Natural stone, also known as real stone, has been a building material of choice since the beginning of time. It is beautiful, unique, durable, versatile, easy to maintain and adds real value to a home.
While using natural stone for your construction is an excellent idea, the whole project could fail if you don’t choose the right natural stone supplier. But with the sheer number of natural stone suppliers Lancashire, choosing the best supplier can be difficult.
Here are six tips to help you choose a natural stone supplier in Lancashire:
- Ask for recommendations
One of the best ways to find a supplier in Lancashire is to ask for referrals from friends and relatives. Referrals give you the chance to obtain first-hand information about the suppliers and what to expect when you hire them. Be sure to ask about the quality of the job, ease of working with the supplier and whether or not the project was completed on time and within budget. You can also read online reviews and testimonials of local natural stone suppliers.
Once you’ve received recommendations from your connections and read online reviews, make a list of suppliers of with more positive reviews – three to five companies will suffice.
- Location of the supplier
Another key factor to consider when looking for a natural stone supplier is the distance from the supplier to the project site. Natural stone is expensive to transport due to its heavy weight. This means that the further you are from the supplier, the more expensive it will be for you to purchase the stones. Additionally, transporting natural stones over long distances increases the risk of breakage.
Therefore, it is recommended to look for a natural stone supplier that is close to the project site.
- Range of products
It is important to choose a supplier who offers a wide range of natural stones including landscaping stones, York stone paving stones, masonry stones, building stones, architectural cut stone, and custom-made stones. Additionally, the supplier should have some of the most popular natural stones including marble, quartzite, granite, Indian sandstone, limestone and serpentine.
- Samples
Be sure to choose a stone supplier that has a showroom where you can view their products in person. This will give you a clear idea of how the stones will look in your home or office settings. You may also want to choose a provider who is willing to provide free samples upon request.
- Access to materials
Some suppliers purchase natural stones from other companies while others have their own mining facilities. Whatever company you choose, make sure that they can supply you with more stones in case you decide to expand your project.
- Industry certifications
Make sure you choose a company that is certified to operate in the natural stone industry. The certifications ensure that companies supply natural stones that are not only of high quality but also conform to health, safety, and environmental protection standards.
These are just some of the tips to help you find a natural stone supplier in Lancashire. Other things to keep in mind during your search include the price, delivery options and quality of materials.