Slate samples can be ordered directly from our website. We ship by FedEx and just charge for the shipping and handling. The sample pieces are approximately 4x 4.
177
Does BuildDirect ship to Europe?
2007-12-20 15:12:48
Answer
At present, we ship container orders (5000 sq. ft. +) to Europe. Shipping small pallet orders from North America to Europe is not cost effective at this time.
178
How much breakage should I expect with an order?
2007-12-20 15:13:09
Answer
It is not unusual to have 2% - 3% of the tile broken to some degree (e.g. chipped edges). Any amount up to 10% is still considered acceptable. These damaged tiles can be used for the cuts you will need to make. If breakage is above 10%, we would ask you to have it noted on the logistics receiving document and take photos. Please make a claim with us within 10 days of receiving the order.
179
Can you tell me an exact date that the container will arrive?
2007-12-20 15:13:46
Answer
Unfortunately, we cannot offer guarantees on container shipment time lines. At this time, most containers take 10-12 weeks from date of order. There is a chance that it could take longer because of factors beyond our control, for example; security measures undertaken by U.S. Customs and Border Protection could possibly delay a shipment.
180
How are residential deliveries made?
2007-12-20 15:14:13
Answer
The product would be delivered on a truck equipped with a lift-gate. The pallets would be lowered to the ground and pulled onto your driveway with a pallet-jack. A residential delivery is considered completed once the product is placed on the driveway.
181
Which forms of payment do you accept?
2007-12-20 15:14:56
Answer
We accept Visa, MasterCard, bank drafts (also referred to as cashier''s checks or money orders) and wire transfers.
182
What makes granite the hardest building stone?
2007-12-20 15:33:48
Answer
Granite is formed by solidification of liquid magma (molten rock) under the pressure of earth''s crust. It is composed of Feldspar, Quartz, Mica, and other minerals, making it one of the hardest stones in the world. It has been used for building and decorative purposes for centuries. Granite resists wear-and-tear applications remarkably well, making it ideal for interior or exterior flooring. When used outdoors, granite''s mineralogical structure is not influenced by freeze-thaw cycles.
183
What do the finished surfaces of granite look like?
2007-12-20 15:34:18
Answer
Granite can have four main finishes: polished (shiny), honed (matte), flamed or brushed (textured). The polished and honed surfaces are flat and smooth. The flamed and brushed surfaces are flat and textured. The polished surface is shiniest, while the brushed surface reflects the least amount of light. The back and sides have a sawn finish.
184
What applications are recommended for these granite finishes?
2007-12-20 15:34:41
Answer
Granite finishes are suitable for different applications. For example:
Honed surface – high traffic indoor/outdoor commercial flooring, wash rooms, side walks.
Flamed or Brushed surface – external flooring, decks, pavements, side walks, curb stones, garden benches
185
Why is granite an excellent material for kitchen countertops?
2007-12-20 15:35:36
Answer
Next to diamond, sapphire, and ruby, granite is the hardest natural product on earth. Once polished, natural granite will maintain its high gloss virtually forever. Normal use of kitchen knives, cutlery, and cookware leaves no scratches. Heat has almost no effect on natural granite, making it much safer than synthetic surfaces with polyesters and resins. Pots and pans heated to 900 degrees Fahrenheit will not dull natural granite''s lustrous finish, but the use of trivets is recommended to keep your granite counter clean.
186
Can granite get stained and do I need to seal it?
2007-12-20 15:36:06
Answer
Granite is a highly dense material and relatively porous so it can get stained if a spill is not cleaned quickly. Sealing the surface with a water-based sealant is therefore recommended to protect the granite from water patches and stains. Sealing can be done once a year or once every two years depending on the usage of the surface.
187
Can I use granite tile for bathroom flooring?
2007-12-20 15:36:32
Answer
like any other smooth surface floor, the polished surface of a granite bathroom floor can be slippery if it gets a lot of water and is walked on with improper footwear. A honed granite surface is therefore recommended for bathrooms.
