From Architectural Drawings to Finished Stone Custom Limestone Fabrication Explained

 

Custom limestone fabrication transforms architectural ideas, drawings and digital models into finished stone components ready for installation.

Unlike standard tiles or pavers, custom architectural limestone may include:

• Façade panels
• Curved wall cladding
• Pool coping
• Stair treads
• Window sills
• Door surrounds
• Fireplace surrounds
• Wall caps
• Pier caps
• Columns
• Capitals
• Balustrades
• Cornices
• Arches
• Keystones
• Fluted panels
• Carved decorative elements
• Logos and lettering

Each component may require different:

• Dimensions
• Thicknesses
• Surface finishes
• Edge profiles
• Curves
• Holes
• Grooves
• Rebates
• Fixing preparations
• Piece codes
• Packaging methods

The process requires close coordination between:

• Architect
• Interior designer
• Façade consultant
• Structural engineer
• Main contractor
• Stone contractor
• Procurement team
• Limestone manufacturer
• Installation contractor

This guide explains how approved architectural information becomes finished custom limestone.

What Is Custom Limestone Fabrication?

Custom limestone fabrication is the production of stone components according to project-specific dimensions, drawings and design requirements.

It may involve:

• Block selection
• Slab cutting
• Cut-to-size production
• Thickness calibration
• Surface finishing
• Edge profiling
• CNC machining
• Curved cutting
• Drilling
• Grooving
• Rebating
• Mitring
• Carving
• Hand finishing
• Dry assembly
• Piece numbering
• Quality control
• Project-specific packaging

The objective is to produce stone that fits the architectural design with minimal site modification.

Standard Stone Products vs Custom Fabrication

Standard products are usually manufactured in repeat dimensions and finishes.

Examples include:

• Standard tiles
• Standard pavers
• Standard pool coping
• Standard wall cladding
• Standard slabs

Custom products are manufactured for a particular project.

Examples include:

• Non-standard façade panels
• Curved pool coping
• Winder stair treads
• Bespoke fireplace surrounds
• Window sills with custom rebates
• Fluted entrance panels
• Carved capitals
• Radius wall caps
• Project-specific cornices

Standard products may provide:

• Faster production
• Lower unit cost
• Easier replacement
• Simpler packaging

Custom products may provide:

• Better architectural alignment
• Reduced site cutting
• Cleaner joints
• Bespoke details
• Coordinated installation
• Greater design flexibility

Why Architectural Drawings Matter

Custom stone cannot be manufactured accurately from a general description alone.

Architectural drawings communicate:

• Product geometry
• Dimensions
• Thickness
• Orientation
• Joint widths
• Edge profiles
• Visible faces
• Curves
• Holes
• Rebates
• Fixing preparation
• Installation location
• Quantity

Incomplete drawings may result in:

• Incorrect dimensions
• Reversed pieces
• Missing finished faces
• Wrong profiles
• Incorrect joint positions
• Unusable curves
• Site cutting
• Production delays
• Additional cost

Explore our Architectural Stone Drawing Guide.

The Custom Limestone Fabrication Process

A typical project may pass through the following stages:

1. Project enquiry
2. Drawing review
3. Material selection
4. Sample preparation
5. Preliminary manufacturing review
6. Budget quotation
7. Shop drawing coordination
8. Cutting-list preparation
9. Technical review
10. Final quotation
11. Drawing approval
12. Material reservation
13. Block or slab selection
14. Primary cutting
15. Calibration
16. Surface finishing
17. Edge profiling
18. CNC machining
19. Carving or hand finishing
20. Dry layout or trial assembly
21. Quality control
22. Piece numbering
23. Packing-list preparation
24. Export packaging
25. Loading and shipment

The exact sequence depends on product complexity.

Stage 1: Project Enquiry

The first enquiry should include as much information as possible.

Recommended information includes:

• Project name
• Project country
• Customer type
• Product category
• Intended application
• Preferred limestone
• Dimensions
• Thickness
• Surface finish
• Quantity
• Drawings
• Delivery destination
• Required programme

A detailed enquiry allows the manufacturer to evaluate:

• Material suitability
• Manufacturing feasibility
• Production method
• Required files
• Packaging
• Preliminary price

Stage 2: Reviewing the Architectural Concept

The manufacturer should first understand the design intent.

