How to haul a stone countertop home

Why stone rides on its edge

A countertop piece is long, thin and heavy. Laid flat and lifted from the ends, it flexes in the middle and can crack, especially at a sink cutout. Standing on its long edge, the same piece is stiff. So stone is stored, carried, hauled and set on edge, then laid flat only at the last moment onto the cabinets.

How heavy it is

Weight depends on the stone and its thickness. MSI gives about 9 to 10 pounds per square foot for 2 cm quartz and 13½ to 15 pounds per square foot for 3 cm, so even a vanity top is a two-person lift; a kitchen piece takes more.

Vehicle and equipment

• A pickup, van or trailer long enough for the piece standing on edge. Most cars are not.
• An A-frame: a sloped rack that holds pieces leaning on edge. You can rent ours at pickup with a refundable deposit; the buying and pickup guide has the terms.
• Ratchet straps to hold the stone to the frame, and the frame to the vehicle.
• Moving blankets or foam to pad the edges where they touch the frame and the straps.
• Gloves with a good grip, and closed-toe shoes.

Loading and driving

1. Secure the A-frame to the truck bed or trailer first, centered over the axle where you can.
2. Our staff load the piece onto the frame; you secure it for the drive. It leans against the frame with padding between the stone and the frame.
3. Strap the stone to the frame, and the frame to the vehicle, so nothing can slide or tip.
4. Drive gently. Take corners and bumps slowly and leave extra stopping distance.
5. At home, carry the piece on edge to where it will be installed, and lean it against a padded wall on a padded floor if it has to wait.

At pickup

Look over the piece before it leaves: edges, corners, the polished face and the back. Bring your order number and photo ID. The pickup policy has the details, including what to do if something is wrong with the piece.