Marble is a fantastic way to add elegance
and sophistication to your home. For centuries, it has been a sign of
prosperity and class. Most people know about the advantages of marble slabs in
home building and
renovation applications, but many are unaware of
how to go about choosing and purchasing the material on their own. Without
sufficient knowledge, a major purchase can be daunting. Here are some quick
tips to help make your buying experience a little more pleasant.
Pricing
1. Have a close look at as many marble slabs as
you can from at least three natural stone suppliers. This will help you recognize
the average
quality of the materials available in your area, as well as their prices and colour
ranges.
2. Be aware that marble is priced by quality,
size, colour, and the location of the quarry it was removed from. When
comparing prices, compare only those slabs that have similar thickness for an
appropriate price gauge.
3. Shop with a friend. Suppliers frequently give
discounts for buying in bulk. Ask your friends and family if they have any
interest in purchasing stone building materials for their own homes.
Inspection
1. Visually inspect the slabs of marble you hope
to purchase. Check for any gouges, deep cuts, chips or other unwanted
blemishes. Make sure the slab has the
colour and pattern you love and that it is
distributed in an aesthetically pleasing way.
2. Be sure the slabs in question have a thickness
appropriate for the task for which it is meant.
3. High quality marble will give a clear ringing
sound when struck. The sound is caused by the density of the material. The
denser the marble, the more clear the sound will be.
4. When measuring your slab for pricing, draw a
rectangle in the biggest useable area. Do not include an edge that is uneven,
or a corner that is chipped.
Delivery
1. Ensure that the supplier you've chosen handles
your slabs carefully. When loaded into a vehicle, slabs should be laid vertically
as opposed to horizontally. Failure to do so may result in your slabs cracking
or breaking during transportation.
2. Try to be at the shop when the loading is done.
There have been stories in the past about suppliers including inferior quality
products between nicer slabs.
3. It is highly recommended to have your slab
installed by a professional. Any reputable natural stone supplier will have a
team available to help out. An installation team will have the equipment to
safely move your slabs without the fear of them being cracked or broken.
When you're looking for a slab of marble or
any other natural stone, remember to use your number one resource for most
important decisions, your family and friends. Speak to them about any
experience they may have had with suppliers in your area. Also, be sure to
speak with the staff at any natural stone supplier you visit to get a feel for
their knowledge base and business ethics. Armed with these helpful tips,
choosing your own slab of marble can be a lot less worrisome.