Questions may include:

• Is the architecture contemporary or traditional?
• Should the stone appear monolithic?
• Are joints visible or concealed?
• Are corners mitred or solid?
• Is the surface smooth, textured, fluted or carved?
• Are repeated pieces required?
• Are there curved or mirrored pieces?
• Will the stone be installed indoors or outdoors?
• Is the product structural, decorative or cladding?

Understanding the design concept helps prevent unnecessary changes later.

Stage 3: Material Selection

Material selection should consider both appearance and application.

Important factors include:

• Colour
• Fossils
• Pores
• Grain
• Surface response
• Block dimensions
• Slab availability
• Product thickness
• Exterior exposure
• Moisture
• Pool chemistry
• Freeze–thaw conditions
• Technical information

Possible Turkish limestone categories may include:

• Limra limestone
• White limestone
• Antalya limestone
• Beige limestone
• Other project-selected materials

Explore:

• Turkish Limestone
• Limra Limestone
• White Limestone

Material Availability and Product Geometry

The selected limestone must be available in sizes suitable for the intended product.

A stone may be visually attractive but unsuitable for:

• Very long stair treads
• Large solid corners
• Deep carved elements
• Thick columns
• Large fireplace mantels
• Wide pool coping
• Oversized façade panels

Material selection should therefore coordinate with:

• Quarry block size
• Slab dimensions
• Cutting direction
• Piece weight
• Transport limits
• Installation access

Stage 4: Physical Samples

Before final approval, samples may be prepared for:

• Material colour
• Fossil and pore range
• Surface finish
• Edge profile
• Wet appearance
• Sealer treatment
• Carving detail
• Flute geometry

Possible sample types include:

• Small material samples
• Finish samples
• Colour-range sets
• Profile samples
• Full-size product samples
• Mock-ups

Request samples through Request Limestone Samples.

Stage 5: Surface-Finish Selection

The selected finish affects both appearance and fabrication.

Possible finishes include:

• Honed
• Brushed
• Sandblasted
• Tumbled
• Fluted
• Grooved
• Chiselled
• Saw cut
• Fine textured
• Custom combined finishes

The project should define:

• Which faces are finished
• Finish direction
• Texture depth
• Border treatment
• Edge finish
• Wet appearance
• Sealer treatment

Explore the Limestone Finishes Guide.

Stage 6: Manufacturing Feasibility Review

Before production drawings are approved, the manufacturer should review whether the design can be produced safely and efficiently.

The review may consider:

• Maximum dimensions
• Minimum thickness
• Remaining thickness after grooves
• Internal radii
• Sharp corners
• Long projections
• Deep rebates
• Bonded returns
• Mitred edges
• Lifting points
• Product weight
• Packaging
• Installation handling

A manufacturability review does not replace structural or façade engineering.

It identifies practical production constraints.

Fragile Stone Geometry

Certain details may create weak stone sections.

Examples include:

• Narrow returns
• Thin projections
• Deep grooves
• Large cut-outs
• Holes near edges
• Sharp internal corners
• Long unsupported profiles
• Thin material behind rebates

These details may require:

• Increased thickness
• Larger internal radius
• Modified geometry
• Separate components
• Approved reinforcement
• Different installation detail

Stage 7: Shop Drawings

Shop drawings translate design intent into manufacturing information.

They may include:

• Product elevations
• Sections
• Profiles
• Dimensions
• Thicknesses
• Finished faces
• Edge details
• Hole positions
• Slot dimensions
• Radii
• Joint widths
• Piece codes
• Quantities
• Installation orientation

Shop drawings should clearly identify their status.

Possible statuses include:

• For information
• For coordination
• For approval
• Approved for production

Production should use only the approved revision.

Who Prepares Stone Shop Drawings?

Depending on the project, shop drawings may be prepared by:

• Architect
• Stone contractor
• Façade contractor
• Specialist drafter
• Manufacturer
• Main contractor

Responsibility should be defined before quotation and production.

