Planning stone delivery and unloading at a UAE site

Agree the terms first

Delivery or collection is agreed per quotation, so do not assume either. Before the date is set, confirm in writing: whether the stone is delivered to site or collected from the yard at Emirates Industrial City, Sharjah; the type and size of vehicle; who is responsible for unloading; the delivery window; and who to call on the day. If you are collecting, arrange a vehicle and loading method suited to slabs or pallets, and bring A-frames and straps if needed. See delivery for current arrangements.

Site access

Measure the tightest point on the route against the largest slab or worktop, including its height when carried on edge.

• Route and gate: can a flatbed or crane truck reach the unloading point? Check gate width and height, overhead cables, tight turns and soft ground.
• Permits and permissions: many communities, towers and free zones require a delivery permit, gate pass or building management approval. Arrange it in advance.
• Time restrictions: residential communities often limit delivery hours. In summer, remember the midday outdoor work break that applies to outdoor workers.
• Unloading area: firm, level, close to where the stone will be stored, and clear of other trades' traffic.
• Upper floors: for apartments and towers, check lift or hoist dimensions and weight limits, stair widths and turning space against the largest piece.

Unloading and lifting

Granite is heavy. As an approximate general figure, it weighs about 52–56 kg per m² at 20 mm and 78–84 kg per m² at 30 mm, so a large slab can weigh several hundred kilograms. Plan unloading with the right equipment: a forklift with suitable tines or a slab clamp, a crane or truck-mounted crane with slab clamps or soft slings, and enough trained people for manual handling of smaller pieces.

Slabs must be lifted and moved on edge. Lying flat, a slab bends under its own weight and can crack, especially if it is lifted from the ends or carried over uneven ground. Never drag a slab across the ground or slide one slab off another; lift it clear. Use soft packing or timber between slabs and any metal so faces and edges are not chipped.

Tiles and steps usually arrive on pallets or in crates. Unload them with a forklift or pallet truck and keep them upright and banded until they are needed.

Storing stone on site

Keep the stone in its delivery order if slabs are numbered or sequenced, especially for bookmatched sets.

• A-frames or racks: store slabs on edge, leaning slightly, on a sturdy A-frame or rack fixed so it cannot tip.
• Timber bearers: stand slabs on timber, not directly on concrete, sand or metal, with both faces supported along their length.
• Polished faces together: stack polished faces against polished faces, with protective spacers, to avoid scratches.
• Level, firm ground: away from excavations, vehicle routes and areas where materials are lifted overhead.
• Protection: cover with a breathable sheet against dust, cement splashes and acid washes. Keep stone away from wet concrete, rusting steel and chemicals.
• Shade: where possible, store in shade; sun-heated slabs are hard to handle and fabricate.

Checking the stone on arrival

Before signing the delivery note, count the slabs, tiles or pieces against the quotation and delivery note, check the material, thickness and finish, and look for broken corners, cracks and damaged packaging. Photograph anything that looks wrong, write it on the delivery note, and report it the same day.

If the stone will not be fitted for some time, recheck it before fabrication starts so any problem is found before cutting rather than after.