Natural stone yard and showroom

Stonemasons, landscapers, builders, countertop fabricators, designers and homeowners who want to see and choose stone in person.

You buy in bulk and sell at a higher price, by slab, tile, square foot or tonne. Delivery charges, cut-to-size services and trade accounts add to this.

• Sales and customer service
• Stock control and ordering
• Safe handling of heavy materials
• Knowing stone types and their uses

• Stock is a big cost and slow-moving stone ties up cash, so start with a small range
• Check zoning rules for outdoor storage and customer visits with your municipality
• Heavy lifting: check provincial requirements for forklift or crane operator training and for workplace safety coverage (WCB/WSIB) once you hire
• Commercial general liability and property or stock insurance, since slabs can be dangerous and costly if they fall or break
• Winter freeze and thaw can damage some stone stored outdoors, so check what must be kept under cover
• If you cut stone, check silica dust rules and ventilation requirements in your province

Estimates are typically around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on the unit or yard you rent, the size of your showroom and how much stone you stock. Stock is a big cost, so starting with a small range helps protect cash.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $75,000, depending on your range, location and mix of trade and homeowner customers. That is revenue, not profit, and slow-moving stone can tie up cash.

Check zoning rules for outdoor storage and customer visits with your municipality. Also check provincial requirements for forklift or crane operator training, workplace safety coverage once you hire, insurance, and silica dust rules if you cut stone.