Each project is a unique undertaking. When we talk about building, renovating, decorating or designing a space, most people initially focus on the selection of careful and appropriate materials which perfectly represent and best fit today’s aesthetics and, at the same time, create a timeless elegance.
Marble has a timeless aesthetic value, which is why it is always at the center of choice, either by homeowners or as a suggestion by professionals in the field. With a style that perfectly harmonizes with the aesthetics of interior and exterior spaces, it is a material you want to invest in. Marble’s high durability, its easy maintenance and the wide variety of finishes, shades and colors besides white, are some of the reasons why marble stone continues to leave its historical imprint on modern constructions.
At first glance, the choice of marble stone may seem to guarantee the safety of the construction, but it is the right marble supplier who determines the smooth implementation of the project and will be called upon to meet the requirements of the project.
But in what way?And what are the criteria that will help you choose the right marble and natural stone supplier for the project you have undertaken?
Before we see what to look for when deciding on choosing a marble supplier, we think it’s useful to touch on some of the key issues that a marble wholesaler, manufacturer, project manager or architect may encounter when trying to secure the right material, in the right quantity and at the right time.
As inexhaustible as marble is considered to be by its nature, a suitable supplier must ensure the necessary quantity within the agreed time and guarantee the delivery of the required material in order to complete the project. Things get even more demanding because, as we all know in the marble industry, quantity assurance is about a specific material in each case, in an agreed-upon assortment and with specific acceptable characteristics.
But can a single marble supplier provide the required quantity of the same material specified, without delays in delivery? The answer is clearly that it “depends on the supplier”, whether it has its own quarries, or agreements with other quarries, that ensure exclusive availability of materials in certain markets, marble slab, and tile production and processing units.
Since marble is promoted as the central feature in public buildings, shopping malls, department stores, hotel lobbies, convention centers, or other high-traffic interior or exterior areas, it must have the look and beauty that the respective architect and design team have envisioned.
On the other hand, when it is a central feature in spaces such as kitchens, countertops, bathrooms, or walls – as cladding– it must have the look and beauty that the buyer has dreamed of (homeowners dream).
Can a supplier go the extra mile and offer the buyer not only the perfect marble but also the appropriate finishes, design, and technical solutions that no one expects? The answer is yes, as long as the supplier has a project department, as well as “experts” with accumulated knowledge and experience.
Learn all about marble finishes, what they are, their characteristics, and why you should choose them.
A natural stone such as marble presents a great variety in color and veining patterns. Crystals, spots, inhomogeneities in the pattern, surface or other morphological characteristics affect the quality sorting of the material, which is mostly done by visual means in the market. This means that sometimes the buyer feels that they did not receive what they ordered.
Can a supplier guarantee the customer that they will receive exactly the quality that they ordered? The answer is yes, as long as the supplier follows the best quality control procedures (QA & QC), while simultaneously using an objective and unquestionable approach during the screening process.
See here 👉 How Artificial Intelligence can ensure the automated sorting of marble tiles, slabs and tiles.
Searching for different natural stones for each project often directs buyers to different suppliers. But how easy is it to have stable partnerships with marble suppliers that will last over time? The answer is that there can be stable partnerships, as long as “trust” is cultivated between the buyers and suppliers.
Buyers, in order to simplify their procurement processes and reduce their costs, are increasingly turning to single-source purchasing in search of integrated solutions.
Before choosing your supplier, it might be a good idea to consider the following criteria:
It is well-known that due to the wide variety of colors and patterns, marble is used on flooring, wall cladding, marble kitchen countertops or islands, bathrooms, elaborate decorations in residences, but also in commercial or public buildings. The ability of the supplier to provide a wide range of materials is undoubtedly a criterion that plays an important role in the selection of the supplier.
At Stone Group International we truly have one of the most complete product portfolios, in the world, which enables us to operate as a one-stop-shop and to meet the needs of every project.
It is logical for a project to specify more than one material, such as, for example, white, gray or brown marble color. It is even possible to specify different natural rock slabs other than marble, such as granite, onyx, etc. By choosing a supplier with a wide range of materials, you ensure management and time costs, economies of scale, and at the same time, have better control of quantities and delivery time.
Are you having trouble deciding between buying marble and granite? See here 👉 all the differences, overall quality, advantages and disadvantages between the two natural stones.
Visit our shop, see the range of our materials and choose the best marble for your project.
The supplier that has its own quarries or stable partnerships with other quarries automatically guarantees the assurance of large stocks and timely delivery, as it determines and controls the entire mining process. In addition, they can give you the opportunity to visit their quarry and showrooms, in order to choose, with their assistance, the perfect marble blocks or slabs you have envisioned for your project.
It is often observed that different marble companies use different quality control standards. The objective quality sorting of the marble is considered very important as it determines its purchase price but also guarantees that the buyer will receive exactly that which they have ordered. For this reason, they look for a supplier that uses objective means of control and maintains high-quality standards at all stages of the production process.
4. Technical Specifications & Certifications
Each project has specific technical specifications that the contractors must follow. Look for a supplier who will be able to provide you with all the certifications of the technical specifications for each type of marble, guarantee their use and at the same time advise you on how to best use them.
Take a look 👉 at the factors influencing the quality selection of marbles & find 7 useful tips for the technical characteristics you should know about so as to not fall prey to counterfeit marble slab purchases.
I think we can agree that every buyer wants to feel that their supplier is able to advise them properly and in every respect and support the realization of their project, following all the design and technical specifications in the most accurate manner possible.
Special orders and demanding projects cannot be implemented by all suppliers. Look for the supplier who will be able to offer you complete solutions tailored to the specific needs of your project, whether they concern odd dimensions, special finishes, or technical and installation instructions.
6. Organized company
Why should you choose an organized marble company? An organized company coordinates human and material resources, while at the same time, looking to meet your satisfaction. A marble expert can give you advice and creative ideas about the various types of marble. The projects department can provide you with solutions and essential custom-made application studies. The logistics department will make certain that all standards are met to ensure the safe flow, storage and transport of the marble from the point of extraction to the point of receipt. The marketing department will research your needs and suggest the right marketing tools to help you do your job easier and more efficiently.
It is true that a vertically integrated company creates economies of scale and reduces overall costs by eliminating many of the factors that increase costs at the various stages of extraction, production, processing and distribution/transportation. It also achieves maximum profitability by controlling the product quality step by step. Finally, by managing the entire production and distribution chain, a vertically integrated company itself becomes the focal point for the development of innovative products, services and production techniques. In short, with the know-how available in a vertically integrated company, the benefits both for itself and for its customers are maximized.
You can read here, in detail 👉 all the advantages of a vertically integrated marble company.
At Stone Group International we are constantly developing and evolving our activities with the aim of satisfying our customers and enhancing their shopping experience. As a vertically integrated company with raving reviews, we have 9 quarries, 6 modern factories, and over 500 employees in our group. We currently have one of the most complete product portfolios in the world, while our goal is to operate as a one- stop-shop for all our clientele, through our wide range of products.
We can find the ideal solution for every project, be it kitchen countertops, wall cladding, flooring, etc. Ask us how we can meet your project needs.
Ask to speak to our experts.
If you’re looking to learn more about marble products and natural stones, Stonegroup is here to help. As one of the most well-known marble suppliers in Europe, our team can answer any questions you may have about the production process and how to best take advantage of these materials. And if you’re still unsure about whether to contact us, we invite you to explore our blog and read additional articles to gain more insight into our expertise.