The party preparing the drawings should have access to:

• Architectural information
• Structural details
• Installation system
• Site dimensions
• Joint requirements
• Product specification

Stage 8: Cutting Lists

A cutting list converts drawings into a production schedule.

Recommended columns include:

• Piece code
• Product description
• Length
• Width
• Thickness
• Quantity
• Material
• Surface finish
• Finished faces
• Edge profile
• Radius
• Hole details
• Slot details
• Drawing reference
• Installation area
• Crate group
• Notes

The cutting list should match the approved drawings exactly.

Unique Piece Codes

Each non-identical component should have a unique code.

Piece codes may identify:

• Building
• Villa
• Floor
• Elevation
• Room
• Product type
• Installation sequence

Example:

B02-EAST-FP-037

This could identify:

• Building 02
• East elevation
• Façade panel
• Piece 037

Piece codes support:

• Manufacturing
• Inspection
• Packing
• Installation
• Replacement

Repeated Pieces

Repeated pieces may use one code with a quantity when they are truly identical.

Before treating pieces as repeated, confirm:

• Geometry
• Finished faces
• Grain or finish direction
• Hole positions
• Left- or right-hand orientation
• Installation location

Two visually similar pieces may not be interchangeable.

Mirrored Components

Left- and right-hand components should usually have separate codes.

This is important for:

• Stair winders
• Window surrounds
• Fireplace jambs
• Pool corners
• Brackets
• Wall returns
• Arches
• Curved pieces

Stage 9: Revision Control

Revision control is one of the most important parts of custom stone fabrication.

Every drawing and schedule should include:

• Drawing number
• Revision number
• Date
• Status
• Prepared by
• Checked by
• Approved by

Avoid file names such as:

• Final
• Final 2
• Latest
• New drawing
• Correct version

These names do not provide reliable revision control.

Late Revisions

Changes after production begins may affect:

• Stone already cut
• Material yield
• CNC programming
• Quantity
• Cost
• Packaging
• Delivery schedule

The project team should identify whether a revision affects:

• All pieces
• Selected pieces
• One installation zone
• Only future production

Stage 10: Production Approval

Before production starts, the approved package may include:

• Purchase order
• Approved quotation
• Approved material sample
• Approved finish sample
• Approved colour range
• Approved drawings
• Approved cutting list
• Approved technical requirements
• Packaging instructions
• Production programme

Stage 11: Material Reservation

Large or visually sensitive projects may require material reservation.

This may include:

• Quarry blocks
• Selected slabs
• Colour range
• Required thickness
• Large-format material
• Replacement stock

Material reservation may help reduce:

• Availability risk
• Colour inconsistency
• Programme delays
• Repeat-order differences

Stage 12: Block and Slab Selection

Blocks or slabs may be selected according to:

• Colour
• Fossils
• Pores
• Cracks
• Dimensions
• Cutting direction
• Product requirements
• Approved range

Some architectural products require specific block dimensions.

Examples include:

• Columns
• Capitals
• Thick wall caps
• Solid steps
• Large fireplace components
• Deep carved panels

Cutting Direction

The direction in which limestone is cut may affect:

• Fossil appearance
• Sedimentary movement
• Vein direction
• Strength
• Visual continuity

The drawings or production notes should identify where orientation matters.

Stage 13: Primary Stone Cutting

Primary cutting may convert:

• Blocks into slabs
• Slabs into blanks
• Thick sections into product sizes
• Oversized pieces into machining stock

The initial blanks may be cut larger than the final dimensions to allow for:

• Calibration
• Surface finishing
• Edge profiling
• CNC machining
• Final trimming

Stage 14: Thickness Calibration

Calibration produces a controlled product thickness.

This may be important for:

• Tiles
• Pavers
• Façade panels
• Wall panels
• Pool coping
• Stair treads
• Mitred assemblies

Thickness tolerance should be agreed according to:

• Product type
• Installation system
• Surface finish
• Dimensions

Stage 15: Surface Finishing

Surface finishing may occur before or after final sizing depending on the product.

The selected process may affect:

• Final dimensions
• Edge appearance
• Surface depth
• Colour
• Pore visibility
• Cleaning

The approved sample should be used as the production reference.

