Slab Receiving Checklist for Countertop Fabrication Shops
What Is Slab Receiving?
Slab receiving is the inspection and documentation process when stone slabs arrive at your fabrication shop. Every slab that enters your yard needs to be checked for damage, measured for accuracy, photographed for inventory, and logged into your tracking system. Skipping this step means discovering chips, cracks, or wrong materials after you have already committed them to a job -- and by then, the supplier may not accept a return.
TL;DR: Slab Receiving Essentials
- Inspect every slab within 24-48 hours of delivery -- supplier claims have tight windows
- Photograph both faces and all four edges for inventory and damage records
- Measure actual dimensions -- slab sizes vary from nominal by up to 2-3 inches
- Damage found on 5-10% of deliveries -- catching it at receiving saves $500-$3,000 per slab
- Proper receiving takes 10-15 minutes per slab -- worth every second
- Log slabs into inventory immediately to prevent double-selling or lost materials
- Supplier damage claim deadlines: typically 48-72 hours from delivery
Complete Slab Receiving Checklist
Section 1: Delivery Verification
- Purchase order number matches delivery paperwork
- Number of slabs delivered matches order quantity
- Material type matches order (granite, quartz, quartzite, marble)
- Color/pattern name matches order specifications
- Slab bundle/lot numbers recorded
- Delivery truck condition documented (damage in transit vs. pre-existing)
- Driver signature obtained on receiving documents
- Any discrepancies noted on delivery receipt before signing
Section 2: Physical Inspection (Each Slab)
- Front face inspected for chips, cracks, and scratches
- Back face inspected for structural cracks
- All four edges checked for chips and damage
- Corners inspected (most common damage location)
- Surface finish consistent (no dull spots or unpolished areas)
- Color consistency matches sample and order specifications
- Pattern/veining acceptable for intended use
- Thickness measured at 4+ points across slab (consistent within 1/16")
- No visible filler repairs that were not disclosed
- No structural fissures beyond acceptable natural characteristics
Section 3: Measurement and Documentation
- Length measured and recorded (actual, not nominal)
- Width measured and recorded (actual, not nominal)
- Thickness measured and recorded
- Slab weight estimated or recorded from delivery docs
- Photos taken: full front face, full back face
- Photos taken: all four edges
- Photos taken: close-up of any damage, defects, or notable features
- Photos taken: lot/bundle sticker and any supplier markings
- Slab assigned an internal tracking ID number
- All data entered into inventory management system
Section 4: Storage and Placement
- Slab placed on A-frame rack with adequate support
- No stone-to-stone contact (proper padding between slabs)
- A-frame not overloaded (follow manufacturer weight limits)
- Slab position recorded (rack number, position)
- Exterior slabs protected from weather if applicable
- High-value or customer-selected slabs flagged and secured
- FIFO (first in, first out) positioning maintained where possible
- Slab is accessible for customer viewing if not yet assigned
Section 5: Damage Claims
- All damage documented with photos within 24 hours
- Supplier notified in writing within their claim window (typically 48-72 hours)
- Claim reference number obtained from supplier
- Damaged slab segregated from usable inventory
- Replacement slab ordered or credit confirmed
- Affected job timeline updated if slab was pre-sold
How to Inspect a Slab Properly
Step 1: Visual Sweep
Stand 8-10 feet from the slab and scan the entire face. At this distance, you spot color inconsistencies, large fissures, and obvious surface defects that you might miss up close.
Step 2: Edge Walk
Run your hand along all four edges, feeling for chips that may not be visible. Pay extra attention to corners -- 60% of transport damage occurs at slab corners.
Step 3: Surface Check
Get within 2 feet and look across the surface at an angle (raking light). This reveals scratches, dull spots, and filler repairs that are invisible when viewed straight-on.
Step 4: Back Face
Flip or tilt the slab enough to inspect the back face. Structural cracks that do not show on the polished front are often visible on the unfinished back. A crack on the back will eventually propagate to the front during fabrication or use.
