Marble, with its timeless beauty, has remained a sought-after choice for various architectural and design projects. When you embark on your marble-buying journey, you'll likely encounter two primary options: big box store marble and marble from independent retailers. While both options have their merits, there are some key differences in quality and experience that you should consider.
Big Box Store Marble:
Accessibility: Big box stores, with their widespread presence, offer convenience and accessibility.
Selection: Big box stores typically carry a selection of popular marble varieties, and may be limited in terms of unique and exotic options.
Price: Generally, big box stores can offer low pricing due to their large-scale operations. They often have bulk purchasing power, which can result in cost savings for customers. However, to keep costs as low as they do, their suppliers are vastly different from independent shops. These suppliers have the bottom of the barrel material from the quarries and often mix blocks of marble to increase their sales.
Quality Control: Big Box store's quality of marble available might not meet standards in terms of grading. As previously mentioned, these lots will often be muddy, discolored due to unsightly minerals etc. It's no secret that a big box store's priority is profit and it's important to know while shopping that they will take back unused marble and put it right back on the shelf, even when the particular lot is no longer available.
Independent Store Marble:
Expertise: Independent marble retailers often specialize in stone products and have a deep understanding of the material. Their expertise can help you make informed decisions, especially when you have specific design or quality requirements.
Customization: Independent retailers are more likely to offer customization options, allowing you to select unique cuts, finishes, and sizes to suit your project perfectly.
Quality Assurance: Independent stores typically focus on sourcing high-quality marble and take greater care in ensuring that their products meet stringent quality standards. This attention to detail can result in superior, more pristine marble with no mixed lots or mineral impurities. More often than not, their suppliers representative is just a phone call away to sort out any potential issues.
Personalized Service: Independent retailers tend to provide a more personalized shopping experience. They can offer guidance, answer questions, and assist you throughout the selection and purchasing process as well as way beyond the installation.
Variety: While independent stores may have a smaller physical footprint, they often have a wider variety of marble options, including rare and exotic varieties that big box stores might not carry.
Pricing: Often times, independent retailers will offer a wide range of products in terms of cost. They pride themselves on helping you choose the right material for your budget and will have budget friendly options as well as high-end options and everything in between.
Conclusion:
Marble is an investment in beauty and durability, so choosing wisely is paramount. Big box stores offer convenience and low pricing. However, if you prioritize quality, expertise, and/or customization, an independent store will be the option for you.
🕵️♀️ We recently went undercover in some local box stores and snapped the photo of their "Bianco Carrara" and compared to ours. Can you tell the difference?? 🔍:
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