Looking For Marble Or Granite

[bikermutt07]

1 hour ago, JMixx said:

Yeah, I may have to try a number of different places around here before I find what I'm looking for.  I figured since Lowe's installs granite countertops, they might have scraps.  Oh well--there are several other places I can try.  Wish I lived closer to Ark/LA/TX.   Thanks, guys!

That's what general folk would think. Any kind of installation from the big box stores is all done by subcontractors. They don't actually do any of the work. People think because they are a national size company that they must be the place to go. The harsh reality (that too many people find out too late) is that time and money is wasted on them. Folks are better off going to a family owned store that specializes in their needs.

Sorry for the rant, but I've seen too many people live the horror story.

Edited February 14, 2018 by bikermutt07

[JMixx]

No worries!  I'm open to any "rant" that may save me hundreds of $ at some point.

[Sheilajeanne]

I can't see a store of this type (Rona, Lowe's, Home Depot) NOT selling these tiles! And I really don't think the tiles have to be an inch thick in order to be useful for leather work.

Edited February 14, 2018 by Sheilajeanne

[Sheilajeanne]

Lowe's only has marble tiles, but HD has both, at least in my neck of the woods. Personally, I'd go with the granite, as marble is a much softer stone, and could chip or break.

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.absolute-nero-12-inch-x-12-inch-polished-granite.1000488451.html

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.12-inch-x-12-inch-arctic-marble-5-sqftcase.1001007201.html

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.12-inch-x-24-inch-arctic-marble-8-sqftcase.1001006813.html

A search of the Lowe's U.S. website turned up this:

https://www.lowes.com/search?searchTerm=granite+floor+tiles

 

So, they do sell them, and either your clerk wasn't knowledgeable, or the store just doesn't stock them. If you want a thicker, bigger slab, I'd ask them who their contractors are for installation of sinks and counter tops, and see if you can get scrap from them. The cutout for a sink would make a really nice leather tooling slab!

Edited February 14, 2018 by Sheilajeanne

[bermudahwin]

I went to a funeral mason and asked for an off cut from a memorial.

I have a lovely polished black marble 12 inches square by 2 or so inches deep, and it will last a lifetime.

The owner was intrigued as to the use and gave a great discount.

Harry

[T191032]

I appreciate the advise.

 

Turned out to have a granite shop not far from me.  Got a (larger than expected piece) to work with, so I shall be able to make better marks and rivet better now I hope.

 

Thank you.

[JazzBass]

Don't ya just love these forums? You get direct links to commercial suppliers, home brewed solutions, and an education on the difference between marble and granite, all in one thread =:O  Wonderful!

[Aven]

If you are having a hard time finding a freebie, Woodcraft has a granite 9"x12"x2" surface plate for $30.  I have no idea what shipping will be.  I dropped by my local Woodcraft and picked one up a couple of years ago.  I really like it.  Solid, slick, works a treat.

https://www.woodcraft.com/products/granite-surface-plate-9-x-12-x-2-a-grade

 

[Bennyg11]

Go to a local maker of custom counter tops. They have to pay by the pound to discard there scrap. They were more than happy for me to take 2 huge thick square pieces of marble. Even told me to tell my friends

[Bennyleather]

Does anyone here have experience in the Avon, Ohio area concerning granite companies?