Plan spare pieces with the original order whenever possible, particularly for prominent veins, unusual colors or phased projects. Keep approved samples, slab references, drawings and piece marks for later enquiries. For replacement requests, provide the original order number, required dimensions, finish, quantity and photographs of the surrounding installation. We can review available material and fabrication options; a later natural stone batch may differ visually, so matching and approval should be discussed before production.