If your client requests natural or engineered stone for any part of a job, there are several things you must consider. Some choices you'll need to make with your client (like what type of stone—exactly—he requires); the decision about where to buy from is up to you.

There are many sources for stone and stone information. Which purveyor you choose depends mostly on what sort of stone you need to buy and which type of stone supplier you're most comfortable with. Therefore, consider:

1. Business-to-business (B2B) sources for a wide variety of stone needs,

2. Wholesale stone quarries for a more hands-on approach,

3. Or specialized wholesale stone suppliers for specific types of stone.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy stone B2B

Business-to-business generally offers a reasonable stone price. Whether your client desires natural American stone or stone imported from exotic locales, there's sure to be a B2B source for you. Just remember to seek a reputable business for your stone purchase since there's no governing body to define what sales terms (such as 'first quality') really mean.

I recommend: Atlantic Granite is a B2B natural stone provider. Nile International Stone sells imported Egyptian stone, business-to-business. Stone.cc offers a list of B2B businesses in the United States who specialize in stone.

Purchase wholesale from a stone quarry

At a stone quarry, you may purchase wholesale natural stone with excellent results. Most quarries specialize in certain types of products, like veneer or outcropping. Find a quarry that specializes in the sort of stone product your client needs.

I recommend: Adirondack Natural Stone quarries natural granite. Central Arkansas Stone is a wholesale quarry carrying thin stone veneer and stone flooring, among other products. Fort Wayne Rocks has a quarry for thin random, web wall and outcropping.

Select stone by type

When you need a specific type of stone, like marble or flagstone, seek a company specializing in that type. If you're buying natural stone, be sure to purchase all you may need for the project at one time since you may never be able to find more stone that will match your original purchase.

I recommend: Stone Quarry is a natural stone importer and wholesaler; they carry granite, marble, slate, limestone and other exotic stones from around the world. Wholesale Marble and Granite offers full-size slabs of marble, granite, limestone, travertine, crystallized glass and onyx. Arizona Flagstone Supply is a stone supplier carrying flagstone in a wide variety of colors. Bangor Wholesale Laminates offers engineered stone, which is mostly quartz mixed with resin, glass and dyes, making it a very durable product.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When buying stone for building, realize that flawless natural stone is impossible to come by. But chances are, your client doesn't really want the stone to be flawless; the irregularities of natural stone are part of its appeal. If your client really wants 'flawless,' then you should look for an engineered stone.