Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

Products  |  OEM Services  |  Quality  |  Shipping  |  Stone Care

Products & Materials

Everything you need to know about our stone types and selection guidance.

KL Stone offers a comprehensive portfolio across six product categories:
  • Natural Marble — Including Calacatta Gold, Carrara White, Nero Marquina, Statuario, and hundreds of imported varieties sourced globally.
  • Engineered Quartz — High-density, scratch-resistant slabs ideal for kitchen countertops and heavy-use surfaces.
  • Stone Mosaic — Mesh-backed natural stone tiles in herringbone, hexagonal, linear, and arabesque patterns.
  • Stone Inlay — CNC-precision multi-stone medallions and border strips for feature floors.
  • Stone Furniture — Marble table tops, vessel basins, candle holders, and decorative objects.
  • Granite — Dense, highly durable stone for exterior cladding, plaza flooring, and engineering countertops.

Natural marble is formed over millions of years by geological pressure. Each slab is one-of-a-kind with unique veining — ideal for luxury hotel lobbies, villa feature walls, and prestigious commercial interiors where visual richness is paramount.

Engineered quartz is manufactured by combining 93–95% natural quartz aggregate with resin under high pressure. It offers superior uniformity, scratch resistance, and near-zero porosity — the preferred choice for kitchen worktops, bathroom vanities, and high-traffic commercial surfaces where durability and consistency matter most.

Yes. Bookmatching is one of our core specialisations. By sequentially cutting consecutive slabs from the same block and opening them like the pages of a book, we create mirror-image vein patterns across wide surfaces. Our team will pre-lay and photograph matched sets for designer approval before fabrication and shipping. We recommend discussing bookmatching requirements at the project specification stage so we can reserve the right block batches.

We offer six standard surface finishes and can accommodate special requests:
  • Polished — High-gloss mirror finish; maximum visual depth and colour richness.
  • Honed — Matte/satin finish; smooth but non-reflective; hides wear better than polished.
  • Brushed — Soft texture achieved by wire brushing; vintage/aged appearance.
  • Sandblasted — Rough anti-slip texture; ideal for exterior steps and pool surrounds.
  • Flamed — Thermally treated surface for extreme durability and high slip resistance; used on granite exteriors.
  • Split-face / Natural Cleft — Uncut natural surface retaining the raw texture of the stone face.

Marble can be used outdoors in sheltered or low-rain environments, but it has specific limitations. Being calcium carbonate-based, it is susceptible to acid rain and long-term weathering. For exterior applications, we recommend: selecting harder marble varieties (e.g. darker, denser types), applying a penetrating impregnating sealer, and using a honed or sandblasted finish rather than polished. For fully exposed exterior plazas, high-traffic terraces, and pool surrounds, granite or quartzite are more suitable due to their superior density, hardness, and frost resistance.

OEM & Customisation

How we handle bespoke orders, private label programmes, and design collaboration.

Yes. We fully support both OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) programmes:
  • OEM — We produce to your exact specifications (dimensions, finish, packaging) under your brand label.
  • ODM — Our in-house design team develops original product concepts that you can sell under your own brand.
  • Buyer Label — Products are packaged and labelled with your brand identity.
  • Design Service — We provide technical drawings, material sampling, and 3D visualisations at the design stage.
Please contact our sales team with your project brief and we will assign a dedicated account manager.

MOQ varies by product category:
  • Standard tiles and slabs: 50 m² per SKU
  • Custom-cut pieces and special profiles: negotiable — contact us with your brief
  • Stone inlay medallions: 5 pieces per design
  • Stone furniture items: 10 pieces per SKU
For large-scale projects (hotel fit-outs, commercial developments), we offer flexible MOQ and dedicated production scheduling. We welcome enquiries from wholesalers, importers, designers, and contractors at all volume levels.

Absolutely. Our facility in Weihai is equipped with multi-axis CNC bridge saws and waterjet cutting machines capable of producing virtually any 2D or 3D profile. Common custom requests include:
  • Oversized slabs beyond standard 2400×1200 mm dimensions
  • Curved panels, radius pieces, and column wraps
  • Mitred corners and compound angles
  • Custom edge profiles (ogee, bullnose, bevelled, waterfall, etc.)
  • Sink cutouts, cooktop cutouts, and integrated drainage channels
Please provide technical drawings in DXF or PDF format for an accurate quotation.

