Obtaining physical samples is a critical step for architects, designers, and homeowners making significant investments in exterior paving or brickwork. The ability to assess colour, texture, and finish in situ allows for informed decision-making and ensures the final installation matches the envisioned aesthetic. Based on the provided documentation, several manufacturers and platforms offer sample programmes, though the eligibility criteria, costs, and types of samples available vary significantly. The landscape ranges from free sample books for trade professionals to individual samples for residential customers, often with specific shipping considerations.
The sourcing process is split between direct manufacturer programmes and consolidated sampling platforms. Direct programmes, such as those offered by ArchaTrak and Nicolock, provide specific samples of their product lines. In contrast, platforms like Material Bank offer a vast catalogue of materials but cater primarily to industry professionals. Understanding the distinctions between these options—particularly regarding eligibility, sample sizes, and shipping policies—is essential for accessing the right materials for a project.
Direct Manufacturer Sample Programmes
Several manufacturers offer direct sample request options, often distinguishing between trade professionals and general consumers. These programmes are designed to facilitate the selection of specific product lines, such as porcelain pavers or bricks.
ArchaTrak Sample Options
ArchaTrak provides two distinct methods for obtaining samples, catering to different user needs: comprehensive sample books for professionals and individual samples for general evaluation.
Sample Books for Professionals ArchaTrak offers free standing sample books containing either four or eight porcelain paver samples. These books are specifically available to "architects, landscape architects, designers and specifiers." The samples are mounted in foam cutouts, designed to be easily removed for client presentations. To obtain these books, eligible professionals must call 866 206 8316 or email the company, specifying the porcelain colour samples required.
Single and Larger Samples Individual 4″ x 2 ½″ samples of all porcelain pavers in the ArchaTrak range are available to the general public. These can be ordered by visiting the 'Explore all Colors and Styles' page. A 'Add Sample to Cart' button facilitates the order. These samples are typically shipped via USPS Priority Mailbags, which generally guarantees a 2-3 day delivery.
Upon request, ArchaTrak can also supply larger 6″ x 8″ samples, subject to availability. However, a shipping and handling charge applies to these larger samples.
Important Considerations and Limitations ArchaTrak explicitly warns that due to modern tile manufacturing processes, colour, shade, and features can vary from tile to tile and between production batches. Manufacturers intentionally produce tiles with a multitude of slightly different images, colours, or shades to mimic the natural variation found in stone or wood. Consequently, ArchaTrak notes that a 4″ x 2 ½″ sample "may not necessarily represent the precise color or shade of either the complete paver or a batch of identically named pavers." This variation is a critical factor for consumers to consider when making a final selection.
Nicolock Sample Programme
Nicolock offers a straightforward sample programme for homeowners and designers trying to decide on the best colour for an outdoor living space. Customers can order up to three free samples to see firsthand how a colour looks in the intended area.
The process involves filling out and submitting a convenient online order form. Once submitted, a Nicolock representative will contact the customer. The programme is positioned as a tool to help ensure a "dream turns into exactly the reality you envision." There is no mention of trade-specific eligibility requirements for this specific sample offer, suggesting it is open to general consumers.
US Brick Sample Request Process
US Brick provides a detailed online form for requesting brick samples. This form requires specific information, including contact details and the selection of brick samples from various collections.
Sample Selection The request form requires users to select brick samples from specific collections, which are listed by location. The available collections include: * Bluegrass Collection | Gleason TN * Carolina Collection | Columbia SC * Commercial Collection | Columbia SC * Crossroads Collection | Mooresville IN * Heartland Collection | Bessemer AL
For each collection, users can specify a "First Choice," "Second Choice," and "Third Choice," and can add further products. There is also an option to request stone or paver samples by specifying the product(s).
Eligibility and Contact Information The form asks, "If you haven’t connected with us yet, please type N/A," suggesting this field is for existing contacts. It requires a full street address, city, and state. The state selection dropdown includes "Alabama, Alaska, American," though "American" is likely a typo for a US state. While the form is US-centric, the principles of sample request forms (collecting detailed selection and address information) are standard for such programmes.
Consolidated Sampling Platforms
For professionals managing multiple material specifications, consolidated platforms offer a way to source samples from numerous brands through a single interface.
Material Bank
Material Bank is a sampling platform that aggregates over 45,000 materials from more than 450 brands. It is positioned as a tool for discovery and connection for a community of over 120,000 designers and architects.
Eligibility and Cost The service is explicitly stated to be "Always free for architects and interior designers." This indicates a strict trade-only eligibility requirement. The platform facilitates complex searches across hundreds of brands and thousands of materials in seconds.
Platform Features and Benefits Beyond simple sampling, Material Bank offers several professional features: * Leads on-demand: Provides specifiers with lead generation capabilities. * Ultra-fast sample logistics: Manages the physical distribution of samples efficiently. * Sample reclamation: A sustainability initiative aimed at reducing packaging waste and emissions. * Brand Awareness: Offers strong ROI and brand awareness for material manufacturers.
The platform is described as more than just a sampling service; it is a source of discovery and connection for the design community.
Understanding Sample Variations and Limitations
When ordering samples, particularly for materials like porcelain pavers, it is vital to understand the inherent limitations of a small physical sample in representing a full-sized product.
Manufacturing Variation As detailed in the ArchaTrak documentation, modern tile manufacturing is designed to replicate natural material variation. This means: * Colour and shade can vary between individual tiles. * Production batches may have slight differences. * A small sample may not perfectly match the full-size paver or the specific batch delivered for a project.
Sample Size Implications The size of the sample can also affect perception. While ArchaTrak offers 4″ x 2 ½″ standard samples, larger 6″ x 8″ samples are available (for a fee) and may provide a better representation of the overall pattern and colour variation. However, even a larger sample is still only a snapshot of the potential range present in a full delivery.
Conclusion
Accessing free samples for block paving and brick projects involves navigating a mix of trade-focused programmes and consumer-friendly options. For trade professionals, platforms like Material Bank offer an extensive, free resource for sourcing thousands of materials from hundreds of brands, complete with logistical support and lead generation tools. Direct manufacturer programmes like ArchaTrak provide tiered access, with comprehensive sample books for specifiers and individual or larger (fee-based) samples for the general public.
For homeowners and designers, manufacturers such as Nicolock offer free samples to help visualise colours in a real-world setting. When ordering any sample, it is crucial to acknowledge the inherent variability in manufactured materials. As the documentation notes, small samples may not fully represent the precise colour or shade of a complete batch due to intentional manufacturing variations designed to mimic natural stone or wood. Therefore, samples should be used as a guide to the general style and colour palette rather than an exact colour match for the final installation. Reviewing the specific terms, shipping costs, and eligibility requirements for each programme is essential before placing a request.