Where can you get large Slabs?

[yenling83]

It seems like it's more challenging to find large rock and artificial slabs for planting in the US. I'm currently looking for one, but haven't seen many for sale? The only source I know of through Mirai seems to be all sold out for now.

 

[Hartinez]

Hey Jeremiah. I ordered a slab direct from Bonsai Kreativ last year. Shipping wasn’t cheap. Like $100 or so. But the price comparison is VASTLY less than Mirai. But the quality is as good as Jan Kuleks slabs. Here’s a link to the site I ordered from and another I saw recently. It’s my understanding you can get a custom slab made through bonsai Kreativ as well. I’ll also attach some pics of the slab/vessel I got.

Shop - Bonsai Kreativ

Für die Gestaltung origineller und außergewöhnlicher Bonsai-Kompositionen biete ich hier handgefertigte Steine für höchste Qualitätsansprüche an. Die detailreiche und einzigartige Oberflächengestaltung mit natürlicher Patina und das geringe Gewicht machen jeden Stein zu einem Unikat.

bonsaikreativ.com

 

[Hartinez]

This is a screenshot from a current listing on Bonsai Pot Auctions on facebook

 

[yenling83]

Hey Jeremiah. I ordered a slab direct from Bonsai Kreativ last year. Shipping wasn’t cheap. Like $100 or so. But the price comparison is VASTLY less than Mirai. But the quality is as good as Jan Kuleks slabs. Here’s a link to the site I ordered from and another I saw recently. It’s my understanding you can get a custom slab made through bonsai Kreativ as well. I’ll also attach some pics of the slab/vessel I got.

Shop - Bonsai Kreativ

Für die Gestaltung origineller und außergewöhnlicher Bonsai-Kompositionen biete ich hier handgefertigte Steine für höchste Qualitätsansprüche an. Die detailreiche und einzigartige Oberflächengestaltung mit natürlicher Patina und das geringe Gewicht machen jeden Stein zu einem Unikat.

bonsaikreativ.com

Aww very nice, thank you for the info, will look into! do you feel like it's quite strong? the tree i'm planning to put on the slab is XL and very heavy.

 

[Hartinez]

I know you mentioned wanting to purchase stateside, but I just don’t know how feasible it is. The Europeans just make better slabs. Full stop. Not sure if it’s just better materials available or what.

 

[Hartinez]

Here’s the one I bought. It was packed very well. Cost me around $350 or so plus 100 for shipping. I attached it to this steel plate for balance purposes and let the steel rust all year. I have a piñon planned for it. In the same box to save on shipping I added the second small pot to use for an accent. Same display at some point.

 

[Hartinez]

Aww very nice, thank you for the info, will look into! do you feel like it's quite strong? the tree i'm planning to put on the slab is XL and very heavy.

I’m willing to bet if you reach out to the maker and communicate this info, he can adjust the piece accordingly. I will say, whatever material they are using over seas, is so insanely durable. Shocking how strong the piece is really.

 

[Hartinez]

Here’s another option. This is from Bonsaigers, which I believe you had your redwood in one of their Instagram photo contests? He’s got great pieces also. At fair prices.

Jean-Philippe Sonnet - Bonsai | Tools | Clothing | Bonsaigers

www.bonsaigers.com

 

[yenling83]

I know you mentioned wanting to purchase stateside, but I just don’t know how feasible it is. The Europeans just make better slabs. Full stop. Not sure if it’s just better materials available or what.

You are correct, I don't know what those Europeans are doing but seems they've figured out the secret! Yours looks awesome, really well done. I will contact him, thank you so much!

 

[rockm]

Before you order check out possible tariffs on the origin country. For instance As of a couple of months ago Packages under $800 are no longer exempt and depending on the country can add a little or a lot. The exemption can also put a kink in shipping with that new rule since it complicates things. Some shippers refuse to ship which can make finding one an issue

Not being political just saying check before you order or you could wind up with surprises.

 

[Hartinez]

Before you order check out possible tariffs on the origin country. For instance As of a couple of months ago Packages under $800 are no longer exempt and depending on the country can add a little or a lot. The exemption can also put a kink in shipping with that new rule since it complicates things. Some shippers refuse to ship which can make finding one an issue

Not being political just saying check before you order or you could wind up with surprises.

I wondered also. I did see the slabs coming from Bonsaigers had a flat $100 shipping rate to the US. I don’t know what Bonsai Kreativ would charge though.

 

[Michael P]

No one has mentioned the obvious source: a retail stone yard. You would be looking for thin irregular flagstone. Before you go, ask them if they will allow you to pick out individual stones and buy by the pound (or square foot). Wholesale stone yards generally will not allow this. Large retail landscape supply stores may also have what you are looking for.

 

[Potawatomi13]

Check out Eric. He has some wonderful creations ​

www.atelierbonsai-element.comBonsai Pots | Atelier Bonsai Element | Erik Krizovensky ...​

Unique Bonsai pots handmade from concrete by Erik Krizovensky | Atelier Bonsai Element.

 

[BrightsideB]

Here’s the one I bought. It was packed very well. Cost me around $350 or so plus 100 for shipping. I attached it to this steel plate for balance purposes and let the steel rust all year. I have a piñon planned for it. In the same box to save on shipping I added the second small pot to use for an accent. Same display at some point.
View attachment 617517View attachment 617518View attachment 617519View attachment 617520

How heavy is this slab? The one attached to the metal base? It is really nice!

 

[yenling83]

Before you order check out possible tariffs on the origin country. For instance As of a couple of months ago Packages under $800 are no longer exempt and depending on the country can add a little or a lot. The exemption can also put a kink in shipping with that new rule since it complicates things. Some shippers refuse to ship which can make finding one an issue

Not being political just saying check before you order or you could wind up with surprises.

That’s a great point I didn’t even think about. Appreciate it!