Stage 16: Cut-to-Size Production

Cut-to-size machinery creates final rectangular or shaped dimensions.

The manufacturing team should verify:

• Length
• Width
• Thickness
• Squareness
• Diagonals
• Orientation
• Quantity
• Piece code

Explore Cut-to-Size Limestone.

Stage 17: Edge Profiling

Edge profiles may be manufactured using:

• Profiling machines
• CNC machines
• Hand tools
• Combined methods

Common profiles include:

• Straight edge
• Eased edge
• Chamfer
• Bevel
• Pencil edge
• Half bullnose
• Full bullnose
• Ogee
• Mitre
• Rebate
• Drop face
• Drip groove
• Custom moulding

Pool Coping Profiles

Custom pool coping may include:

• Straight coping
• Pencil edge
• Half bullnose
• Full bullnose
• Drop-face coping
• Mitred coping
• Rebated coping
• Curved coping

The drawing should identify:

• Coping width
• Thickness
• Front profile
• Drop-face depth
• Inner edge
• Joint width
• Radius
• Piece sequence

Stair-Nosing Profiles

Stair details may include:

• Straight nosing
• Pencil edge
• Bullnose
• Mitred drop face
• Rebated riser
• Anti-slip grooves

The profile should coordinate with:

• Tread depth
• Riser position
• Joint location
• Support
• Installation method

Window-Sill Profiles

Window sills may include:

• Surface slope
• Front overhang
• Drip groove
• Side horns
• Rear rebate
• Frame recess
• Bullnose
• Chamfer

Wall-Cap Profiles

Wall caps may include:

• Flat top
• Single slope
• Double slope
• Saddleback
• Bullnose edges
• Drip grooves
• Curved geometry
• Custom moulding

Exterior caps should coordinate with waterproofing and drainage.

Stage 18: CNC Stone Fabrication

CNC machines can perform precise repeated operations.

Applications may include:

• Curved cutting
• Complex profiling
• Fluting
• Grooving
• Drilling
• Rebating
• Engraving
• Relief carving
• Three-dimensional shaping
• Fixing preparation

Explore CNC Stone Fabrication.

CNC Files

Useful digital files may include:

• DWG
• DXF
• Vector artwork
• Three-dimensional solid models
• Approved BIM exports
• Toolpath-ready geometry where agreed

The files should be:

• Correctly scaled
• Free of duplicate lines
• Closed where required
• Organised into clear layers
• Labelled with units
• Linked to the approved revision

Internal Corner Radii

CNC tools have physical diameters.

This means internal corners normally require a radius.

Perfectly sharp internal corners may require:

• Hand finishing
• Separate pieces
• A relief cut
• Modified geometry

The minimum radius should be coordinated before approval.

Stage 19: Curved Limestone Fabrication

Curved limestone may be required for:

• Pool coping
• Curved façades
• Columns
• Arches
• Radius stairs
• Round walls
• Landscape elements

Required information may include:

• Inner radius
• Outer radius
• Arc angle
• Chord length
• Segment length
• Thickness
• Joint width
• Orientation

Explore Curved Limestone Fabrication.

True Radius vs Faceted Geometry

A curved design may be produced as:

• True curved stone
• Multiple faceted pieces
• Segmented arc
• Mitred assembly

The chosen method affects:

• Appearance
• Cost
• Manufacturing time
• Joint count
• Packaging
• Installation

Curved Pool Coping

Curved pool coping should be coordinated using:

• Pool plan
• Centre points
• Inner and outer radii
• Joint positions
• Coping width
• Edge profile
• Piece sequence

Complex curved coping may be dry laid before packaging.

Stage 20: Drilling, Holes and Slots

Custom stone may require:

• Dowel holes
• Anchor holes
• Under-cut holes
• Kerfs
• Fixing slots
• Drainage holes
• Lighting holes
• Cable routes
• Tap holes
• Mechanical-fixing recesses

Every hole or slot should be defined by:

• Diameter or width
• Depth
• Position
• Edge distance
• Orientation
• Tolerance

Fixing geometry should be based on approved engineering information.

