Flagstone is used in construction patios, pathways, and similar construction projects that require hard surfaces for construction. Since flagstone is aesthetically appealing, flexible and hard-wearing, it can enhance the aesthetic appeal of any outdoor area, giving it a tasteful look. But it becomes very central to choose a proper supplier for the flagstones so that the right quality material of your choice can be delivered at a reasonable price. Some of the common mistakes made are not conducting research to the level needed and making hasty choices when it comes to selecting suppliers, which can lead to disastrous consequences later. To prevent such issues, here are common mistakes you must steer clear of when picking a Flagstone Supplier.
1. Not Conducting Reference and Background Check
A proper understanding and research of the supplier’s background, years in the industry, reputation, customer feedback, and possible negative comments should be made before making a decision to choose a particular supplier. A long experienced supplier with over many years of its existence and more satisfied customer testimonials are likely to understand the quality of products in a better way. This should also put them in an ethical bracket and have a clear source/pricing policy.
New unknown merchants may offer the products at a lesser cost initially, but that may be due to the poor quality of the material that has been used or lack of service support that is offered for the products that have been sold. It also assists verify supplier suitability in providing high-quality flagstones as committed in specified time and cost arrangements.
Such platforms include the online review sites, social media handles and testimonials from customers which show their experience with their products and the level of satisfaction they have on the company’s products. Background checks therefore assists in the elimination of all the wrong and undesirable flagstone suppliers but only the ethical, professional ones for your project.
2. Failing to Provide Clear Specifications
Lack of clear guidelines is followed by the delivery of improper flagstone that was fit for earlier use but not now. This is very important since the choices made on the type of stone and its color, the finishes, the size, the thickness and quantities, among others, affect the aesthetic value and lifespan of the hardscape design and its maintenance requirements.
Provide as much detail as possible of an object when describing the size, touch sensation, look, and performance specifications to suppliers before acquiring the products. Give the suppliers pictures of expected stone samples to ensure that they have an idea of what you expect to be done in the area. Agree on the expected quantity of reactions, the approximate timeline to respond, and any budget considerations.
This kind of thorough requirement discussion makes sure that the suppliers provide the flagstones of your desired hardscape the first time itself due to the elaboration of the requirements. This will help to prevent some unnecessary back and forths later on when there are exchanges of sizes, refunds and the likes which may hinder your landscaping timetable.
3. Neglecting to Inspect Physical Samples
One of the biggest mistakes made by most homeowners is that they rarely take their time to physically inspect physical stone samples from some of the identified suppliers. Instead, they only have stock images or small supplier website images reminiscent of typical hair styles.
However, each natural flagstone in a different way differs from each other in color, grain, and structure, polished or unpolished. Although many things look great in pictures, in real life, they may not measure up to this expectation when one gets to view them personally.
When looking for potential suppliers of the physical stone, there is always importance in collecting good size samples for appearance and feel. Check for the conformity in color as well as the hardness of the surface to check whether it has the capability to withstand chipping or not and lastly, check for pits and cracks if any. To evaluate samples, determine how compatible each chosen sample is with the existing landscape elements.
4. Overlooking Stone Sourcing and Processing Methods
Natural and untamed flagstones that are sourced from ethical sources have a longer lifespan when compared to dimensional or synthetic stones of doubtful quality. Different quarrying and processing methods however, have significant effects that cause stone to deteriorate with time.
It is necessary always to request the suppliers certain details about the – quarry sources, the extraction types, the cutting techniques, the finishing processes etc When purchasing raw stone blocks, it is necessary to choose environmentally ethical suppliers.
Ask if stones are hand sculpted or mechanically shaped during its preparation. While hand-split flagstones, though being pricey, are more attractive and have more durability compared with the regular one. Machine-cut flags are cheaper than hand-made but they are not as artistic and do not last long when exposed to varying conditions of the weather. Such dialogues show who is concerned with delivering high quality flagstone end-products as opposed to those who offer low quality stones that are more likely to crack, fade or stain after installation.
5. Not Comparing Multiple Quotations
Therefore, the price should not be the main way of determining the best supplier of the flagstone. But, comparing several quotations at the same quality/quantity of stone assists in budgeting.
The best offer should also be spared, as flagstones offered at a significantly lower price than other similar products likely contain low-grade material or concealed cost provisions. On the other hand, quotes higher than the current market prices for the particular goods or services usually indicate overpricing.
Assess each potential quote alongside other factors including references, sample stones, clients’ feedback, and the various processing methods used etc – this is the most accurate means of determining whether the going rate for the services is reasonable given the quality to be offered. Standardization of cost for similar products provides easy comparison in supplier quotes for the actual price negotiation. It also helps selecting the right supplier for the best flagstones within a comfortable budget requirement for the requirement of driveway or patio.
Conclusion
Selecting suitable flagstone suppliers and Natural Stone Pebbles is not something that can be done instinctively; it requires some research. Evaluate supplier credentials, quality control or lack of it, where materials are sourced, the quality of the stone in the options available before making a purchase. Make a direct observation of the physical samples after getting into details of every aesthetic feel, surface finish, and functionality expected from that particular surface.
