Savings realized in spending premium on stone?

[Stonehenge]

I'm considering taking a different approach to the split-faced limestone walls we install - right now we order up either 2-3" x 8" wallstone, or 4-5"x8" wallstone, and just build. The stone we get from our supplier, when it's the 2-3", can vary anywhere from 1.5" - 4". And the 4-5" we've seen anywhere from 3.5" to 6.5".

Part of my consideration is changing suppliers altogether, but I wanted to see if you folks realized any savings by paying a premium for more refined skids of material - say 2-2.5" stone that has gone through a more rigorous selection process.

I would think that installation would go quicker, but cost of stone certainly higher.

Opinions?

[diginahole]

I really only have limited experience with dry wall but I would be inclined to pay more for uniform stone to speed up installation. Labour costs more than material in most if cases.

[dan deutekom]

I don't know what the premium would be for more uniform stone. If you can even find it. I usually order about 30% more than needed so that I have a good selection. I guess that kind of equals getting the premium product. The up side is that if you have a yard, then you can store the left over stone for other projects and this leftover stone has already been paid for by the previous client.

[Stonehenge]

Yeah, maybe it's a supplier issue - I too order about 30% more so that I have adequate selection. My current supplier has a bit of a reputation of stacking skids full of beautiful stone around the outside and top, with nothing but junk in the middle.

But I thought I recalled Steveair mentioning something about paying an upcharge to have handpicked stuff that only deviated 1/4" or less from a specific measurement.

[PSUscaper]

good memory stone! I wish mine were as good. At this point of the year, I am having trouble remembering to put deoderant on in the morning.................

I think what you are referring to is the one supplier in my area that palletizes its own wall stone. They receive trailer after trailer load of the stuff and then palletize it themselves. If you are so ambitious and inclined to do so, you can go there with your truck and pick through the pile yourself. They actually charge the same rate as the palletized stuff (considering you are doing are the loading labor).

Whether or not it is cost effective, I don't really know. Considering all the time picking out the stone as compared to picking through crap at the job is a tough one to figure.

What I do know is this .....it is much more relaxing. Building stone walls gets frustrating when your working with crap all day.....Being able to pick up any piece and ACTUALLY use it and ACTUALLY have it look good is something that I'm not sure you can put a price on. maybe the 'peace of mind' offered through good stone is worth the time in itself.

I really don't have a answer to your question. From my experiences so far, I have yet to find a stone supplier who can 100% guarantee a 'premium' pallet of wall stone. It really is pick of the draw.........or if you want,,,,,pick your own!

The other thing about the stone business is that there is little consistancy....it seems like the stone is always being brought in from different quarries and always varies a little bit.............if prime material is available, it is most likely it won't be for long.
I've been to many stone yards where when a 'prime' load of stone comes in, somebody will buy the whole lot and keep it for themselves. If they get more, your lucky, as the rest of the loads will be garbage.

I think the main point is this...........never think your 'over' pricing a stone job. Your working with a 'unpredictable' product which deserves a higher price. I really can't say I have ever done a stone project that went flawlessly. Either not finding the right stone, having to subsitute a stone in for another and eating the cost, getting loads of 'crap' sent to the job, etc. etc. etc. If you have to order 30% more, then that's the way it is.....I don't think there's any way around it.



steve

[dan deutekom]

I think Steve has hit the nail on the head. Any time that you have a job that needs natural stone you really have to go to the yard and see it for your self. Also since it is a natural product you can't expect to get the same stuff twice in a row even if it comes from the same quarry.

[Paul]

First a couple of caveats, I don't do much thin stone, most of the stone I do is 6+" thick (out cropping). I also do a lot more tonnage than most. Most jobs start at 200 tons, so there is a difference.

1. I don't think paying a premium for the stone makes sense for me, But I have sent back un broken pallets of stone that won't work.

2. Outcropping stone is much more forgiving that 8" snapped wall stone, If your tiring for a look, nice straight lines you need the supplier to be aware of what you need and what you expect from them. Let your sales person know that your unhappy with what your getting explain to them that your buying 30% more stone that what is needed and you feel you shouldn't be!