188
Can I use granite tile for counter tops?
2007-12-20 15:36:59
Answer
Granite tiles can be used for a counter top surface.It is recommended to use a 3/4sub-board with waterproof membrane to support the tiles. It is also essential to seal the tiles after installation to avoid staining.
189
Can I use granite tiles on shower walls?
2007-12-20 15:37:26
Answer
Granite tiles can be used on shower walls. It is recommended to use cement backer board or hardy board with a waterproof membrane to avoid transfer of moisture. It is also recommended to seal the granite after installation to avoid water absorption and mildew formation.
190
Can granite tile be butted or do I need to leave a grout line?
2007-12-20 15:37:51
Answer
Granite tile floors appear the best when the tiles are butted. However, it is important to make sure the tiles are matched before setting on thinset.
191
Does BuildDirect do granite tile installation?
2007-12-20 15:38:18
Answer
We do not do tile installation. Please consult your local Yellow Pages for information on tile setters. BuildDirect recommends the services of an installation specialist for lasting satisfaction.
192
What is BuildDirect''s minimum pallet order for granite?
2007-12-20 15:38:47
Answer
For shipments from warehouses in North America, we have a minimum order quantity of one pallet for 12x 12 granite tiles (360 sq. ft. per pallet) and two pallets for 18x 18 granite tiles (2 x 225 sq. ft. per pallet = 450 sq. ft.).
193
I need a smaller amount of tile than your minimum – where do I go from here?
2007-12-20 15:39:16
Answer
Please consult your local Yellow Pages for information on retailers that sell in smaller quantities. Look under Stone Retailers or Ceramic Retailers.
194
What granite does BuildDirect sell by the container?
2007-12-20 15:39:44
Answer
BuildDirect sells a wide variety of granite by container from India, Brazil, and China. Our highly qualified logistics experts will oversee the ocean and ground shipment of your container order. Please take a look at the varieties of granite available by container on this Website.
195
How much granite tile does a container hold?
2007-12-20 15:40:33
Answer
Container quantities of granite range from 4,000 sq. ft. to 7,000 sq. ft. depending on the product and tile size.
196
Am I restricted to getting just one product in a container?
2007-12-20 15:41:00
Answer
Container orders can comprise any combination of the colors, sizes, finishes and shapes that a given factory produces. There is a minimum of one pallet per type.
197
What size of tiles are available from BuildDirect?
2007-12-20 15:41:30
Answer
The following sizes of tiles are available as standard products.
12x 12x 3/8(pallet or container)
16x 16x 3/8(container only)
18x 18x 1/2(pallet or container)
24x 24x 1/2 (container only)
Custom sizes available in container volumes on request
198
What custom granite products can I order by container from BuildDirect?
2007-12-20 15:42:17
Answer
Other than the standard products such as tiles, slabs, counter tops, and vanity tops, we take custom orders on granite products for your specific requirements. Custom orders can be made for products such as kitchen counter tops, vanity tops, stair treads and risers, fire place surrounds, and columns. Aminimum container quantity/order value applies to all custom products. Please inquire with BuildDirect''s product specialist. You will have to provide dimensional drawings and templates for manufacture.
199
where do you ship material from?
2007-12-20 15:42:40
Answer
BuildDirect ships container orders from the product''s country of origin. Pallet orders are shipped from nearest warehouse in the U.S.A.
200
How much does granite weigh?
2007-12-20 15:43:15
Answer
Granite tiles and slabs come in different thicknesses. The weight per square foot for each thickness is as follows:
3/8(10mm) thick tile: 5.5 lbs sq. ft.
1/2(12mm) thick tile: 6.5 lbs. sq. ft.
3/4(20mm) thick slab: 12.8 lbs. sq. ft.
1 1/4(30mm) thick slab: 18 lbs sq. ft.
Granite is heavy and will require proper equipment or labour to accept goods on delivery. Please check weight of goods before they are delivered so you are properly prepared.
