Granted, in the past few years, China has become an important exporting country for marble, granite and other natural stone products. It is little doubtful that China is capable of supplying high quality and low cost building and carving stones due to its low labor costs, rich natural stone resources and internationally recognized traditional workmanship.
There are many excellent marble granite fabricators and stone carvers in China. However, a large portion of stone products have been imported to the States by various exporters in China, although they claim "factory direct". Among these exporters, some are large firms, some are one-man business and some even do not exist at all.
With fast growing of international trade, more and more stone dealers, contractors and even homeowners have been ordering or trying to order stone products directly from sources located in China. Most people believe by doing so they would get much better deals comparing to buying from a vendor in the States. That might be right to certain extent. However, this could expose a buyer to great financial risks as the buyer has very few leverages on a transaction conducted between two countries. I have heard of many undesirable experiences and disastrous stories associated with ordering stone products directly from China.
I am not trying to be scary. The situation is indeed true and the incidents are absolutely not isolated. Let's first review the ordering process that most international trades would follow.
As the first step, you will search for a number of stone suppliers in China through Internet. You don't know anything about them other than whatever they advertised themselves. Then you obtain a number of comparison quotes for the stone products you are in the market for and decide to deal with one of them. Then you sign a sales agreement with the supplier and wire transfer a deposit (typically 30-50%). After the deposit fund leaves your bank, the only things you can do are waiting for production to be completed in China and, praying for the order to be shipped on time and in conformity with what you specified. Finally, you have pay for the full balance before the shipment is delivered to your site.
The problem is right here - you will virtually lose control of the ordering process after sending the deposit oversea. The supplier that took your deposit may choose to proceed in the following three ways:
1, They will produce and deliver your marble granite order as per the terms in the sales agreement. This would be an ideal result with a happy ending. You get what you need with great savings.
2, They will produce and deliver your order in an inferiors way. This scenario happens quite often. For example, different marble granite and other natural stone materials have significantly different costs. Using the materials with lower costs will generate additional profits for them. When you receive the shipment and find out what you get is not what you wanted, what can you do? Basically nothing. They have your money. They may choose to do anything or nothing. Even if the discrepancy is discovered before the order is shipped, you will still find yourself in a difficult situation. You may ask them to redo the order, but the chance is rather slim. You may cancel the order and demand a refund of the deposit, haha, canceling order is okay; getting money back? good luck. Here is a real story. I know a buyer who paid over $2000 to buy a precious "jade vase". When the shipment arrived, she discovered the vase was made in regular "onyx", which has a value of less than $200. What a loss!
3, They will grab your deposit, close bank account and disappear completely. They may change the business name and do the same trick again and again. But you will never be able to track them down. This group of "suppliers" are running scam business and have caused significant financial losses to American consumers.
Therefore, buyers should be extremely cautious when ordering marble granite and stone products directly from the suppliers in China. Here are some important tips.
1. Always do some comprehensive researches on the background of potential suppliers in China. This may be difficult to do, but you must do. You may request trade references from their existing customers in America. You may also contact local chamber of commerce in the city where the supplier is located to validate their business nature and credit history.
2. If you order is large enough, you may want to pay a visit to China before finalizing the order to meet the supplier(s) in person and to see their manufacturing facilities.
3. Make sure to have all specifications included in the sales agreement, the more detailed the better. Also make sure to state "no substitue material allowed" in the agreement.
Let me give you an example. Italian White Carrara is a well-known marble with high value. There is also a type of white marble quarried in China, namely Beijing Off-white marble or Hanbaiyu, that can have very similar color and textures to the Italian White Carrara. Many suppliers in China, especially carving stone vendors, often use Beijing off white marble to replace Italian White Carrara and argue that Beijing Off White Marble is also called "white Carrara" in English. The problem is that the cost of Hanbaiyu is only fraction of Italian White Carrara. How to avoid this type of trick? Easy, make sure to include "Italian" before "white carrara" and indicate "Chinese version of the material" will not be accepted.
Similar situations also exist in granite colors. For example, there are two versions of "Emerald Green" granite. One is quarried in China and the other has an European origin. They are quite different in terms of texture and price.
3. Try to use "letter of credit" (L/C) as the form of payment. It is the fairest transaction methods for both seller and buyer. Both parties are financially protected if they are determined to fulfill respective obligations as set forth in the sales agreement.
4. Stop and think again when you see a quote containing prices that are too low to believe. Most scam businesses tend to use extremely low prices to attract buyers or more accurately, the deposits.
5. When comparing the quotes you received, make sure to compare apple to apple. Suppliers in China like to use some vague pricing or delivery terms in their quotes so they can impose hidden charges, i.e., increase your costs, later.