Façade Fixing Preparation

Limestone façade panels may be prepared with:

• Kerfs
• Dowel holes
• Anchor slots
• Undercut-anchor holes
• Bracket recesses
• Support notches

DMR Limestone may manufacture approved fixing preparation but does not replace the responsible façade engineer.

Explore the Limestone Façade Design Guide.

Stage 21: Mitred and Bonded Components

Mitred assemblies may be used to create:

• Thick-looking pool coping
• Monolithic fireplace forms
• Façade corners
• Deep wall caps
• Stair drop faces
• Box-shaped elements

A mitred assembly is not the same as a solid stone block.

The design should identify:

• Mitre angle
• Bonding area
• Joint position
• Visible edges
• Reinforcement where approved
• Handling method
• Installation support

Solid vs Assembled Stone

Solid pieces may provide:

• Continuous material
• Fewer visible joints
• Strong monolithic appearance

They may also be:

• Heavier
• More expensive
• Limited by block dimensions
• More difficult to transport
• More difficult to install

Assembled pieces may reduce weight and material use but require carefully controlled joints.

Stage 22: Architectural Stone Carving

Carving may be completed using:

• CNC rough shaping
• CNC finishing
• Hand carving
• Hand detailing
• Combined production

Applications may include:

• Capitals
• Corbels
• Friezes
• Floral patterns
• Geometric designs
• Crests
• Monograms
• Religious ornament
• Arabic calligraphy
• Decorative panels

Explore Architectural Stone Carving.

Relief Depth

Carved drawings should identify:

• Overall panel thickness
• Maximum relief depth
• Minimum remaining thickness
• Background level
• Raised areas
• Recessed areas
• Edge margins

Deep relief may require thicker starting material.

Logos and Lettering

Logos may be:

• Engraved
• Recessed
• Raised
• Relief carved
• Prepared for paint
• Prepared for metal inserts

Preferred files include:

• AI
• EPS
• SVG
• DXF
• Clean vector PDF

Low-resolution images are usually insufficient for precise fabrication.

Arabic Calligraphy

Arabic calligraphy fabrication requires:

• Approved final artwork
• Correct letter forms
• Correct reading direction
• Linguistic review
• Vector geometry
• Defined relief depth

The responsible project team should approve the text before production.

Stage 23: Hand Finishing

Hand finishing may be used to:

• Refine corners
• Soften tooling marks
• Complete carving
• Blend textures
• Repair minor edge details
• Match historical profiles

Hand finishing can add craft character but should still follow an approved sample.

Stage 24: Trial Assembly

Trial assembly may be useful for:

• Fireplace surrounds
• Arches
• Entrance portals
• Columns
• Capitals
• Balustrades
• Curved coping
• Complex carved features

Trial assembly can identify:

• Missing pieces
• Joint problems
• Profile mismatch
• Sequence errors
• Geometry conflicts

Stage 25: Dry Layout

Dry layout places pieces together before shipment.

It may be used for:

• Pool coping
• Feature walls
• Lobby flooring
• Façade areas
• Fireplace surrounds
• Arches
• Curved components

Dry layout can support:

• Colour blending
• Pattern continuity
• Fossil distribution
• Joint alignment
• Piece sequencing
• Visual approval

Stage 26: Quality Control

Quality control should compare finished stone against:

• Approved samples
• Approved drawings
• Approved cutting lists
• Agreed tolerances
• Finish references
• Piece codes

Checks may include:

• Material
• Colour
• Fossils
• Pores
• Length
• Width
• Thickness
• Squareness
• Flatness
• Surface finish
• Edge profile
• Holes
• Slots
• Radii
• Quantity

Dimensional Tolerances

Tolerances should be appropriate for:

• Product type
• Dimensions
• Thickness
• Finish
• Installation method
• Joint width

A tolerance suitable for rustic paving may not be suitable for:

• Precision façade panels
• Mitred fireplace components
• CNC carvings
• Curved pool coping

Visual Quality Control

Visual quality should be assessed against:

• Approved natural range
• Approved finish
• Approved fossils and pores
• Approved mock-up

Natural limestone should not be expected to have artificial uniformity.

