Project Timelines for International Stone Supply

Sourcing Turkish marble, travertine, limestone and granite for international architectural projects requires a clear understanding of production timelines. Each phase—from selecting slabs to loading containers—affects the final delivery date. Whether you are working on hotels, residences, malls or public buildings, knowing these stages ensures smoother planning and fewer delays.

This guide outlines a typical step-by-step timeline used by suppliers like Atlas Natural Stones when exporting natural stone worldwide.

1. Material Selection (1–5 Days)

The project begins with identifying the right material. Clients often review:

• Sample photos or physical samples
• Slab photos of marble or onyx
• Tile references for travertine or limestone
• Project-specific requirements such as finish and thickness

Common reference points include white, beige, grey and colored Turkish marbles.

2. Quotation & Confirmation (2–5 Days)

Once the materials are chosen, the supplier issues a quotation including:

• Unit prices for slabs, tiles or cut-to-size items
• Estimated production time
• INCOTERMS® shipping terms
• Packing systems and quality expectations

3. Production Phase (1–4 Weeks)

Production time varies depending on format:

• Tiles (marble/travertine): typically 7–14 days
• Cut-to-size panels: 10–20 days
• Slabs: usually ready faster if block inventory is available
• Exterior stones (basalt/andesite): may require extended processing

During production, clients may receive updates such as slab photos, tile inspection images, or factory video reporting.

4. Quality Control & Approval (1–3 Days)

After production, materials undergo a detailed inspection that checks:

• Color consistency and veining
• Finish quality (polished, honed, brushed, tumbled, etc.)
• Dimensions and tolerances
• Packing quality

Approvals may involve mock-ups or reference samples.

5. Packing & Container Loading (1–3 Days)

Stone is secured using crates, bundles or pallets depending on the format. Learn more in:

• Crates, Bundles & Pallets
• Container Loading Methods

6. Sea Freight Transit (1–5 Weeks)

Shipping time mainly depends on the destination:

• East Mediterranean: 3–7 days
• Europe: 1–2 weeks
• Middle East: 1 week
• North America: 3–5 weeks
• Asia & Australia: 3–5 weeks

7. Delivery to Site (1–7 Days)

Once containers arrive at the port, materials are transported to the project site. Proper handling is essential—see Receiving & Inspecting Stone Deliveries.

Summary

The entire process—from selection to jobsite delivery—typically takes 4 to 10 weeks depending on the stone type, production workload and destination. Planning ahead ensures a smooth supply chain for any international project.

Related Articles

• Key Questions to Ask Before Ordering Turkish Stone
• Step-by-Step Overview of Exporting Turkish Marble
• Photo & Video Reporting from Turkish Factories