For example, you will be surely happy with total costs of $3000 for shipping a container from China to Buffalo, New York, including ocean and land freight, duty and port charges. But wait, there is a line in small letters, saying "shipping costs are estimate only". As the commonly used trade term is FOB, or Free On Board, you as a buyer are responsible for all logistics related expenses anyway; a supplier can quote anything to make their grand total appear competitive. How much truth in that $3000 estimate? Almost none. But I have seen this figure in many quotes sent out from suppliers in China. The average value of a container load of granite and marble is right around $30,000. The duty alone will be almost $1500. Therefore, when comparing the quotes, make sure to compare the costs of goods only, unless what they quoted is "CIF" (costs, insurance and freight, in contrary to FOB) "to-door" delivery.
6. It is strongly recommended to place your order with an accredited marble granite stone importer in the States who is dealing with manufacturers in China directly. You may need to pay little bit more (5-15%) for your order, but this certainly will save you lots of hassles and mostly importantly, your financial risks will significantly reduced. Click here for a link of a reputable stone importer in the US.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Ceramic, Porcelain and Applications
Ceramics, also refereeing to porcelain in some cases, are classified as inorganic and nonmetallic materials that are essential to our daily lifestyle. Ceramic and materials engineers are the people who design the processes in which these products can be made, create new types of ceramic products, and find different uses for ceramic products in everyday life.
Ceramic products all around us. This category of materials includes home and garden items like floor tile, bricks, kitchen sinks, vanity sinks, plates, glass, and toilets. Ceramics can be found in products like watches, snow skies (piezoelectric-ceramics that stress when a voltage is applied to them), automobiles (sparkplugs and ceramic engine parts found in racecars), and phone lines.
Ceramics can also be found on space shuttles, appliances (enamel coatings), and airplanes (nose cones). Depending on their method of formation, ceramics can be dense or lightweight. Typically, they will demonstrate excellent strength and hardness properties; however, they are often brittle in nature.
Ceramics can also be formed to serve as electrically conductive materials, objects allowing electricity to pass through their mass, or insulators, materials preventing the flow of electricity. Some ceramics, like superconductors, also display magnetic properties.
Ceramics are generally made by taking mixtures of clay, earthen elements, powders, and water and shaping them into desired forms. Once the ceramic has been shaped, it is fired in a high temperature oven known as a kiln. Often, ceramics are covered in decorative, waterproof, paint-like substances known as glazes.
Related info: ceramic tile, ceramic sink, ceramic sculpture, building material
Ceramic products all around us. This category of materials includes home and garden items like floor tile, bricks, kitchen sinks, vanity sinks, plates, glass, and toilets. Ceramics can be found in products like watches, snow skies (piezoelectric-ceramics that stress when a voltage is applied to them), automobiles (sparkplugs and ceramic engine parts found in racecars), and phone lines.
Ceramics can also be found on space shuttles, appliances (enamel coatings), and airplanes (nose cones). Depending on their method of formation, ceramics can be dense or lightweight. Typically, they will demonstrate excellent strength and hardness properties; however, they are often brittle in nature.
Ceramics can also be formed to serve as electrically conductive materials, objects allowing electricity to pass through their mass, or insulators, materials preventing the flow of electricity. Some ceramics, like superconductors, also display magnetic properties.
Ceramics are generally made by taking mixtures of clay, earthen elements, powders, and water and shaping them into desired forms. Once the ceramic has been shaped, it is fired in a high temperature oven known as a kiln. Often, ceramics are covered in decorative, waterproof, paint-like substances known as glazes.
Related info: ceramic tile, ceramic sink, ceramic sculpture, building material
Travertine: A Great Alternative to Marble Granite
Travertine is a type of natural stone formed through massive calcium carbonate, CaCO3, and resulting from deposition by springs or land rivers.
Travertine is very porous but consists of very fine grains, often carries beautiful banded colors as the result of presence of iron compound or other impurities such as organics. Travertine stone, sometime being called "travertine marble", "travertine limestone" or even travertine granite, is also known as calc-sinter and calcareous tufa; when used for decorative purposes, it's often referred as onyx marble and Mexican onyx. Another nickname for travertine is "Egyptian Oriental alabaster".
Travertine color has significant variations within the same slab even the same tile, but in general can be categorized into beige cream or yellow that is seen in China, gold and yellow, which are mainly quarried in Turkey, walnut, noce or noche, light white or ivory and red travertine .
Travertine can be used for building applications such as fabricating floor tiles, wall tiles, countertops. Certain types are available for carving sinks, tables, fireplace mantel surrounds, columns, gazebos, fountains, statues etc.
