Q: What makes loose random stone better than pre-fabricated panels?
A: Loose stone provides complete design control. Your team selects individual placement, controls color flow, and creates signature looks impossible with standardized panels. Installation flexibility means you adapt to site conditions rather than forcing panels into place. This design authority justifies premium pricing and generates client referrals.
Q: What thickness should I specify for exterior applications?
A: 30-35mm delivers ideal balance between durability and installation ease. Thinner stones (20mm) work well for interior features but lack the visual weight preferred for exterior facades. Thicker stones (40mm) increase weight and complicate cutting without providing measurable durability benefits.
Q: How do you ensure color consistency across shipments?
A: Every batch receives sorted into 5 color shade groups using standardized sample cards. Detailed color documentation accompanies each shipment. Custom color matching available for orders exceeding 200 square meters. We maintain quarry continuity for consistent seasonal color availability.
Q: What maintenance does natural stone cladding require?
A: Minimal maintenance keeps your installation looking pristine. Annual inspections catch any loose stones (rare with quality installation). Gentle cleaning with pH-neutral stone cleaner removes surface dust. Resealing every 2-3 years for exterior applications provides additional stain and moisture protection. Zero structural maintenance for interior installations.
Q: How does pricing work for bulk orders?
A: Volume discounts scale based on total project size. Orders of 100+ square meters receive 8-12% discounts. Projects exceeding 500 square meters unlock 15-18% reductions plus free freight to major US ports. Custom packaging and expedited scheduling available without premium fees for committed volumes. Contact our bulk sales team for tailored quotes.
Q: What warranty coverage do you provide?
A: All stones ship with material quality guarantee (defects in stone covered for 12 months post-installation). We stand behind product durability for 10+ years under normal installation and maintenance. Full replacement available for legitimate defects. Installation quality falls to contractor responsibility—we recommend written specifications documenting installation methods.
Q: Can I get custom sizing for unique projects?
A: Yes. Orders exceeding 100 square meters qualify for custom cutting. Provide dimension specifications and we’ll prepare custom-sized pieces with 2mm precision. Custom work requires 4-6 week lead time and minimum 150 square meter commitment. Specialized cuts (curves, angles, complex shapes) available through our master craftsmen.
Q: How do you handle color matching between shipments?
A: Each shipment includes color batch documentation showing shade group percentages. For multi-phase projects, we archive batch records for 24 months enabling precise color matching on future orders. Stone from the same quarry region in adjacent seasons shows natural color variation—we work with architects to plan color transitions that appear intentional rather than inconsistent.
Q: What’s your typical lead time for standard orders?
A: Standard orders ship in 3-4 weeks from order confirmation. Spring/summer peak season extends to 4-6 weeks. Regional warehouse stock available with 1-2 week lead time for ready-made pallets. Expedited custom selections complete in 2-3 weeks at no additional charge for committed volumes.
Q: Can this stone be used for both interior and exterior simultaneously?
A: Absolutely. Many projects combine interior feature walls with exterior facades using matching stone. Design continuity creates cohesive architectural statements. Interior installations require no moisture barriers. Exterior applications demand proper waterproofing beneath stone—our technical team provides site-specific installation guidance.
Q: What’s your MOQ (minimum order quantity)?
A: Minimum order is 75 square meters for standard selections. Custom colors or specialized cuts require 100+ square meter minimums. Small projects (under 75 square meters) source through our regional distributor network. Contact us for local distributor referrals matching your project size.