Typical production lead times from order confirmation to factory-ready goods:
  • Standard in-stock tiles and slabs: 7–10 working days
  • Custom cut-to-size pieces: 15–20 working days
  • Complex inlay or mosaic projects: 20–30 working days
  • Large-volume hotel or commercial projects: subject to agreed programme
Production times may extend during peak periods (Chinese New Year, Golden Week). We recommend building at least 2–3 weeks of buffer into your project schedule for international deliveries.

Quality & Certification

Our quality control process and the certifications that back every order.

KL Stone holds the following international certifications:
  • SGS — Independent third-party product testing and quality inspection, covering physical and chemical properties of stone products.
  • NSF — Food-contact safety certification for countertop surfaces, widely required by North American clients.
  • ISO 14001 — Environmental Management System certification, demonstrating our commitment to responsible quarrying and production practices.
Certificates are available upon request for inclusion in project documentation.

Consistency management is built into every stage of our process:
  • Quarry level — We select blocks from a single geological seam with matched background tone and vein intensity.
  • Pre-production — All blocks are gang-sawn and laid out sequentially; clients review digital photographs before cutting begins.
  • Production — Approved reference samples are maintained at workstations as the live standard throughout the run.
  • Pre-shipment — A final QC check against the approved sample is conducted before any goods leave our facility.
For critical bookmatched or colour-matched projects, we offer an on-site factory inspection visit or can arrange a third-party inspection.

Yes. Our standard process includes an internal pre-shipment inspection for every order. For orders above a specified value threshold or for first-time clients, we proactively arrange: dimensional verification, surface finish check, count and packaging inspection, and photographic documentation of all goods before loading.

Clients may also engage their own third-party inspector (SGS, Bureau Veritas, QIMA, etc.) — we welcome and accommodate all third-party inspections at our facility at no additional charge.

We add a standard 3–5% overage to every shipment to account for any minor transit breakage or on-site cutting waste. In the event of documented manufacturing defects or damage attributable to packaging failure, we will replace affected pieces in the next available shipment at no cost to the client. Claims must be submitted with photographic evidence within 30 days of delivery.

Shipping & Lead Time

International logistics, packaging standards, and delivery timelines.

We export to over 60 countries across six continents. Our primary markets include:
  • Asia-Pacific — Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, UAE, Saudi Arabia
  • Europe — UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Poland
  • North America — USA, Canada
  • South America — Brazil, Chile, Colombia
  • Africa — South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya
Shipments depart via Qingdao Port and Tianjin Port. We can arrange FCL (full container load) and LCL (less-than-container) consolidation for smaller orders.

All products are packed to international export standards:
  • Slabs and large-format tiles are loaded vertically into A-frame wooden crates with foam padding between each piece.
  • Small tiles and mosaics are stacked in cardboard cartons with polystyrene corner protectors, then secured on wooden pallets.
  • Fragile or high-value items (inlay medallions, stone furniture) receive additional custom wooden boxing with internal bracing.
All packaging is stamped with weight, dimensions, and handling instructions ("Fragile", "This Way Up") and complies with ISPM-15 phytosanitary heat-treatment standards.

We offer the following Incoterms, depending on client preference and order volume:
  • FOB (Free On Board) — Our standard term; goods delivered to the named port of shipment, freight and insurance arranged by the buyer.
  • CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) — We arrange and pay for freight and insurance to the destination port.
  • EXW (Ex-Works) — Goods available at our factory gate; all subsequent logistics arranged by the buyer.
  • DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) — We handle door-to-door delivery including customs clearance in the destination country (available for selected markets).

Estimated sea freight transit times from Qingdao Port:
  • Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia): 7–10 days
  • Australia / New Zealand: 14–18 days
  • Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia): 14–20 days
  • Europe (UK, Germany, France): 28–35 days
  • USA (West Coast): 18–25 days
  • USA (East Coast): 30–38 days
Times are indicative and subject to shipping line schedules and port congestion. We provide Bill of Lading copies and container tracking details for all FCL shipments.