Non-Conforming Pieces

A non-conforming piece should be documented using:

• Piece code
• Drawing reference
• Description
• Photograph
• Measurement
• Required action

Possible actions may include:

• Rework
• Refinish
• Recut
• Replace
• Accept with approval
• Use in another location

Stage 27: Piece Numbering

Piece numbering connects the finished stone to the project documents.

Labels may include:

• Project
• Building
• Floor
• Elevation
• Product code
• Piece number
• Crate number
• Installation orientation

Labels should be:

• Clear
• Durable
• Non-staining
• Easy to remove where required
• Protected during shipment

Stage 28: Packing Lists

Packing lists may include:

• Crate number
• Piece code
• Product description
• Dimensions
• Quantity
• Net weight
• Gross weight
• Installation area
• Drawing reference

Accurate packing lists help the site team locate products without opening every crate.

Stage 29: Export Packaging

Custom limestone may require specialised packaging.

Possible systems include:

• Reinforced wooden crates
• Pallets
• A-frames
• Vertical panel frames
• Foam separators
• Edge guards
• Mitre protection
• Profile protection
• Curved supports
• Internal dividers

Packaging should protect:

• Finished faces
• Sharp edges
• Bullnose profiles
• Carvings
• Mitred corners
• Anchor preparation
• Curved pieces

Packaging by Installation Area

Products may be packed by:

• Building
• Villa
• Floor
• Elevation
• Room
• Pool
• Staircase
• Fireplace
• Landscape zone
• Installation phase

This can reduce:

• Site sorting
• Double handling
• Unnecessary unpacking
• Damage
• Installation delays

Maximum Crate Dimensions and Weight

Before packaging, the site team should provide:

• Maximum crate length
• Maximum crate width
• Maximum crate height
• Maximum crate weight
• Forklift capacity
• Crane capacity
• Lift dimensions
• Door dimensions
• Storage restrictions

A transport-efficient crate may still be unsuitable for site handling.

Stage 30: Loading and Shipment

Before loading, the team may verify:

• Crate quantity
• Packing lists
• Crate labels
• Total weight
• Product orientation
• Loading sequence
• Securing
• Container weight distribution

Loading photographs may be provided according to the agreed procedure.

Site Receipt

When custom limestone arrives, the site team should:

1. Check container and crate condition.
2. Photograph visible damage.
3. Verify crate numbers.
4. Review packing lists.
5. Store products correctly.
6. Protect piece labels.
7. Avoid unnecessary unpacking.
8. Record missing or damaged pieces.
9. Report concerns promptly.

Installation Drawings

Installation teams should receive current:

• Piece-location drawings
• Elevations
• Plans
• Sections
• Assembly drawings
• Packing lists
• Crate maps
• Product schedules

Production drawings and installation drawings should use the same piece codes.

Site Cutting

The objective of custom fabrication is to reduce site cutting.

However, limited site adjustment may still be required because of:

• Building tolerances
• Existing structures
• Final site measurements
• Substrate variation
• Installation sequencing

Site cutting should use:

• Correct equipment
• Dust control
• Water control
• Edge finishing
• Approved safety procedures

Replacement Pieces

Replacement pieces may be produced using:

• Original piece code
• Approved drawing
• Dimensions
• Photographs
• Damage description
• Material reference
• Finish reference

Future material may not exactly match the original production batch.

Ordering spare pieces with the original project is recommended.

Custom Limestone for Façades

Custom façade products may include:

• Rectangular panels
• Curved panels
• Fluted panels
• Grooved panels
• Cornices
• Quoins
• Window surrounds
• Entrance portals
• Parapet coping
• Solid or mitred corners

Façade fabrication requires coordination of:

• Panel size
• Thickness
• Weight
• Anchor preparation
• Joint widths
• Elevation codes
• Surface direction
• Packaging sequence

Custom Limestone for Pools

Pool fabrication may include:

• Straight coping
• Curved coping
• Drop-face coping
• Mitred coping
• Infinity-pool edges
• Overflow channels
• Pool steps
• Skimmer covers
• Matching paving

Required drawings may include:

• Pool plan
• Centre points
• Radii
• Arc angles
• Coping width
• Joint positions
• Edge profiles
• Piece sequence

Explore the Pool Coping and Paving Guide.

