A guide to choosing your surface
The best starting point is the whole room. Think about the light, the surrounding finishes and how the surface will be used—then choose a material that feels right in that setting.
See a sample in your own light.
Look beyond the sample to the full slab.
Check the chosen product for its intended use.
Good decisions start with understanding
A kitchen island, bathroom wall and floor have different requirements. Tell the team about water, heat, outdoor exposure and everyday use. Suitability belongs to the particular product and installation, so one attractive surface is not automatically right for every location.
View samples beside your cabinetry, flooring and metal finishes. Compare daylight with evening lighting. Photographs and screens are useful for narrowing a direction, but they can change the apparent colour and are not a substitute for reviewing a physical sample.
Polished finishes reflect light; matte and textured finishes read differently. Compare the actual options offered for the product rather than relying on a generic finish name. For floors and wet areas, ask for the relevant product guidance and slip-performance information.
A sample shows only a small part of a slab. Ask to review a full-slab image or the available slab so you can understand vein scale, direction and variation. Bookmatching uses coordinated patterns; it needs suitable slabs and a planned layout.
Discuss how the material will meet walls, cabinetry and adjoining pieces. A mitred edge can create the appearance of a thicker profile, while a waterfall continues a surface down a vertical side. Neither removes the need to plan joints, support and fabrication details.
Record the manufacturer, product name, finish, thickness and intended application. Ask the team to confirm availability and the appropriate installation requirements. Keep the selected product's care information with your project records.
Save it. Print it. Bring it along.
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General planning guidance. Your project team and the selected product’s documentation confirm the details for your installation.