Step-by-Step Overview of Exporting Turkish Marble

Exporting Turkish marble for an international project involves many stages: technical specification, quarry selection, pricing, production, packing, container loading and shipping. When managed correctly with an experienced Turkish marble exporter, the process can be straightforward and predictable for architects, contractors and distributors.

This article provides a clear, step-by-step overview of how Turkish marble moves from the quarry and factory to your destination port. It complements other Natural Stone Academy articles such as Key Questions to Ask Before Ordering Turkish Stone, INCOTERMS & Shipping Terms for Stone Projects and Project Timelines for International Stone Supply.

Step 1 — Inquiry and Technical Specification

Everything starts with a clear brief. When contacting a Turkish marble supplier such as Atlas Natural Stones, Inc., it is useful to prepare:

• Architectural drawings, room schedules and façade elevations.
• Stone names or reference looks (for example white marble for lobbies, beige marble for corridors).
• Required thicknesses and formats (slabs, tiles, cut-to-size pieces).
• Finishes such as polished, honed, brushed, tumbled or sandblasted.
• Approximate quantities per area and project timeline.

The more precise the information, the easier it is for the exporter to propose suitable stones from Turkey’s marble regions. For a refresher on the main materials, see Introduction to Turkish Natural Stones: Marble, Travertine, Onyx, Limestone & Granite and the Products page.

Step 2 — Stone Selection and Quotation

Based on your brief, the exporter consults their network of quarries and factories to identify available blocks and slab stocks that match the required look:

• White marbles such as Afyon White and Mugla White for high-end interiors.
• Beige marbles like Bilecik Beige and Burdur Beige for hotels and malls.
• Grey marbles, travertine and limestone for contemporary designs.

You will typically receive a quotation that specifies stone type, unit prices, usable surface, INCOTERMS (FOB, CFR, CIF etc.) and estimated production time. For more detail, review Guide to Turkish Marble Types for Global Projects and INCOTERMS & Shipping Terms for Stone Projects.

Step 3 — Sample Approval and Mock-Ups

Before confirming the order, architects and clients usually request physical samples or mock-ups:

• Small tile samples to check color and veining of the selected Turkish marble.
• Larger cut pieces or on-site mock-ups for key areas like lobbies and bathrooms.
• Finish samples showing honed vs polished surfaces or tumbled travertine around pools.

This phase is explained in detail in How to Request and Evaluate Marble & Travertine Samples and Working with Reference Samples, Mock-Ups and Approvals. Once samples are approved, the exporting Turkish marble process moves into production.

Step 4 — Production: Cutting, Finishing and Quality Checks

After order confirmation and deposit, the factory starts production:

• Blocks of Turkish marble are cut into slabs in block-cutting machines.
• Slabs are resin-treated if required, polished or honed, and calibrated to thickness.
• Tiles and cut-to-size pieces are cut from slabs and receive the specified finish.
• Quality control checks dimensions, thickness, surface finish and tone range.

The transformation from quarry block to finished slab is described in From Quarry to Factory: How Turkish Blocks Become Slabs. Additional technical topics such as Stone Thickness Recommendations for Floors, Walls & Countertops and Dimensional Tolerances and Standards for Stone Tiles help you define realistic expectations.

Step 5 — Packing, Crating and Container Loading

Once production is completed and approved, the Turkish factory prepares the goods for export:

• Marble tiles and cut-to-size pieces are packed in wooden crates.
• Slabs are bundled on A-frames or metal supports and strapped securely.
• Every crate and bundle is labeled with stone name, dimensions and crate number.
• A detailed packing list is prepared, listing all packages and net square meters.

You can learn more in Crates, Bundles & Pallets: Packing Systems for Natural Stone, Container Loading Methods for Slabs and Tiles and Reading a Marble or Travertine Packing List. Correct packing is a critical part of exporting marble safely.

Step 6 — Inland Transport, Customs and Port Operations

Before the container leaves Turkey, several logistics steps take place:

• Containers are trucked from the factory to the nearest export port.
• Customs documentation is prepared by the exporter or customs broker.
• Containers are weighed, security sealed and loaded on board the vessel.
• Original documents (invoice, packing list, bill of lading) are issued and shared with the buyer.

These tasks are usually handled by the marble exporter in cooperation with a freight forwarder. They fit into the overall project planning described in Project Timelines for International Stone Supply.

Step 7 — Ocean Freight and Arrival at Destination Port

Transit times depend on the destination region. During shipping, it is important to monitor:

• Vessel departures and arrivals based on the carrier’s schedule.
• Any transshipment ports and potential delays.
• Arrival notices, local charges and customs clearance procedures at the destination.

At the receiving end, the process continues with Receiving, Inspecting and Storing Stone Deliveries on Site and Best Practices for Storing Natural Stone on Construction Sites. Proper handling on site protects your Turkish marble investment.

Step 8 — Communication and Reporting Throughout the Process

One of the most important aspects of exporting Turkish marble is continuous communication:

• Regular updates on production status and factory schedules.
• Photos and videos of slabs, tiles and packed crates for approval.
• Quick responses to questions from site teams and logistics partners.

Atlas Natural Stones, Inc. places strong emphasis on Communication Best Practices During Stone Production and Photo & Video Reporting from Turkish Stone Factories. Clear reporting helps align expectations between the quarry, factory and project site.

Working with Atlas Natural Stones, Inc.

As an independent Turkish natural stone trading company based in Ankara, Atlas Natural Stones, Inc. coordinates material selection, quality control and logistics for international clients. We source marble, travertine, limestone, onyx and granite from leading quarries and factories across Turkey.

To learn more about our process, you can read How to Order from Atlas Natural Stones, Inc. and Why Work with an Independent Turkish Stone Trading Company, or explore our Products page and Projects references. For specific inquiries, please use the contact form.