Rules of Thumb

In considering stone for your project, please keep in mind:

  • Color is a subjective experience. Stone is created in nature, and deposits vary in color and pattern. Whether subtle or dramatic, these variations define and capture the beauty of natural stone.
  • How stone is cut and finished can have a dramatic affect on the color, texture, porosity, and strength of the material.
  • The scale and composition of your design will change how the stone looks. A 4″ x 4″ tile sample doesn’t always represent the characteristics of the stone.

Taking these steps will help your project go more smoothly:

  • Allow enough time in your project planning to truly study the materials and evaluate the commercial impact of your choices.
  • Ask to see installations, photos and samples of the actual materials. Then try to see color ranges in the stone – rather than thinking of them as paint chips.
  • Make a mock-up part of your planning process, to confirm color, texture, scale, details and craftsmanship. Be sure to include your client in this exercise.
  • Introduce YMSW to your engineer, mason, and/or architect so we can collaborate on the best solutions. Installation techniques and engineering affects the size of the stone module specified, and vice versa.
  • Order a master sample set – dated, labeled, and signed before any job materials are ordered.