Step 5: Measure
Never trust nominal dimensions. A slab listed as 120" x 65" might actually measure 118" x 63.5". If you have already sold that slab based on nominal dimensions, you could come up short on material.
Cost of Skipping Slab Receiving
| Issue | How Often It Happens | Cost If Missed |
|---|---|---|
| Chipped corners (hidden by packaging) | 5-8% of deliveries | $200-$800 usable area lost |
| Wrong material delivered | 1-3% of deliveries | $500-$3,000 (return shipping + delay) |
| Structural crack discovered during fabrication | 2-4% of uninspected slabs | $1,000-$4,000 (wasted fab time + new slab) |
| Color mismatch vs. customer selection | 2-5% of deliveries | $500-$2,000 (re-order + project delay) |
| Size smaller than nominal | 8-12% of deliveries | $0-$1,500 (depends on nesting impact) |
A shop receiving 20-30 slabs per month that skips inspection can expect 2-4 issues monthly. At an average cost of $800 per undetected issue, that is $1,600-$3,200 in preventable monthly losses.
Slab Photography Best Practices
Good slab photography serves double duty: inventory documentation and customer selection.
- Lighting: Natural daylight or bright, diffused shop lighting. Avoid harsh shadows.
- Angle: Photograph from directly above or at a very slight angle. Avoid extreme angles that distort dimensions.
- Scale reference: Include a measuring tape or scale bar in at least one photo.
- Resolution: Minimum 12 megapixels. Customers will zoom in on details.
- Naming convention: Use a consistent format: Material_Color_LotNumber_SlabNumber (e.g., Quartzite_TajMahal_Lot4521_Slab3)
- Upload timing: Same day as receiving. Delays mean your inventory system is always out of date.
FAQ
How long does proper slab receiving take per slab? Allow 10-15 minutes per slab for inspection, measurement, photography, and data entry. For a 10-slab delivery, plan for about 2 hours of focused work.
What is the typical supplier damage claim window? Most suppliers require claims within 48-72 hours of delivery. Some require notification within 24 hours. Check your supplier's specific terms -- they are usually in the purchase agreement.
Should I inspect slabs before the delivery driver leaves? Ideally, yes. At minimum, do a quick visual check for obvious damage while the driver is present and note any issues on the delivery receipt. Full inspection can happen within 24 hours.
What percentage of slabs arrive damaged? Industry data suggests 5-10% of slab deliveries have some level of damage -- from minor corner chips to significant cracks. Most damage occurs during loading, transit, or unloading.
Do I need to photograph every slab? Yes. Photos serve three purposes: damage claims, inventory management, and customer slab selection. The 2-3 minutes spent photographing each slab pays for itself many times over.
How should I handle a slab that is smaller than listed dimensions? Measure and record the actual dimensions. If the slab is still usable for its intended job (after accounting for nesting), it may not warrant a claim. If it is too small, document and contact the supplier immediately.
What is the best way to organize slab storage? Group by material type, then by color family. Use a numbered A-frame system that corresponds to your inventory software. Keep customer-selected slabs in a dedicated, clearly marked area to prevent accidental use on other jobs.
Should I inspect slabs I pick up from the supplier myself? Absolutely. Inspect before loading. Damage discovered after you leave the supplier's yard becomes your responsibility.
Track Every Slab from Receiving to Installation
SlabWise's inventory management tracks each slab from the moment it enters your yard through fabrication and installation. You will always know what you have, where it is, and which job it is assigned to. Start your 14-day free trial at slabwise.com.
Sources
- Natural Stone Institute -- Slab handling and inspection standards
- Marble Institute of America -- Material acceptance guidelines
- Stone World Magazine -- Slab logistics and handling best practices
- ISFA -- Inventory management recommendations
- Countertop Fabricators Alliance -- Supply chain management data
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration -- Material handling guidelines