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When remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, few decisions impact the beauty and value of your home more than your countertops. While online inspiration and small samples can help narrow your options, nothing compares to viewing full slabs in person. That’s why homeowners across Cleveland and Northeast Ohio visit the Design Surfaces slab warehouse in Westlake, OH—to choose with confidence. We will walk you through everything you need to know about viewing slabs in a warehouse, how to prepare, what to look for, and expert tips to help you select the perfect countertop for your home.
A warehouse slab viewing gives you something no online photo or sample can: the full picture.
When you visit a slab warehouse, you see large, uncut stone slabs in their natural state. This matters because no two natural slabs are alike. Colors, veining, movement, and mineral patterns all vary—sometimes dramatically. A small showroom sample or photo might not show those variations, which can lead to surprises after installation.
Seeing the full slab helps you:
At Design Surfaces in Westlake, you’ll find an extensive selection of quartz, granite, marble, quartzite, and soapstone slabs. We encourage every customer to explore the full slabs, compare materials, and envision them in their own space.
A successful showroom visit starts with a little planning. Here’s how to prepare before your visit.
Browse countertop materials and styles online. Look through kitchen galleries, Pinterest, or our website to find what you like. Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic movement of Taj Mahal quartzite or the classic charm of marble-look quartz, having a shortlist in mind makes your visit smoother.
You can also use online visualizer tools to preview how different materials look with your cabinetry or floors. Save images or make a note of favorite colors and materials so you can refer to them when you arrive.
Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend scheduling your visit in advance. This ensures one-on-one guidance from a Design Surfaces expert who can help you compare materials, answer your questions, and safely assist with viewing slabs—even those stored deeper in the bundle.
Bring anything you can from your current or future design. The more context you provide, the easier it will be to visualize how a slab will look in your home. Helpful items include:
Once you arrive at the slab warehouse, here’s how to get the most out of the experience.
Small samples don’t capture the true scale or pattern movement of natural stone. That’s why we always recommend viewing the entire slab upright. Step back and look at the veining. Walk side to side and observe how the light hits the surface. Some materials show variation that’s only visible from certain angles or distances.
This step is especially important for natural stones like granite, quartzite, marble, and soapstone, where each slab is completely unique.
If your kitchen requires more than one slab—such as for a large island and perimeter counters—ask whether they come from the same lot. This helps ensure color and pattern consistency.
Also ask about bookmatching, where two slabs are cut and placed side-by-side to create a mirror-image effect. This is a striking visual technique, often used for waterfall islands or large feature walls.
Found a slab you love? Take photos of the full slab, as well as the name, finish, and reference number. This will help you compare later or share with your designer or contractor.
We recommend recording:
You can also request that your favorite slab be tagged and held while you finalize your project details.
Countertops are a long-term investment. Set aside plenty of time to walk through the slab area and revisit your top choices. Don’t rush. If you’re designing a showpiece kitchen island or backsplash, you'll want to carefully consider veining direction, texture, and how the slab’s features align with your layout.
Lighting can dramatically impact how a slab looks. View the slab in natural light when possible, or bring a small LED flashlight to mimic the lighting in your kitchen or bathroom. Veining, undertones, and surface texture can look different depending on the light source and angle.
Each material has its own strengths, style, and care requirements. Here’s what to know about the most popular options:
Quartz is engineered for consistency and durability. It’s non-porous, stain-resistant, and doesn’t require sealing—great for busy kitchens.
Granite is a natural stone known for its strength and heat resistance. It requires sealing about once a year but is ideal for everyday cooking.
Marble is elegant and timeless, but it’s softer and more prone to etching and staining. It’s best for lower-traffic areas or where appearance is the priority.
Quartzite offers the beauty of marble with granite-level durability. It’s extremely hard, heat-resistant, and may require occasional sealing.
Soapstone is naturally non-porous, doesn’t need sealing, and has a soft matte finish that develops a natural patina over time. It’s softer than quartzite or granite but can be sanded or oiled to refresh its look.
Choosing the right surface is a big decision—our comprehensive guide—The Ultimate Kitchen Countertop Guide—breaks down everything from durability to design.
Slabs may come in different finishes that completely change their appearance and feel:
Ask to see all available finish options in person and think about how they’ll match your cabinetry, hardware, and overall aesthetic.
This is what we’re here for. Our team is happy to explain:
Your countertop should be as functional as it is beautiful. Here's what you need to know:
Quartz: Low-maintenance, non-porous, stain-resistant, and never needs sealing. Perfect for high-traffic kitchens and families.
Granite: Durable and heat-tolerant, with periodic sealing required. A timeless option that holds up to daily use.
Marble: Requires more care, but delivers high-end beauty. Best for vanities, guest baths, or occasional-use kitchens.
Quartzite: Strong, elegant, and long-lasting. Slight sealing needed but otherwise durable and low maintenance.
Soapstone: Naturally resistant to stains and bacteria, but prone to scratching. Gains a soft, lived-in look with age and mineral oil treatment.
Not at all. While having a material type and rough dimensions helps us provide a more accurate estimate, it’s not required to get started. Different materials can vary in price, and our team is happy to guide you toward options that align with your budget and design goals.
Yes! Many customers are still planning. We can offer referrals to local fabricators once you select your slab.
Most projects are completed within two to three weeks of selecting your slab, depending on fabricator scheduling.
You can change your selection during the holding period—usually within three business days.
Quartz offers low maintenance and consistency. Natural stone delivers unmatched character and uniqueness. We'll help you choose based on your style, usage, and care preferences.
At Design Surfaces, we offer a full range of high-quality materials to complete your project with style and substance. In addition to countertop materials, you'll find:
Selecting your countertop from full slabs is the most reliable way to ensure your final result looks exactly how you imagined. From bold veining to subtle textures, choosing your surface in person gives you control, confidence, and peace of mind.If you’re remodeling or building, come visit Westlake showroom and slab warehouse. Bring your design samples, explore our collection, and let our experienced team at Design Surfaces in Westlake guide you to the perfect surface. Let’s bring your vision to life—one slab at a time.
Call: 440.899.9900 • Email: info@designsurfaces.com • Contact: submit your request
