What is Batch Variation?

During your hardscape construction project you might notice some batch variation. Slight variations are normal. Sometimes, its not so slight.

What is Batch Variation?

Each manufacturer describes batch variation a little differently. One company simply states the following exclusion from their product warranty: “Normal wear and tear and normal behavior, such as variation in colors or shades.”

Another material producer sates: “Please note that some products have a multi-color mix where the manufacturing process means that different color percentages are likely selected from multiple pallets prior to installation. Choose from three to five different packs. Multi-colored products are produced randomly, therefore color proportions in different slabs may vary widely.”

Manufacturers that make the same material at multiple locations will commonly see variations in color. This is because the aggregates used, such as sand, are coming from different quarries. Different materials means different appearance. So, when sourcing material from a supplier that makes a material at multiple locations the risk of variation is higher.

Is Color Variation a BIG Problem?

At Valley Deck & Patio we install thousands of square feet of pavers and wall each month. We typically don’t see enormous variations, but it does exist. Sometimes its very slight and you only notice it when its installed. We actually see it most frequently in wall projects. Corner pieces on retaining wall projects are solid, not hollow core like the other pieces. Therefore it is common for them to render a different color as the piece will cure in a different way and the mix will distribute through out the block.

We have also seen projects that showed serious batch variation at the time it was installed, but 6 months later everything weather and now looks all alike. If one pallet was sitting for 6 weeks out in the weather and the other was fresh off the production line there would likely be some variations in appearance.

What to do if I Have BIG Batch Variation

Although the manufacturers distance themselves from warranties against color variation there is help available. As the installing contractor we are able to advocate on our clients. We have connections with the manufacturer and the supplier and we have been successful in the past at resolving situations where drastic variations have been a problem. Although our previous success is no guarantee of future results, we do promise that we will do everything we can to help our customers.

Examples of Batch Variations