Distributor or Fabricator: Natural Stone Suppliers

Distributors and fabricators are both suppliers of natural stone. Distributor or fabricator? Which one shall I choose? Which one is better for my residential or commercial projects? What is the difference between these two terms?

Never Built a Home or Executed a Kitchen?

If you’ve never built a home or executed a kitchen or bath remodel, there’s a good chance you’re not exactly sure where to start. There’s a ton of information out there on the Internet, but if you’re new to the process, you may not even know which questions to ask or which terms to Google.

Difference between Distributor and Fabricator

One question we get a lot is what’s the difference between a distributor and a fabricator, and how do you know who to turn to and when? Here’s how it boils down:

Distributors or Wholesalers

Distribution incorporates sales/marketing; purchasing; credit; warehouse logistics and operations; and transportation functions, along with a career path for management of a single facility or multiple facilities. Distributors or wholesalers are basically the suppliers to the natural stone industry. These are the people who provide access to the stone as well as technical support. Distributors and wholesalers search the world over for top-quality materials, hand-selecting the very best products for our market. They usually do their best so that they can bring their discerning customers the products they’re looking for and also welcome them to visit their showrooms and make sure customers leave showroom with a pleasant and unforgettable shopping experience.

Fabricators

Fabrication incorporates the same functions as distribution with the added dimension of equipment and manufacturing processes. Fabricators are the hands-on stone experts who execute the process from templating to the final details of installation. This includes measuring, figuring out exactly how much stone, or other material, is needed, laying out the stone to ensure the best view of striations, veins, shading and other features of the surfacing product, executing edge details, and basically ensuring that your final product looks impeccably beautiful.

Distributor or Fabricator?

Of course wholesale distributors typically carry far more inventory than a fabricator, but depending on your particular project, a fabricator may be able to offer savings. If you’re working on a large project, say a master bath that includes vanity countertop, tub deck, and jams, you’ll want to go to a distributor. They’ll be sure to have enough of the material you’re looking for. However, if you’re just looking for surfacing for a small project, like a small single bowl countertop in a half-bath, then check out a fabricator. They’ll typically have tons of remnants for you to choose from, which can mean big savings.

In Summary

Distributors and Fabricators offer exciting career opportunities that educate, allow for autonomy, and present an individual avenue to expand their horizons.

Sources

www.marbleandgranite.com/blog/2013/december-2013/distributor-or-fabricator-what-is-the-difference

www.razorbladeco.com/purchasing-from-a-distributor-vs-manufacturer

insulation.org/membership/committees-minutes/distributorsfabricators/