Get answers to common questions about natural stone, engineered surfaces, and premium tile, and Marble of the World.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your hours?
All Florida showrooms are open Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm, and some are open Saturdays as well. Please visit our Showrooms page for details.
Do I need an appointment?
No, you do not need an appointment to visit our showrooms. We invite you to any of our locations Monday-Friday, with most locations open Saturday as well.
Do you sell countertops?
Marble of the World supplies natural stone and engineered stone in large-format slabs and tiles to your stone fabricator. We do not sell ready-made countertops for kitchens, bathrooms, or other applications. After you select materials from Marble of the World, your fabricator will transform them into finished/installed products.
Do you sell to the public?
Marble of the World is a wholesale distributor. As is the standard for wholesale distributors in our industry, we sell to your stone fabricator. Although we are open to the public for selection, we do not sell slabs directly to the public. You may, however, request holds for materials you have selected.
How do I get prices for the stone I select?
All pricing comes from your stone fabricator. They factor in their labor and time to template, cut, fabricate, and install the stone slabs you select in our showrooms. Fabricators are specialized subcontractors who utilize specific processes and equipment to create the finished, final countertop that gets installed.
If you are working with a trade professional, such as a general contractor, interior designer, or architect, they may already have a specialized fabricator they utilize to cut their stone. We also have lists of top local stone fabricators near you that we can recommend for your project.
Will you hold the materials I select?
Yes. You may place a hold on the material you select. If you already have a stone fabricator, they may also request material holds on your behalf.
How long will you hold my materials?
We will hold your selected materials for 14 days, allowing you time to secure bids with your fabricator. After two weeks, we request a 50% deposit from your fabricator.
What is a stone fabricator?
Stone fabricators are the specialized subcontractors who take our stone materials and cut, fabricate, and install the surfaces in your home, business, or wherever your project may be. We sell our stone slabs directly to stone fabricators, who deliver and install the surface.
Why do I need a stone fabricator?
- A fabricator is necessary to purchase stone slabs from Marble of the World – we do not provide pricing or sell slabs to the public.
- Stone fabricators take our raw slab materials you select and template, cut, fabricate, and install the stone.
Do you provide installation services?
We do not provide installation services or fabrication. We work with top local fabrication shops at all locations, and you can use our Fabricator Directory for a list of trusted and talented fabricators in your area.
What should I bring when visiting your showroom?
Bring your design materials (cabinetry, flooring, or backsplash samples), and let us help you bring your vision to life. See our Shopping page for more info on what to expect when shopping for stone and tile.
How many stone slabs do I need for my project?
Once you find the stone you love, we can hold your materials for 14 days while your fabricator takes measurements, determines how many slabs your project needs, and finalizes your selection.
What types of stone do you carry?
We offer an expansive selection of premium hard surfaces, including both stone and tile in one space.
Our curated inventory includes natural stone slabs of quartzite, marble, granite, onyx, travertine, limestone, soapstone, coral stone, and more — as well as a wide variety of high-end tile.
We also carry engineered (manufactured) surfaces, including porcelain slabs, sintered stone, semi-precious stone, engineered quartz, recycled glass, and large-format tile.
You’ll find top-tier surface brands such as Neolith, Earth Elements, Diresco, Vetrite, and more — all selected to meet the demands of luxury indoor and outdoor living. Explore our products.
What is natural stone?
Natural stones are exquisite materials that formed over millions of years within the Earth. Each piece is a unique work of art characterized by its distinct color, veining, and texture. These stones, such as granite, marble, onyx, and quartzite, are quarried from the Earth and then carefully cut, polished, and finished to reveal their inherent beauty.
Natural stones are not artificial, which means every slab has its own story, crafted by nature, making them a timeless and luxurious choice for any space.
The most common types of natural stone applications are natural stone countertops, stone flooring, exterior stone cladding, stone backsplashes, stone fireplaces, stone accent walls, stone pavers for pool decks and patios.
What is the difference between quartz and quartzite?
There are many nuances to these products, but simply put, quartz is a category of engineered (manufactured) hard surface products, and quartzite is a category of natural stone.
How do I clean and maintain stone?
Not all stones are created equal — each type has its own properties and care needs. To determine the proper cleaning method, you’ll need to consider a few factors, including the type of stone, stone porosity, vulnerability, and resistance to aging.
See our Stone Care guide for details on how to clean natural stone.
What sets Marble of the World apart from other natural stone suppliers and stone distributors in my area?
Selection, Collection, Service, and Showroom.
Selection:
Every slab we carry is hand-selected for quality, aesthetic, and consistency. From luminous quartzites to coastal classics like travertine, coral stone, and porcelain, our inventory reflects the bold design tastes and outdoor lifestyle of Florida.
Collection:
Marble of the World maintains an expansive range of natural stone and engineered surfaces, all under one roof. With a deep inventory of slabs and tile sourced from around the world, we make it easy to find the perfect material for any space, style, or setting — indoors or out.
Service:
Our stone specialists provide VIP-level service from the moment you walk in. Whether you’re building your dream kitchen, designing an outdoor oasis, or sourcing for a client, we’ll make you feel welcome, ask the right questions, and guide you with product knowledge to help realize your vision.
Showroom and Slab Gallery:
Our showrooms are designed to inspire and our temperature-controlled slab galleries invite you to explore at your pace — no appointment needed.
What does a hand-selection of stone mean?
Hand selection is the process of selecting or picking the exact slabs for your project within a block of available stone. This process happens Monday – Friday at all of our showrooms.
