Sintered stone

A close-up can show colour and surface character, but it cannot reveal where a dramatic vein crosses a sink opening or meets an island edge. Review the complete face at a known scale. Place the intended finished shape over that image, including any pieces that turn down or continue onto a wall. The result helps distinguish a compelling photograph from a composition that works after cutting.

• Ask for an uncropped full-face image.
• Identify the main view and the direction of adjoining parts.
• Mark features that must remain within the finished panel.

A full slab enquiry and a finished-component enquiry need different information. For slabs, describe the format, quantity and selected appearance. For processed pieces, add dimensioned drawings, visible edges, cutouts and the intended support assembly. Operations, tolerances and acceptance criteria must be reviewed for the chosen product; a collection photograph does not establish the scope of fabrication.

• List full slabs and fabricated parts separately.
• Show corners, openings and visible faces on drawings.
• Assign responsibility for installation and local site measurements.

For a distributor, a useful collection can include quiet base colours, a recognisable mineral option and a small number of expressive surfaces. For a fabricator, the priority may instead be pattern placement and repeatable part identification. Record the reason each model belongs in the shortlist so an attractive design does not become an unrelated addition to the range.

• Group shortlisted models by customer need.
• Keep sample references tied to the selected design.
• Discuss alternatives when the preferred combination is unavailable.