10 Red Flags to Watch for When Buying Natural Stone
Natural stone remains one of the most elegant and enduring design choices you can incorporate into a space. Yet, as with any high-value material, not all stone—or the suppliers who sell it—meet the same standards of quality and care.
Whether you’re a designer in pursuit of a striking, one-of-a-kind slab, a contractor seeking dependable premium materials, or a homeowner envisioning a show-stopping kitchen centerpiece, understanding the warning signs is essential.
Below are 10 red flags that may indicate it’s time to reconsider your source and seek out a more reputable stone supplier.
1. Slabs Are Stored Outside
If you show up and see stone slabs exposed to direct sunlight or rain— turn around and leave. Natural stone, especially marble, should never be stored outdoors where UV rays, moisture, and dirt can damage it before it even reaches your space.
2. No Slab Viewing Area or Showroom
If you’re only shown photos or samples and can’t view the full slabs in person, that’s a major red flag. Stone is a natural material with incredible variation. You need to see the full slab to evaluate color tone, veining, and flow.
3. Poor or Missing Labels on Slabs
Each slab should be labeled with the name of the stone, finish and block number. Inconsistent or missing information suggests disorganization—or worse, that the supplier can’t guarantee the stone’s identity.
4. “Too Good to Be True” Pricing
Stone that’s suspiciously cheap might be damaged, poorly stored, or of subpar quality. While deals exist, true natural beauty—quarried from exotic locations and shipped across the globe—comes with a fair price tag.
5. No Transparency About Stone Origin
Can’t get a straight answer about where the stone came from? That’s a problem. Reputable suppliers know their materials—where they’re from, how they were sourced, and what they’re best used for. Be especially careful with all materials from China or India, they should be considered suspect unless they have a factory certification. Always look for stone materials that arrive in a shipping container. Many suppliers truck material from the East Coast or across the country, this causes stress on the stone due to being exposed to weather and rough roads. Zion Stone Gallery material arrives in an enclosed safe & secure container, cushioned and properly packaged in Italy and shipped directly to St. George. Our stone is never exposed to weather or cross country road trips.
6. Only Samples, No Full Slabs
Samples are helpful, but they don’t tell the whole story. The veining, movement, and variation that make natural stone so beautiful can only be seen in full-size slabs.
7. Dirty, Unorganized Warehouse
A cluttered or dusty slab yard is a reflection of how the stone is treated. High-end materials should be stored vertically, spaced properly, and protected from damage. Anything less may indicate neglect.
8. Pushy Sales Tactics or Limited Knowledge
Buying natural stone is a big investment—and it shouldn’t feel like a rushed decision. If a salesperson can’t answer basic questions or pressures you into a purchase, trust your instincts and keep looking.
9. No Clear Return or Damage Policy
A lack of policies for damaged goods or returns is a major red flag. You deserve transparency and protection throughout the purchasing process.
10. No Recommendations for Fabricators or Installers
Natural stone isn’t just about picking the right slab—it’s about having the right team to install it. A reputable supplier will often work closely with experienced fabricators and can help connect you with professionals who will bring your vision to life.
Trust Your Eye and Your Gut
At Zion Stone Gallery, we believe selecting natural stone should be inspiring, not intimidating. Our team of experienced “stone hunters” carefully curates one-of-a-kind slabs from around the world and stores them in a clean, climate-controlled showroom right here in Southern Utah.
You’ll never feel rushed or uncertain—just empowered to find the stone that speaks to you.
Visit us in St. George and see for yourself why designers, builders, and homeowners trust us to deliver natural beauty that lasts a lifetime.