Custom Limestone for Stairs

Stair fabrication may include:

• Treads
• Risers
• Landings
• Winder steps
• Curved steps
• Block steps
• Stair skirting
• Nosing profiles

Each piece should identify:

• Stair reference
• Floor
• Step number
• Left- or right-hand orientation
• Finish
• Profile

Custom Limestone Fireplaces

Fireplace fabrication may include:

• Jambs
• Headers
• Mantels
• Hearths
• Corbels
• Friezes
• Overmantels
• Full-height panels

A complex fireplace may require:

• Elevation
• Section
• Profiles
• Three-dimensional model
• Assembly drawing
• Trial assembly

Custom Columns and Capitals

Columns may be manufactured as:

• Solid sections
• Hollow assembled sections
• Column drums
• Half columns
• Pilasters

Capitals may be:

• Tuscan
• Doric
• Ionic
• Corinthian
• Composite
• Contemporary
• Custom

Structural use should be evaluated by qualified engineers.

Custom Balustrades

Balustrade production may include:

• Balusters
• Newel posts
• Top rails
• Bottom rails
• Curved rails
• Stair rails

The complete balustrade system should comply with the project’s structural and safety requirements.

Information Required for a Custom Limestone Quotation

Provide:

• Project name
• Project location
• Product category
• Limestone preference
• Dimensions
• Thickness
• Surface finish
• Quantity
• Edge profiles
• Drawings
• Cutting lists
• Technical requirements
• Packaging requirements
• Delivery destination
• Required programme

For carved products, also provide:

• Vector artwork
• Relief depth
• Three-dimensional files
• Reference images

For curved products, also provide:

• Inner radius
• Outer radius
• Arc angle
• Chord length
• Segment layout

Common Custom Fabrication Mistakes

Beginning Production from Preliminary Drawings

Preliminary drawings may change.

Missing Joint Widths

Joint widths affect overall product dimensions.

Failing to Identify Finished Faces

Hidden and visible faces may receive different treatment.

Using Approximate Radii

Small radius errors may create major alignment problems.

Treating Mirrored Pieces as Identical

Left- and right-hand pieces may require separate manufacturing.

Designing Impossible Sharp Corners

CNC tools require internal radii.

Ignoring Product Weight

Large solid pieces may be difficult to transport or install.

Forgetting Packaging Restrictions

Oversized crates may not fit site access.

Approving Only Digital Images

Physical samples provide more reliable colour and finish approval.

Producing Without Revision Control

Using the wrong drawing revision may affect an entire project package.

Custom Limestone Fabrication Checklist

Material

• Limestone selected
• Samples approved
• Colour range approved
• Fossil and pore range approved
• Wet appearance reviewed

Drawings

• Plans approved
• Elevations approved
• Sections approved
• Profiles approved
• Units identified
• Joint widths included
• Finished faces marked
• Piece codes assigned

Product

• Dimensions approved
• Thickness approved
• Surface finish approved
• Edge profiles approved
• Curves approved
• Holes and slots approved
• Quantity confirmed

Technical

• Application reviewed
• Climate reviewed
• Fixing details approved
• Minimum thickness reviewed
• Product weight reviewed
• Structural responsibility defined

Production

• Material reserved
• Cutting list approved
• Current revision confirmed
• Mock-up approved
• Quality criteria agreed

Packaging

• Crate groups confirmed
• Installation sequence confirmed
• Site-access limits confirmed
• Maximum crate weight confirmed
• Labels approved
• Packing-list format approved

Frequently Asked Questions

What is custom limestone fabrication?

It is the manufacture of limestone according to project-specific drawings, dimensions, finishes and profiles.

Can limestone be manufactured from architectural drawings?

Yes. Approved drawings, schedules and cutting lists can be used for production.

Which file formats can be used?

Common files include PDF, DWG, DXF, XLSX, vector artwork and three-dimensional models.

Can DMR Limestone prepare shop drawings?

Drawing support may be reviewed according to project scope and available information.

Can production begin from concept drawings?

