The stone yards I shopped at were more than happy to move slabs around so that I could see them more easily. When I narrowed down the ones I wanted they even took one of them outside for me to see in natural light.

If you have been looking for a certain look for a while, you might want to hold some slabs, in case they get sold out again.

The slabs I picked were all on hold for someone else. The stone yard followed up with that person and they released the 3 slabs that I needed. Lots of builders and designers will place slabs on hold, but don't always end up buying.

The sales guy told me all the slabs will pretty much look identical since they were cut from the same rock.

Key words being "the sales guy told me".

It was the owner of the company, but I don't see what difference it makes who said it. It also doesn't answer my question.

Chispa - Thanks

The sales guy is partially correct as they arrange them based on lot. if you need 2 or 3 have them move all to make sure you want them and inspect for cracks etc which marble can have. There is no reason for them to move 2 or 3. Now if there is a stack of ten and you want the 6th then that is more challenging. One more thing, take pictures of the slabs you want so you can compare when the fabrication process begins. Have them show you the layout they have before they cut to make sure you are getting the cuts and the pieces you want. Have seem other posters here suspect their slabs were switched and the cuts made by fabricator were not to their liking. Keep in mind that if you want the veining to match; you might have to get another slab. Educated yourself on the properties and care and maintenance of natural marble. We have clients sign a waiver when they insist on installing natural marble on their kitchen counters.

It was the owner of the company, but I don't see what difference it makes who said it. It also doesn't answer my question.

I'll reword it:

The sales guy (or owner) is telling you the slabs are all the same because he wants to sell you something and make a profit.

You can't always trust what sales people tell you.

The salesman isn't always motivated by getting you the product you really want.

You should insist upon verifying that you like the individual slab, regardless of what the salesperson tells you.

"The sales guy (or owner) is telling you the slabs are all the same because he wants to sell you something and make a profit."

And doesn't want or can't be bothered having the slabs moved for you to inspect. NO ONE LIKE SURPRISES.

The veining and patterns will be 80-99% the same in a bundle. 80-99% is not “the same” when comparing slab 101 to slab 112. It may be virtually identical in 101 and 103. Depends on the stone.

Because of how the block is cut, those veins reverse direction in sequence. The adjacent polished edges are created for less damage in shipping, and to gain bookmarking pieces. And you may prefer the Left sequence slabs vs the Right sequence slabs.

A vein in a block sequence can change radically as its sawn on some stones.

4 pieces bookmatched.

2 pieces

Moving slabs is a lot of work. They are VERY heavy. If this is a wholesale yard, it’s slways best to have your fabricator grease the way first with a phone call so that they know you are serious. And not just out for an afternoon’s entertainment. Yes, some people go stone shopping with no intent to purchase. Don’t ask.

Make an appointment for that type of work, so that they can be sure to have enough people on hand ready to devote to the time it will take. Because it will take a couple of hours if they have to move a bunch. And that is beyond the typical moving just the top slab that most stone yards will be willing to do for a walk in.

If the top slab is great, there is no reason to see the whole bundle. If there is a flaw, or the vein isn’t positioned exactly right, asking them to move more in the sequence is fine. But asking for every slab in the bundle moved just so you can see all 16 is way overboard. After you see the first 2, you can see how that stone’s veins are developing through the block. If it’s moving up or down, etx.

If you are very picky, it’s always best to make the final selection appointment WITH your fabricator. Cutting around some things may be fine. Or not. But you need the guy there who will be doing the cutting, if you have something special, or something fussy, in mind.

And he needs to know your measurements before you pick slabs. Nothing worse than thinking you have the 109” length that you need, only to have it be 2” short because it’s not really square or has a ragged edge. Let the fabricator have input when shopping if you need something special. Be prepared to pay for that time.

uscpsycho:

Of course you've researched the inherent flaws of marble as a surface?

I believe he's using the slab for his backsplash and not his counters?

As Sophie. Make an appointment saying "I love the slab, I want to see the others before I commit". And tell him to get the truck/ claw out at his convenience so you can see. It hardly matters what may or may not be identical, you don't commit until you see all you will need, and then you stand back.....run your hand over it etc. Lazy .......is lazy in his case

Exactly ,they have the ability to show you every piece that is stacked and no they are not identical that is the beauty of real stone.