Resources:
Stone
Natural Stone Catagories
Travertine is very porous but consists of very fine grains, often carries beautiful banded colors as the result of presence of iron compound or other impurities such as organics. Travertine stone, sometime being called "travertine marble", "travertine limestone" or even travertine granite, is also known as calc-sinter and calcareous tufa; when used for decorative purposes, it's often referred as onyx marble and Mexican onyx. Another nickname for travertine is "Egyptian Oriental alabaster".
Travertine color has significant variations within the same slab even the same tile, but in general can be categorized into beige cream or yellow that is seen in China, gold and yellow, which are mainly quarried in Turkey, walnut, noce or noche, light white or ivory and red travertine .
Travertine can be used for building applications such as fabricating floor tiles, wall tiles, countertops. Certain types are available for carving sinks, tables, fireplace mantel surrounds, columns, gazebos, fountains, statues etc.
Resources:
Stone
Natural Stone Catagories
Care and Maintenance for Marble and Granite Countertop and tiles
Care and maintenance are important factors to guarantee the lasting beauty of natural stone. improper applications will make it hard to restore marble and granite through regular care and maintenance. So it is important to pay attention when choosing marble granite stone products. There are many different type of nature stones, different in compressive strength, abrasive hardness, acid resistance, skid resistance and water absorption. After a right choice for the natural stone is made, care and maintenance for the stone become essentail. For the polished surface of any stone, it must be kept in mind that the more the surface is kept away from abrasive substances, the less likely it is to be scratched or lose its shining appearance.
Clean up after Initial installation of Marble or Granite Countertops and tiles
A thorough and complete clean-up of epoxy or cement types of residue immediately is essential. A newly installed floor or wall must be cured from 4-6 weeks. During this time, try not to use any cleaner containing dense soap or wax as any gel type of material will fill the pores of the stone and affect moisture evaporation.
Normal Maintenance for Granite
Common care for granite involves only periodic washing with clean, potable water and a neutral detergent soap or cleaner. Rinse thoroughly with clean, potable water to remove all traces of soap or cleaner solution. Dry with a soft cloth and allow complete dry out before making any contacts. After drying, it is recommended to apply a sealer that is designed for granite, which will increase stain resistance of granite. Examples of food and beverages that m stain granite include lemonade, wine, mustard, most salad dressings, cooking oil, tea, mayonnaise, butter and peanut butter.
Normal Maintenance for Marble
Normal "housekeeping" maintenance for marble surfaces involves only periodic washing with clean, potable water and mildly alkaline cleaners. "Soap-less" cleaners are preferred because they minimize streaking and filming. However, mild, phosphate-free biodegradable liquid dish soaps, soap flakes or powders are acceptable if rinsing is thorough.
Begin by applying clean, hot water on the surface, then use the marble cleaning solution to wash the surfaces in small, overlapping sweeps. Rinse thoroughly with clean tap water to remove all residuals of soap or cleaner solution. Change the rinse water frequently. Dry with a soft cloth or cotton-flannel.
Marble is a natural stone and should receive careful attention to prevent damage. It is common sense to use rubber-bottom coasters under all glasses. Table mats should also be used under anything placed on the polished marble surface to prevent scratching. Many common foods and beverages contain acids, which could etch or stain the surface; spills of any type should be immediately wiped and the affected area should be thoroughly washed. Washing should be done with clean, soft cloths and lukewarm water; occasionally a mild detergent may be used.
Examples of Food and Beverages That Can Etch or Stain marble:
Alcoholic beverages, fruit juices, vinegar, tomato products, mustard, carbonated beverages, salad dressings, oil, tea, milk, coffee, butter, peanut butter.
For more information on marble granite maintenance, visit: Marble Granite Stone Center.
Clean up after Initial installation of Marble or Granite Countertops and tiles
A thorough and complete clean-up of epoxy or cement types of residue immediately is essential. A newly installed floor or wall must be cured from 4-6 weeks. During this time, try not to use any cleaner containing dense soap or wax as any gel type of material will fill the pores of the stone and affect moisture evaporation.
Normal Maintenance for Granite
Common care for granite involves only periodic washing with clean, potable water and a neutral detergent soap or cleaner. Rinse thoroughly with clean, potable water to remove all traces of soap or cleaner solution. Dry with a soft cloth and allow complete dry out before making any contacts. After drying, it is recommended to apply a sealer that is designed for granite, which will increase stain resistance of granite. Examples of food and beverages that m stain granite include lemonade, wine, mustard, most salad dressings, cooking oil, tea, mayonnaise, butter and peanut butter.
