What to Expect at a Slab Yard
Quick Definition: A slab yard (or stone yard) is a warehouse or outdoor lot where natural stone and engineered quartz slabs are stored upright on A-frame racks for viewing and purchase. Visiting a slab yard lets you see and select the exact slab that will become your countertop. Expect to walk through rows of standing slabs, choose your material, and tag your selection. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring your kitchen measurements.
TL;DR
- A slab yard stores hundreds to thousands of full-size stone slabs standing upright
- You can touch, compare, and select the exact slab for your project
- Slabs are organized by stone type and color (granite, marble, quartzite, quartz)
- Bring your kitchen layout and measurements so the yard staff can confirm the slab size works
- Wear closed-toe shoes -- slab yards are industrial environments
- Pricing is typically per square foot or per slab
- Many yards are open to the public; some require an appointment or fabricator referral
- Your selected slab will be tagged or marked so it's reserved for your project
- Take photos of your favorites with good lighting and email them to yourself
What Is a Slab Yard?
A slab yard is essentially a warehouse for stone. Distributors and importers receive containers of stone from quarries around the world (Brazil, India, Italy, Spain, China, and others) and store the slabs at their yards for sale to fabricators, contractors, and homeowners.
Types of Slab Yards
Distributor/wholesaler yards: Large operations with thousands of slabs. Examples include MSI, Arizona Tile, Daltile, and Cosentino. Some sell to the public; others sell only to trade professionals (fabricators and contractors).
Fabricator-owned yards: Many fabrication shops maintain their own slab inventory. These are smaller but the fabricator can show you exactly what they have in stock and quote the job on the spot.
Import yards: Specialize in exotic or specialty stones, often with direct quarry relationships. Smaller selection but unique materials.
Before You Go: What to Bring
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Kitchen measurements (rough) | To confirm the slab is large enough |
| Cabinet color sample or photo | To compare stone against your cabinets |
| Backsplash tile sample | To coordinate colors and patterns |
| Paint swatch | To check against wall color |
| Phone with camera | To photograph slab candidates |
| Comfortable closed-toe shoes | Safety -- slab yards have heavy equipment |
| Your fabricator's contact info | Some yards coordinate directly with fabricators |
| Budget range | To focus on slabs within your price range |
What the Visit Looks Like
Arrival and Check-In
Most slab yards have a showroom or office area at the entrance. Check in, let them know you're looking for countertop material, and tell them your budget range and preferred stone type. A sales representative will typically walk the yard with you.
Walking the Aisles
Slabs are stored vertically on steel A-frames, organized by material type and color. You'll walk between rows of slabs, pulling out sheets you want to look at more closely. The sales rep or a forklift operator can lay slabs flat for better viewing.
What you'll see:
- Rows of slabs sorted by type (granite section, marble section, quartzite section, quartz section)
- Each slab has a tag with the stone name, lot number, size, and price
- Multiple slabs from the same "bundle" (slabs cut sequentially from the same block) are stored together
- Slabs are wet or dry -- ask to see them wet, as stone looks different when sealed/polished vs. raw
Selecting Your Slab
When you find a slab you like:
- Have it laid flat if possible -- you'll see the pattern better horizontally
- View it wet -- the yard staff can splash water on the slab to simulate how it will look polished and sealed
- Check the entire surface -- walk around and look for fissures, pits, discoloration, or areas of the pattern you don't like
- Photograph it with your phone (include something for scale)
- Place your cabinet/tile samples on the slab to check the color combination
- Check the slab dimensions against your kitchen needs
Tagging and Reserving
Once you've chosen a slab, the yard will tag it with your name (or your fabricator's name). Some yards require a deposit to hold a slab; others hold it for a specified period (typically 7-30 days).
Important: If you're buying through a fabricator, check who is responsible for slab purchase. Some fabricators include slab cost in their all-in price; others have you buy the slab separately and they charge for fabrication only.
Slab Sizes and Pricing
Standard Slab Sizes
| Material | Typical Width | Typical Length | Approx. Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granite | 48-72" | 96-120" | 30-50 sq ft |
| Marble | 42-72" | 84-120" | 25-50 sq ft |
| Quartzite | 48-72" | 96-120" | 30-50 sq ft |
| Quartz (engineered) | 55-65" | 120-130" | 46-56 sq ft |
How Pricing Works
Slabs are priced either per square foot or as a whole slab. Common pricing tiers:
| Tier | Price per SF | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (builder grade) | $8-$25 | Common colors, standard patterns |
| Level 2 (mid-range) | $25-$50 | More variety, popular colors |
| Level 3 (premium) | $50-$80 | Exotic colors, dramatic patterns |
| Level 4+ (exotic) | $80-$200+ | Rare materials, bookmatched options |
Note: These are slab-only prices. Fabrication and installation are additional ($20-$60+ per SF).
