# Guides

> Short, factual guides: quartz or marble for an island, slab thickness, finishes, book-matching, travertine and shipping terms for stone orders.

URL: https://datumsurfaces.com/guides/

Each guide answers one question in its first two sentences, then explains. Written for architects, designers and owners specifying stone.

## All guides

Guide · 7 min read

### [Quartz or marble for a kitchen island?](https://datumsurfaces.com/guides/quartz-vs-marble-kitchen-island/)

Quartz suits most kitchen islands: it resists stains, food acids do not etch it and it needs no sealing. Choose marble if you accept etching.

Guide · 7 min read

### [FOB, CIF, DAP or DDP for a stone order](https://datumsurfaces.com/guides/fob-cif-dap-ddp-stone-order/)

Choose FOB with your own forwarder, CIF for freight to your port or DAP for delivery to site. DDP needs an importer of record.

Guide · 7 min read

### [Slab thickness: 12, 20 or 30 mm?](https://datumsurfaces.com/guides/slab-thickness-12-20-30-mm/)

Use 20 mm for most worktops and walls, 30 mm for islands and spans, and 12 mm only on a solid backing. Weights, edges, overhangs and transport.

Guide · 8 min read

### [Honed, polished or leathered stone finish](https://datumsurfaces.com/guides/honed-polished-leathered/)

Polished suits walls and quartz worktops, honed suits floors and marble, leathered adds soft texture. Nine stone finishes compared for grip and care.

Guide · 6 min read

### [Book-matched stone: how it works and how to specify it](https://datumsurfaces.com/guides/book-matching-explained/)

Book-matching sets consecutive slabs from one block side by side so the veins mirror at the joint. Specify it with numbered slabs and approved photos.

Guide · 7 min read

### [Filled or unfilled travertine](https://datumsurfaces.com/guides/filled-vs-unfilled-travertine/)

Filled travertine has its holes closed with colour-matched filler, for smooth floors and bathrooms. Unfilled and tumbled suit textured and outdoor work.

Contact: contact@datumsurfaces.com (email only). Catalogue: https://datumsurfaces.com/catalogue/