FAQ

Understanding Natural Stone

Choosing & Specifying

How do I choose the right stone for my project?

Consider the application (interior or exterior), the aesthetic you’re after, maintenance, and durability, since each material ages and responds to its environment differently. The best stone is the one suited to your specific project, and consulting our sales and design team is the surest way to realize your design intent. Browsing our Materiality page and Projects is a good place to start.

How do I select a color?

Weigh the overall aesthetic, lighting, traffic, durability, weather exposure, and intended use of the space. Neutral tones offer versatility; bold colors make strong focal points. All marble, limestone, quartzite, sandstone, and granite can be used indoors or out, though each weathers in its own way. You can preview material and color in context using the Borrowed Earth Design Build app.

What sizes do your tiles come in?

Our natural stone tiles come in standard dimensions including 12″ × 24″, 24″ × 24″, and 6″ × 24″. Custom and bespoke sizes are also available to suit specific project requirements, giving you flexibility across every scale of installation. Browse the full range in our Tiles collection.

What sizes and thicknesses are available?

Size and thickness vary by collection and application. Panels typically come in a standard 8′ × 4′ format, with thicknesses ranging from about 0.75″ to 2″ (20mm to 50mm). Custom thicknesses are available across materials such as Crema Limestone, Black Wave Marble, and Taj White Marble. Most other products come in standard architectural stone thicknesses, with custom options available for certain projects.

What sizes and stones are available for bath pieces?

Most bath pieces come in Large, Medium, and Small variations so the scale can be matched to the space, with custom sizing available on request. Bath products are offered in marble varieties including Black Wave Marble, Guatemala Green Marble, Lavender Hue Marble, Taj White Marble, and Venato Beige, each with its own natural veining and tone. Explore our Bath collection.

Can I get custom sizes, shapes, or forms?

Yes. Bespoke sizes, shapes, and forms are available across tiles, panels, bath, and fireplaces. Our studio works closely with you to adapt each piece to the scale and vision of your project, refining form, proportion, and finish along the way.

How do I estimate the quantity of stone I'll need?

Account for the project area, pattern layout, wastage from cuts, and future repairs. We advise ordering 10–15% more than measured to cover breakage, cuts, and potential future needs.

Applications

Craft & Fabrication

Installation, Care & Longevity

Can your tiles be cut on site?

Yes. Our tiles can be cut on site by a qualified installer using standard stone fabrication equipment. We can also provide custom sizing from the factory when required.

What grout joint size do you recommend?

Joint size varies with the product and installation conditions. We recommend following TCNA guidelines and the installation guide linked on each product page; your installer can determine the best joint size for the application.

Can the pattern be aligned continuously across multiple tiles?

Yes. Many of our patterns are designed for continuous alignment across adjacent tiles. Please use the Borrowed Earth Design Build app [CONFIRM URL] to visualize tiles from our existing collection, or contact us for site-specific drawings and renderings. Final results depend on the installer’s layout and execution.

How are outside corners handled?

For dimensional patterns, we typically recommend factory-fabricated corner pieces over field-mitering wherever possible. This preserves pattern continuity and delivers the best finished result. Please refer to our Installation Guide.

How much do your panels weigh ? are there structural considerations?

Most panels weigh between 10 and 15 lbs per square foot, depending on material and thickness. Supporting structures should be assessed by a qualified professional to confirm they can bear this load before installation.

Do your products need to be sealed? how do I maintain them?

Sealing requirements depend on the stone type, finish, and application. Across all pieces, clean with a pH-neutral cleaner and avoid acidic or abrasive products that can damage the surface. Periodic sealing protects the stone and preserves its finish over time, and prompt spill cleanup keeps it at its best. For tiles, sealing follows TCNA guidelines, and proper finishing also supports the slip and water resistance that makes them suitable for wet areas. We recommend consulting your installer or a stone care professional for the right program; installation guides are available on each product page.

What is the expected lifespan of a natural stone installation?

Natural stone has been used since the dawn of civilization. Properly maintained, installations can last indefinitely, making it one of the most sustainable choices for residential and commercial projects alike.

Do you offer warranties?

We offer warranties covering manufacturing defects. We celebrate “Perfect Imperfections,” so the warranty does not cover natural veining, fissures, or fossils that occur in the material itself.

Working With Us