Production should normally begin only after final approval.

What is a stone cutting list?

It is a schedule listing each stone piece, dimensions, thickness, quantity, finish, profile and drawing reference.

Why are piece codes important?

They connect each component to production, inspection, packaging and installation documents.

Can limestone be cut in imperial dimensions?

Yes. Final approved imperial dimensions may be used.

Can limestone be manufactured in custom thicknesses?

Yes, subject to material, product and technical requirements.

Can limestone be curved?

Yes. Accurate radii and geometry are required.

Can freeform curves be produced?

Yes. CAD geometry, three-dimensional files or physical templates may be needed.

Can limestone be CNC machined?

Yes. CNC machining may be used for cutting, profiles, grooves, holes, engraving and carving.

Can limestone be carved by hand?

Yes. Hand finishing may be combined with CNC production.

Can custom logos be engraved?

Yes. Approved vector artwork is recommended.

Can Arabic calligraphy be carved?

Yes. Final linguistically approved vector artwork should be supplied.

Can sharp internal corners be manufactured?

CNC tools normally create an internal radius. Hand finishing or design modification may be required.

Can stone pieces be mitred?

Yes. Mitred components may be produced for corners, coping, stairs and fireplaces.

Is a mitred stone piece the same as solid stone?

No. A mitred assembly consists of separate bonded components.

Can custom fixing holes be added?

Yes. Approved hole, slot, kerf and recess geometry may be manufactured.

Does DMR Limestone design façade anchors?

No. The responsible façade engineer should design and approve the fixing system.

Can complex products be assembled before shipment?

Selected products may be trial assembled or dry laid.

Can curved pool coping be dry laid?

Yes. This is recommended for complex geometry.

Can every stone piece be labelled?

Yes. Piece numbering may be linked to drawings and packing lists.

Can stone be packed by room or floor?

Yes. Project-area packaging may be coordinated.

Can façade panels be packed by elevation?

Yes. Panels may be grouped by building, floor, elevation or installation sequence.

How are carved pieces protected?

They may require custom supports, foam protection, edge protection and reinforced crates.

How long does custom fabrication take?

The programme depends on material, quantity, complexity, drawing approval, CNC work, carving and packaging.

Can a budget quotation be prepared before final drawings?

A preliminary quotation may be prepared using clearly stated assumptions.

Can dimensions change after production begins?

Changes may be possible, but they may affect cost, waste and delivery.

Should spare pieces be ordered?

Yes. Spare material from the original production batch is recommended.

Can replacement pieces be produced later?

Yes, although exact colour matching may not always be possible.

Can samples be produced before the main order?

Yes. Material, finish, profile and full-size samples may be prepared.

Can custom finishes be developed?

Yes. Trial samples may be used to develop and approve a finish.

Can existing stone profiles be copied?

Profiles may be reproduced from accurate drawings, templates or existing samples.

Can historic replacement stone be manufactured?

Yes. Existing profiles, dimensions, photographs and templates may be used.

Can production use BIM files?

Approved BIM information may support dimensions and schedules, but fabrication details may still be required.

Does a three-dimensional model replace shop drawings?

Not always. Dimensions, tolerances, finishes, quantities and piece codes may still need separate documentation.

Who approves final stone drawings?

The responsible project team should approve the drawings before manufacturing.

Request Custom Limestone Fabrication

DMR Limestone manufactures custom Turkish limestone for:

• Façade panels
• Pool coping
• Exterior paving
• Staircases
• Window sills
• Fireplace surrounds
• Wall caps
• Pier caps
• Columns
• Capitals
• Balustrades
• Arches
• Cornices
• Fluted panels
• Curved stone
• Carved architectural elements

Send us your:

• Architectural drawings
• Cutting lists
• Dimensions
• Thicknesses
• Surface finishes
• Edge profiles
• Quantities
• CAD files
• Project location
• Delivery destination

UPLOAD ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS

REQUEST LIMESTONE SAMPLES

REQUEST A CUSTOM QUOTE

DMR Limestone converts approved architectural drawings into finished custom limestone through material selection, cut-to-size production, CNC fabrication, carving, quality control, piece numbering and export packaging.