Stone Care & Maintenance

How to protect your stone and keep it looking pristine for decades.

For day-to-day cleaning of polished marble surfaces:
  • Use a soft, damp microfibre cloth or mop with warm water.
  • Use a pH-neutral stone-specific cleaner — never acidic or alkaline household products (vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, ammonia).
  • Wipe up spills, especially acidic liquids (wine, coffee, citrus juice), immediately to prevent etching.
  • Avoid abrasive scrubbing pads that can scratch the polished surface.
  • Dry the surface after cleaning to prevent water marks on polished finishes.

Yes. Marble is a porous material and benefits from a penetrating impregnating sealer to reduce stain absorption. Recommended sealing frequency:
  • Kitchen countertops and dining surfaces: every 6–12 months
  • Bathroom floors and walls: every 1–2 years
  • Low-traffic flooring and wall cladding: every 3–5 years
Apply sealer with a clean cloth, allow to penetrate for the recommended dwell time, then buff off any excess. A water-bead test (water beads on the surface rather than absorbing) confirms the sealer is still effective.

Stain treatment varies by type:
  • Oil-based stains (grease, butter, oils): apply a poultice of baking soda mixed with mineral spirits; cover with cling film; leave 24h; rinse.
  • Organic stains (coffee, wine, fruit): clean immediately with warm water and a few drops of hydrogen peroxide (for light stone only).
  • Ink / marker: apply acetone or lacquer thinner with a cotton bud for small areas.
  • Metal rust stains: commercial rust remover specifically rated for natural stone — test in an inconspicuous area first.
Etching (white hazy marks from acid contact) is not a stain — it is surface damage that requires professional re-polishing or re-honing. Engineered quartz is non-porous and far more stain-resistant; most marks can be removed with soapy water and a soft cloth.

Minor chips can be repaired using colour-matched epoxy or polyester filler, applied by a professional stone restorer. Deep cracks may require the affected tile or slab section to be replaced. We recommend retaining a small quantity (5–10% extra) of your original stone when ordering, so that future repairs maintain a perfect material match — especially important for natural stone where no two batches are identical. For professional repair and restoration services, contact a specialist stone care contractor in your region.

Pricing & Samples

How we quote, what to expect, and how to request samples.

Stone pricing depends on several factors:
  • Material rarity and origin — Imported Italian marble commands a premium over domestic Chinese varieties.
  • Order volume — Larger orders benefit from tiered pricing; we offer meaningful discounts from 200 m² upwards.
  • Surface finish — Polished finishes are standard; speciality finishes (leathered, antique, waterjet) carry an additional processing charge.
  • Fabrication complexity — Standard tiles are priced lower than custom-cut profiles, mitred pieces, or inlay work.
  • Incoterms & delivery destination — FOB pricing is our baseline; CIF adds freight and insurance.
Contact our sales team with your project details for a formal quotation within 24 hours.

Yes. We provide complimentary material samples (typically 200×200 mm or 300×300 mm coupons) for qualified project inquiries. Samples are dispatched by express courier (DHL / FedEx) and usually arrive within 3–5 business days internationally. We ask that you cover the courier cost for the sample delivery, which is credited back against your first confirmed order. Please specify the material name, finish, and thickness required when making your sample request.

Our standard payment terms are:
  • New clients: 30% deposit upon order confirmation + 70% balance before shipment (against copy of Bill of Lading).
  • Established clients: negotiable 30/70 or net payment terms based on order history and volume.
We accept T/T (Telegraphic Transfer / Wire Transfer) and L/C (Letter of Credit) at sight for large orders. We do not currently accept credit cards for international B2B transactions. All transactions are conducted in USD unless otherwise agreed.

Yes. We have a tiered discount and partnership programme for distributors, importers, and project buyers who commit to recurring volumes. Benefits include:
  • Preferential unit pricing based on annual volume commitment
  • Reserved stock allocation for fast-moving lines
  • Priority production scheduling for peak-season orders
  • Dedicated account manager and direct factory access
  • Co-marketing support (product photography, technical data sheets, on-brand sample kits)
Please contact us to discuss a partnership arrangement tailored to your business model.

Still Have Questions?

Our expert team replies within 24 hours — no question is too technical or too simple.