For stone suppliers looking to establish themselves as the top choice for high-end contractors, it’s all about offering the right products, maintaining reliable stock, and positioning yourself as an expert in the field. Contractors working on luxury homes, commercial properties, and upscale outdoor spaces need a supplier who not only provides high-quality materials but also understands industry trends and project requirements.
By stocking the best-selling stone veneer and natural stone products that contractors actually want, you can ensure that your business remains their first call for every job. Let’s dive into how you can become the preferred stone supplier for high-end contractors.
1. Stock the Right Products for Every Project
Contractors are always looking for premium materials that are easy to install, aesthetically appealing, and durable. This means your inventory should feature a combination of manufactured stone veneer and natural stone products.
Manufactured Stone Veneer & Outdoor Fire Features
Manufactured stone is a lightweight, cost-effective alternative to natural stone. It’s made using molds that replicate the look of real stone while offering consistent color and texture. Contractors favor manufactured stone for its easy installation and design versatility.
Some of the top brands to carry include:
- Eldorado Stone – A leader in manufactured stone veneer, Eldorado Stone produces high-quality stone veneer, utility boxes, caps, stone window sills, hearthstones, trim & archstones, and accessories that replicate the look of natural stone.
- StoneCraft – Known for its durable and visually stunning manufactured stone veneer, StoneCraft offers a range of products, including stone veneer, utility boxes, caps, stone window sills, hearthstones, trim & archstones, and accessories to enhance any project.
- Dutch Quality Stone – This brand specializes in manufactured stone veneer and accessories, as well as stone window sills that add the perfect finishing touch to a high-end build.
Natural Stone Products
While manufactured stone is a go-to for many contractors, high-end builders often demand authentic natural stone for premium projects. Natural stone offers unmatched durability and a unique, organic appearance that cannot be fully replicated.
- StoneWorks (Yup, we have our own product.) – As a supplier of natural stone veneer, caps, flagstone, treads, and accessories, StoneWorks provides materials that meet the needs of upscale residential and commercial projects. If you want to cater to contractors working on luxury builds, StoneWorks natural stone products are a must-have in your inventory.
2. Offer Outdoor Living Solutions That Reduce Labor Costs
One of the biggest challenges contractors face is managing labor costs while delivering high-quality work. By offering pre-engineered outdoor living solutions, you can provide them with a way to complete projects faster without sacrificing craftsmanship.
- StoneFire Core – This brand offers premium outdoor living units that allow masons and landscape professionals to quickly install custom masonry structures in a fraction of the time it would take to build from scratch. Stocking StoneFire Core products means contractors can take on more high-end projects while saving time and labor costs.
- Kindred Outdoors & Surrounds – Focused on enhancing outdoor spaces, Kindred Outdoors & Surrounds delivers top-tier manufactured stone products designed to complement exterior living areas.
3. Keep a Reliable Inventory and Quick Delivery System
No contractor wants to deal with backorders or delays. To be their preferred stone supplier, you need to ensure that your inventory is well-stocked with the most in-demand products. Consider these strategies:
- Track best-selling products – Know which stone veneer and natural stone products move the fastest and maintain high stock levels.
- Have a quick restocking process – Work with manufacturers and distributors to minimize lead times on orders.
- Offer delivery options – Many high-end contractors work on tight schedules, so having a fast and reliable delivery service can set you apart from competitors.
4. Become a Knowledgeable Resource for Contractors
Stocking the best materials is only part of the equation—you also need to position yourself as a trusted industry expert. Contractors appreciate suppliers who understand the nuances of different stone products and can offer advice on:
- Choosing between manufactured stone veneer vs. natural stone for specific projects
- Installation techniques and best practices
- Design trends in high-end construction
- Maintenance and care for stone materials
By training your team to be knowledgeable about the products you carry, you make it easier for contractors to rely on you for guidance, making your business their go-to stone supplier.
5. Build Strong Relationships with Contractors
At the end of the day, relationships matter. High-end contractors want to work with suppliers who are responsive, reliable, and easy to communicate with. Here’s how you can strengthen these relationships:
- Offer exclusive contractor pricing – Providing volume discounts or loyalty rewards can keep contractors coming back.
- Host product demos and training sessions – Show contractors the benefits of using your products by offering hands-on workshops featuring brands like Eldorado Stone, StoneCraft, and StoneFire Core.
- Provide exceptional customer service – Make sure your team is always available to answer questions, assist with orders, and offer recommendations.
No matter which brand you choose, StoneWorks guarantees high-quality products that exceed industry standards. Our knowledgeable team is always ready to help you select the best stone veneer for your project.
6. Stay Ahead of Market Trends
The stone industry is always evolving, and high-end contractors expect their stone supplier to keep up with trends. Some of the latest movements in the industry include:
- Larger format stone veneer panels for modern, seamless designs
- Neutral and earthy color palettes for a timeless aesthetic
- Eco-friendly and sustainable options to meet green building standards
- Outdoor living solutions like fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and fireplaces—products that brands like Kindred Outdoors & Surrounds and StoneFire Core specialize in
By staying ahead of these trends and adjusting your inventory accordingly, you ensure that your business remains competitive and attractive to contractors.
7. Promote Your Business Effectively
Even if you stock the best products and provide outstanding service, contractors need to know about it. Invest in marketing strategies that position your company as the top stone supplier in your region.
- Create a strong online presence – A professional website with high-quality images of your stone products can attract more contractors.
- Leverage social media – Showcase completed projects using your materials on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
- Utilize email marketing – Keep your contractor clients informed about new products, special promotions, and industry news.
Conclusion
Becoming the go-to stone supplier for high-end contractors isn’t just about stocking stone—it’s about offering the right products, providing excellent customer service, and being a trusted resource. By carrying top brands like Eldorado Stone, Kindred Outdoors & Surrounds, StoneCraft, Dutch Quality Stone, StoneWorks, and StoneFire Core, you ensure that your inventory meets the needs of luxury builders.
Ready to establish yourself as the leading stone supplier in your area? Call StoneWorks today to discuss how we can help you stock the best-selling stone veneer and natural stone products that contractors actually want!
