Stone Resources

Natural Stone Selection Checklist

A reliable stone selection process begins with service conditions, then compares material identity, current-lot appearance, finish, format, evidence, fabrication, installation and maintenance. The final RFQ should record quantity, destination, schedule and required documents. A catalogue image or material name alone cannot approve the selected lot or the complete project assembly.

Define the project before choosing the stone

Record interior or exterior location, horizontal or vertical use, traffic, water, chemicals, temperature, freeze-thaw exposure, cleaning, maintenance, loads and applicable code or specification requirements. Add dimensions, joints, support, substrate and attachment concepts known at this stage. These conditions determine which material questions and evidence matter more than a broad statement that a stone is durable or suitable.

Review identity, lot and finish

Confirm the commercial name and material family, then request current-lot images and representative samples. Agree acceptable background, movement, variation, pores, fissures, repairs, resin, reinforcement, cut direction and finish. For continuous or matched areas, review layout and replacement strategy. Keep concept visualization separate from the material selected for purchase.

Close technical and commercial gaps

Identify format, thickness, dimensions, fabrication, applicable tests, documents, quantity, packing, destination, Incoterm, timing and quotation assumptions. Assign approvals to the designer, engineer, fabricator, installer or other responsible party. Record unresolved items as confirmation requirements and do not convert absent testing or supplier information into a generic catalogue claim.

Written confirmation

What to include in the next brief.

  1. Define application, exposure, traffic, moisture, cleaning, support and maintenance.
  2. Confirm material identity, lot, visual range, finish, samples and layout.
  3. Confirm format, thickness, dimensions, fabrication, tests and documents.
  4. Confirm quantity, packing, destination, Incoterm, schedule, quotation and approvals.

Evidence basis

Reviewed sources

Sources support the visible general guidance. They do not approve a selected product, lot, assembly, fabrication method, installation or commercial offer.

  1. Dimension Stone Design Manual Natural Stone Institute

    Stone selection, application, installation and maintenance reference.

  2. ASTM International Standards for Dimension Stone Natural Stone Institute

    Applicable material specifications and testing context.

Project inquiry

Turn this guide into a written project brief.

Include the application, material direction, dimensions, quantity, destination, needed date and required evidence. Current products, lots, documents, availability and commercial terms are confirmed in writing.