Normal Maintenance for Marble
Normal "housekeeping" maintenance for marble surfaces involves only periodic washing with clean, potable water and mildly alkaline cleaners. "Soap-less" cleaners are preferred because they minimize streaking and filming. However, mild, phosphate-free biodegradable liquid dish soaps, soap flakes or powders are acceptable if rinsing is thorough.
Begin by applying clean, hot water on the surface, then use the marble cleaning solution to wash the surfaces in small, overlapping sweeps. Rinse thoroughly with clean tap water to remove all residuals of soap or cleaner solution. Change the rinse water frequently. Dry with a soft cloth or cotton-flannel.
Marble is a natural stone and should receive careful attention to prevent damage. It is common sense to use rubber-bottom coasters under all glasses. Table mats should also be used under anything placed on the polished marble surface to prevent scratching. Many common foods and beverages contain acids, which could etch or stain the surface; spills of any type should be immediately wiped and the affected area should be thoroughly washed. Washing should be done with clean, soft cloths and lukewarm water; occasionally a mild detergent may be used.
Examples of Food and Beverages That Can Etch or Stain marble:
Alcoholic beverages, fruit juices, vinegar, tomato products, mustard, carbonated beverages, salad dressings, oil, tea, milk, coffee, butter, peanut butter.
For more information on marble granite maintenance, visit: Marble Granite Stone Center.
Marble Countertop Vs Granite Countertop
Marble Countertop has the most visual appealing surface and can be categorized as expressive material. Marble countertop has a wide range of colors, textures. Coupling with a right finishing, a marble countertop can fit in virtually every type of ambience. Marble countertop does have certain limitations owing to its porosity. There is no sure way of proofing marble countertops against staining from colored fluids, but marble countertop is the top choice in bathrooms. The owner should be prepared to maintain marble countertop periodically.
Granite countertop is created in nature and fashioned by modern technology, making an investment homeowners will never regret. With deep iridescent colors, granite countertops offer unique, one-of-a-kind beauty. Certainly, granite countertop will add character and warmth to kitchen, bath, and other areas of the home with a richness that can not be duplicated in synthetic materials. Granite countertop is second only to diamond in hardness. It is one of the best work surface. Granite countertop is extremely stain and heat resistant.
Resources:
Stone
Countertop
Granite Countertop
Marble Countertop
Granite countertop is created in nature and fashioned by modern technology, making an investment homeowners will never regret. With deep iridescent colors, granite countertops offer unique, one-of-a-kind beauty. Certainly, granite countertop will add character and warmth to kitchen, bath, and other areas of the home with a richness that can not be duplicated in synthetic materials. Granite countertop is second only to diamond in hardness. It is one of the best work surface. Granite countertop is extremely stain and heat resistant.
Resources:
Stone
Countertop
Granite Countertop
Marble Countertop
Fashionable Home Decoration Ideas
When people plan to remodel their home, the first coming into their mind is what material to use. The decision could be tough as there is a balance between quality or class and cost or value. It appears to be a common sense that natural stones are ideal materials for up class decorations. However, traditionally high costs naturally make many home owners think again. Some had to use artificial substitutes of the natural stone in the end. It is rather unfortunate.
It is true that there are very few marble or granite quarries in North America. It is also true that marble granite materials imported from South American and Europe are rather pricey. The situation is improving with more and more marble granite and other natural stone materials are imported from China.
With low labor costs and richness in marble granite resources, China has become a major natural stone export country in the last few years. Moreover, traditional Chinese stone carving has gained worldwide recognitions for its workmanship and product integrity. There are many stone carving studios in China that are capable of reproducing the famous sculptures originally designed and carved by ancient Roman artists.So, luxury home decorations with marble granite and other natural stones are no longer the privileges of few. Marble, granite and other natural stones have a wide range of architectural applications. Here is a directory of a series webpages that introduce high quality but affordable Chinese marble granite and other natural stone products. Enjoy.
Resource: Stone
It is true that there are very few marble or granite quarries in North America. It is also true that marble granite materials imported from South American and Europe are rather pricey. The situation is improving with more and more marble granite and other natural stone materials are imported from China.
With low labor costs and richness in marble granite resources, China has become a major natural stone export country in the last few years. Moreover, traditional Chinese stone carving has gained worldwide recognitions for its workmanship and product integrity. There are many stone carving studios in China that are capable of reproducing the famous sculptures originally designed and carved by ancient Roman artists.So, luxury home decorations with marble granite and other natural stones are no longer the privileges of few. Marble, granite and other natural stones have a wide range of architectural applications. Here is a directory of a series webpages that introduce high quality but affordable Chinese marble granite and other natural stone products. Enjoy.
Resource: Stone
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