Approving your countertop material is one of the most exciting—and important—milestones in your project. Stone approval is also a step that can make or break your timeline. In fact, most project delays come down to material selection and procurement. But don’t worry—we’ll walk you through it.
Here’s how to choose your stone with confidence:
Start with samples, but think bigger.
Samples are a great place to begin, but keep in mind: natural stone is full of personality. Each slab of granite is one-of-a-kind, with color shifts and veining that vary from piece to piece. What you see in a sample is a general idea, not an exact replica. Quartz, on the other hand, is more uniform—what you see is pretty close to what you’ll get. Use samples to narrow your choices, then get ready for the fun part.
Make an appointment to see your slab in person.
This is where your project really starts to feel real. Viewing the full slab allows you to get a sense of its scale, movement, and beauty—and gives you the chance to pivot if something doesn’t feel quite right. If timing is tight, be sure to let us know. We’ll help you find gorgeous options that are in stock and ready to go. If you’re dreaming of a specific stone, build in some extra time just in case it’s not immediately available. Either way, we’ll help you balance beauty and practicality.
Take your time during your stone approval viewing.
Touch the stone. Step back. Move around it. Natural stone is a long-term relationship—you’ll see it every day—so it’s worth a little extra time now. Notice the movement, the grain, the veining. Pits, fissures, and mineral deposits are all part of what makes natural stone unique; they’re not defects, but characteristics of something formed deep within the earth. If anything catches your eye or raises a question, ask away. That’s what we’re here for.
Ready to commit? Sign off and celebrate.
Once you’ve chosen your slab, all that’s left is to give your final approval—and then look forward to living happily ever after with your new countertops.
For those bold beauties with lots of movement…add digital layouts to your stone approval.
If you’ve chosen a stone with dramatic veining or a high level of variation, we recommend a Slabsmith layout. This digital tool lets you preview how your kitchen will be laid out on your specific slab, including seam placement and the way movement flows across pieces. It’s an amazing way to visualize the final look before a single cut is made. Some stones may have an additional fee for this service—your project coordinator can help you decide if it’s a fit for your project.
At Rumford Stone, we take pride in ensuring your stone countertops are everything you wanted. Check out our website to learn more!
