Can I Order a Small Amount of Stone Veneer?

We have a minimum order requirement, and you may wonder why. The main reason is that shipping small quantities is not cost-effective for you as the customer. Due to the weight and fragility of stone veneer, shipping costs remain high regardless of the order size, making small orders disproportionately expensive. Below, we’ll explain why we have this policy, why stone veneer cannot ship via parcel services, and what your best options are if you need a smaller quantity.

The high cost of shipping small orders

Stone veneer is heavy, fragile, and bulky. Unlike small, lightweight materials, stone veneer must be shipped via LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) freight due to its weight and packaging requirements. When shipping just one or two boxes, the freight cost remains disproportionately high. In many cases, the shipping cost for a small order could exceed the price of the stone itself. This makes it impractical to fulfill orders below our minimum requirement, as the total cost to you would be unreasonably high.

Why stone veneer can’t ship parcel

Many customers ask why we can’t simply ship a few boxes of stone veneer via parcel services like UPS or FedEx. The answer is simple, parcel carriers are not designed to handle heavy, fragile materials like stone veneer. Parcel shipments go through numerous handling points, increasing the likelihood of damage. Stone veneer is fragile, and even well-packaged boxes are at risk of breaking during transit. Additionally, most parcel carriers have weight and size limitations that our stone veneer boxes exceed, making them ineligible for standard shipping methods. Even if parcel carriers accepted the shipment, the additional packaging required to protect the stone veneer from damage would significantly increase costs. Because of these challenges, we only ship stone veneer via LTL freight, ensuring that your product arrives safely and intact.

Shipping less than our minimum order

We understand that not every project requires a large quantity of stone veneer, and we are happy to ship orders that are less than our minimum quantity if you still wish to proceed. However, please note that the minimum LTL shipping cost typically remains the same whether you order one box or five boxes. This means that ordering a smaller quantity does not reduce your freight cost, and in most cases, you will get better value by ordering multiple boxes to make the shipping cost more worthwhile.

We encourage customers who need small amounts to explore local options first. If you only need a small amount of stone veneer, the most affordable solution is usually to source it locally. Local suppliers may have extra stock, open boxes, or smaller quantities available without the high shipping costs. Additionally, purchasing locally allows you to inspect the stone before buying, ensuring it matches your needs. 

Adding 10% overage for breakage and cuts

When ordering stone veneer, we always recommend purchasing an additional 10% over your calculated square footage. This extra material accounts for breakage, cuts made during installation, any small miscalculations, and potential repairs down the road. Having enough stone on hand helps ensure a smooth installation process without unexpected delays or costly last-minute orders.

Can I order a small amount of stone veneer?

While we understand that some projects may require less than our minimum order amounts of stone veneer, it's important to consider both the cost and practicality of shipping small quantities. LTL shipping costs remain the same whether you're ordering one box or five, making it less economical in the long run.  For smaller quantities, sourcing locally might be a more cost-effective option. Above all, accurate measurements and proper planning are key to avoiding issues like under-ordering or running out of material mid-project. Take the time to carefully measure your project area and verify your calculations before placing an order, mistakes in measurements can result in delays, additional shipping costs, and difficulty in matching stone colors if you need to place a second order later. 

What's next?

Upgrade your space with our premium stone veneer! Shop now to find the perfect style or order a sample to see the quality up close. Start your project today!

Have a question?

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For general information and questions please call: (864) 882-8960 Mon. - Fri. 8am - 5pm (EST) or email: info@mountainviewstone.net we are more than happy to help you.

Or you can submit your questions via our contact us page.

We look forward to working with you on your upcoming project.

The Mountain View Stone Team