Sampling: the first step towards choosing the perfect Stone

In the world of architecture and interior design, the choice of materials plays a crucial role in the realisation of projects that last over time and reflect a sense of authenticity and beauty. Of all the available options, natural stone is one of the oldest and most valuable materials, capable of lending elegance, robustness and a unique imprint to the space in which it is laid. However, despite its intrinsic qualities, there is still much uncertainty and confusion about its application and transformation processes that make it suitable for different types of use. With this guide we want to reassure you: the perfect stone for your project exists. Follow our advice. 

Natural stone is a unique material par excellence. Unlike other industrial materials that can be precisely replicated, each slab or block of natural stone is the result of unrepeatable geological processes. This characteristic makes stone so fascinating and appreciated, but at the same time introduces an inherent variability that cannot be completely controlled by man. The veining, colour shades and repeating pattern on the surface of natural stone vary from slab to slab, creating an inimitable and non-repeatable visual effect.

It is important to understand that sampling a stone only provides an indication of the range of colours, textures and characteristics that the material may present. However, the end result will never be an exact replica of the sample, but a continuity of the stone itself. What you can do is to choose nature's manifest offering, and thus accommodate a unique piece of the underworld in your space.
With this in mind, the sampling process becomes essential not only to guide the choice, but also to educate clients and professionals on what to expect from the final delivery.

Our aim with this series of articles is to provide clarity and take you through the various steps of natural stone design. From the initial idea to the final realisation, we will explore each stage with a clear and informative approach, offering a guide that will enable you to fully understand the transformation process of this exceptional material. Whether you are an architect, a designer or a private citizen looking for inspiration for your project, here you will find all the information you need to make an informed choice that will enhance every space to the full.

First planning step: sampling.

The choice of natural stone is a fundamental step in the design process, which is often unknown or treated superficially because it is dealt with in a preliminary phase that seems distant from the finished project. Sampling, on the other hand, is one of the most crucial steps to ensure that the chosen material perfectly meets the aesthetic and functional requirements of the project. Careful selection and verification of samples can avoid the occurrence of problems that risk compromising the final quality of the work.

Why it is important to have a material sample

Every natural stone is unique. And as natural, it has variations in colour, veining, texture and composition. This is the aspect that makes it authentic and why it is so valued. By using natural stone, not only is the material unique, but so is your project, as it can never be the same as another. Therefore, having the opportunity to view a sample allows you to avoid disappointments with respect to wrong expectations, often caused by fashions or distractingly seen photos.

The sample allows designers, architects and customers to preview the characteristics of the material and verify that it fits harmoniously with the project.

How to request a sample: the correct procedure.

In order for you to make an informed choice, it is essential that you contact the person or company to whom you want to have the project developed (a stonemason, a craftsman's workshop), or alternatively you can talk to a salesperson or consultant who can guide you through the various workshops. The information that is important for you to know at this stage is:

1. the colour of the material: based on the moodboard, personal taste or existing (if it is a renovation project), knowing what colour range to move into is fundamental for an initial skimming and for understanding basic requirements;
2. the desired finish: communicating the final effect you want to achieve allows the professional to guide you towards the material that best accommodates that type of workmanship. Stones are not all the same, they have different compositions, hardness levels ranging from 1 to 10, and therefore not every finish will suit every stone on the market;
3. the quantity needed and the size of the project: even if the value is indicative, because you may be at an early stage of the project, knowing this information, especially if you are dealing with large quantities, allows the material supplier to point you towards the stone that is most available and that will guarantee total coverage of the project;
4. the intended use of the material: knowing whether the stone is to be laid indoors or outdoors is fundamental both for selecting materials that do not undergo variations in contact with atmospheric agents, and for finding the finish that is functional to the intended use (for example, the edge of a swimming pool can never be polished, otherwise the safety of the people using it is at risk).

From this information, the sales or reference person will provide you with:

1. photos of the materials selected: so that you can visually assess the material proposed, in accordance with your requirements;
2. technical data useful to those who will process the material: as there are expert craftsmen specialised in unique workmanship, which may be right for you if you have a particular project;
3. physical sample piece to view and compare with other furniture items or other samples in your possession.

Sampling is a fundamental step to avoid future problems and ensure that the natural stone chosen is suitable for the project. It is a phase that allows for greater confidence and awareness in the selection of a material that is as fascinating as it is complex. 

Relying on an experienced stonemason and scrupulously following the sampling steps is the key to high quality results that last over time. For this, we recommend that you turn to the companies in our network who we are sure will meet your needs.

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