Common Questions During Your Visit
"Can I Buy Part of a Slab?"
Usually no at distributor yards -- you buy the whole slab. Fabricators, however, may sell you just the portion you need if they can use the remainder on another job. Some fabricators buy remnants from their own inventory for smaller projects.
"Why Do Two Slabs of the Same Stone Look Different?"
Because natural stone is, well, natural. Even slabs cut from the same block (called a "bundle") will have pattern variation. Slabs from different blocks or different quarries of the same stone name can look very different. This is why selecting your specific slab matters.
"Should I Buy an Extra Slab?"
If your kitchen requires more material than one slab provides, you'll need two slabs. Try to get two from the same bundle for the closest pattern match. Some homeowners buy an extra slab as insurance against breakage or future modifications -- but at $500-$5,000+ per slab, this is usually only practical for expensive exotic stones.
"What About Quartz -- Do I Need to Visit a Slab Yard?"
For quartz, slab yard visits are less critical because quartz is manufactured and more consistent. However, some quartz patterns (especially marble-look veining) can vary between slabs, so a visit can still be valuable.
For fabricators who stock their own inventory, SlabWise can display available slab photos to customers through the Customer Portal -- letting homeowners pre-select their favorite options before visiting the yard. This saves time for both the customer and your sales team.
Tips for a Successful Slab Yard Visit
- Go during daylight hours. Outdoor yards have natural light; indoor yards may have fluorescent lighting that changes how stone looks.
- View slabs wet and dry. Water on a slab simulates how it will look sealed.
- Check the full slab. Don't fall in love with one corner -- examine the entire surface.
- Bring physical samples of your other kitchen elements (not just phone photos).
- Ask about the bundle. If you need multiple slabs, check if matching slabs are available.
- Don't rush. A slab is a major purchase. Take your time comparing options.
- Ask about return policy. Most slab purchases are final.
- Understand who pays. Confirm whether you're buying the slab directly or through your fabricator.
FAQ
Do I need an appointment to visit a slab yard? Many yards welcome walk-ins during business hours. Larger distributors may prefer appointments, especially for homeowners (vs. trade professionals). Call ahead to confirm.
Can homeowners visit a slab yard or is it trade-only? Most slab yards welcome homeowners. Some wholesalers are trade-only but will allow homeowner visits with a fabricator referral. Call ahead and ask.
How long does a slab yard visit take? Plan for 1-2 hours for a thorough visit. If you're comparing multiple stone types, it could take longer.
What should I wear to a slab yard? Closed-toe shoes are mandatory (heavy stone, forklifts, wet floors). Casual clothing is fine. Some outdoor yards can be dusty or muddy.
How much does a slab of granite cost? Slab prices range from $300-$500 for budget granite to $2,000-$10,000+ for exotic varieties. Most mid-range granite slabs cost $800-$2,500.
Can I have a slab delivered to my fabricator? Yes. If you buy a slab at a distributor yard, they'll typically deliver it to your fabricator's shop for a delivery fee ($50-$200).
What if the slab has a flaw? Natural stone commonly has fissures, pits, and color variations. Minor imperfections are normal. Major structural cracks or deep pitting should be avoided.
Should I pick the slab or let my fabricator choose? For natural stone, you should select the slab personally -- pattern preferences are subjective. For quartz, your fabricator can typically select an appropriate slab if you specify the color.
Can I reserve a slab without buying it? Some yards hold slabs for 7-30 days with or without a deposit. Policies vary -- ask before assuming your slab will be available when you return.
What's the difference between a slab yard and a showroom? A slab yard stores full-size slabs for purchase. A showroom displays samples, finished vignettes, and edge profiles. Many operations have both.
Make Slab Selection Faster for Your Customers
For fabricators, slab yard visits are important but time-consuming. SlabWise's Customer Portal lets you share your current inventory with photos online, so customers arrive at the yard with a shortlist instead of starting from scratch.
Sources
- Natural Stone Institute -- Guide to Visiting a Stone Yard
- MSI Surfaces -- Slab Selection Guide for Homeowners
- Arizona Tile -- How to Choose Your Stone Slab
- Marble Institute of America -- Understanding Natural Stone Variation
- Houzz -- Tips for Visiting a Granite Yard
- Stone World Magazine -- Slab Yard Operations Guide