Tom Stacy

Selecting stone can be a bit confusing but the process is pretty straight forward. Stone from all over the world is mined into blocks that are purchased by quarries. Quarries cut and polish the stone into slabs. These slabs are numbered in sequence, packaged into bundles and shipped by container overseas to import distributors. It is usually a good idea to select slabs that are from the same block for your countertop project. The variance in color patterns from block to block can be significant.

We encourage you to visit the local stone importers to walk their warehouse and view full slabs of stone. Call Portland Marble  (503) 235-9240 for a complete list of local Portland importer to explore.

Distribution warehouses are open to the public for slab viewing and selection. The warehouse staff can give general information regarding the stone cost and help guide customers through project budgetary constraints. Call (503) 235-9240 to discuss with our team at Portland Marble to assist in selecting a material that will fit within your budget.

Once the stone is selected – arrangements such as confirming work scope and deposits need to be made with our company to secure your selection as each slab import house have a time limitation on the hold of materials from 5 days to 21 days.

While you are browsing their slab galleries – feel free to ask for samples as the colors will look different in your home than the warehouse fluorescent lighting.

Remember to take notes and if you feel drawn to a particular stone – ask for the batch/crate number as stone does vary from block to block as it is quarried.

Granite and Engineered Quartz material out perform all other materials in overall service and durability. The diamond like hardness of Granite and Engineered Quartz resists heat, scratches and stains. These materials utilized as countertop surfaces provide the most attractive and durable surfaces available and will last virtually forever. Granite and Engineered Quartz do not harbor bacteria and resealing only needs to be reapplied to Granite when water stops beading on the counter surface. The Engineered Quartz has no porosity thus does not require the sealing application.

Selecting stone can be a bit confusing but the process is pretty straight forward. Stone from all over the world is mined into blocks that are purchased by quarries. Quarries cut and polish the stone into slabs. These slabs are numbered in sequence, packaged into bundles and shipped by container overseas to import distributors. It is usually a good idea to select slabs that are from the same block for your countertop project. The variance in color patterns from block to block can be significant.

Distribution warehouses are open to the public for slab viewing and selection. The warehouse staff can give general information regarding the stone cost and help guide customers through project budgetary constraints. Once the stone is selected – arrangements such as confirming work scope and deposits need to be made with our company to secure your selection as each slab import house have a time limitation on the hold of materials from 5 days to 21 days.

Selecting a stone is a very important and personal process that deserves a lot of consideration. Feel free to bring in paint colors, flooring and cabinet samples to compare with the stones. Ask lots of questions. Lighting is important. If you need more light ask the warehouses to move stone into better lighting.

Step 1 Find Out What’s Available at Slab Import Warehouses. Then decide which stone that is applicable for your project as each material has different characteristics and may not be applicable for certain projects. Example: Marble does not wear well in a kitchen countertop application.

Step 2 Decide What You Need and Want: Narrow your search by looking at slabs available and obtain samples (if available) to take home to consider. Many find it helpful to take pictures of materials they are drawn to. It is helpful to know how many and what size slabs you will need. This information can be provided by providing our team with a project drawing to do a layout on the average sized slabs.

Step 3 Arrange To View Specific and Approve Slabs. After you have narrowed down your search – it is important to hand select the slabs for both your color/character approval and the integrity (no cracks etc.) that you would like utilized on your project. Set up an appointment with the Slab import warehouse to make them viewable where you selected the material. This allow the warehouse ample time to pull and stage the slabs for your viewing. Keep in mind that some warehouses will only stage on representative slab for the materials that are homogeneous or consistency in color and veining. Multiple slabs will be stage for approval on materials subject to large fluctuations in veining, color or movement.

Step 4 Reserve Slabs. Upon your satisfaction – make sure the slabs are placed on hold and you let us know the batch/block of the stone that you placed on hold for our files. From one shipment to another, material vary greatly. Once you select the slabs that meet your preference arrange for a hold. If you are certain they are the perfect slabs for our project, a deposit will be required for our purchaser to write a Purchase Order to secure the slabs at the warehouse. Once you have reserved the slabs we suggest you advise us and your contractor. Each importer has a different policy on slab holds and deposits required.

We understand the importance of your investment in natural stone. It’s an investment that will pay dividends in beauty and functionality for many years.

Call Portland Marble (503) 235-9240 to assist you with your stone selection and project planning today.