Marble tops, slate tops, and pool table tops, all need to be handled and crated in a similar way. Some of the most common ways that slate/marble can be damaged in carrying, packing, transit, and unpacking are:
1. Shock.
These materials, being so heavy, complicate the move, often requiring more packers just to carry the slate (let alone the slate in the crate). So why make the job even harder by using a wood crate weighing 100kg+ when you can use a Rebul Crate weighing about 20kg instead. Reducing the overall weight greatly reduces the risk of dropping or rough handling. Despite the best intentions of the packers, slate and marble can have slight flaws or pre-existing cracks in them, leaving them vulnerable to any increased difficulty in packing or carrying. One reason why we rarely recommend consolidating marble tops is they put unwelcome pressure on each other, if not wrapped well or measured properly they can cause significant shock to each other. But it definitely can be done with accurate measurement provision and sufficient wrapping.
During transport, you could have the slate top sitting on a wooden crate base. But since shock is a huge risk to slate tops, wooden bases pose a threat due to their poor absorption. Honeycomb board as a base will ensure better shock protection. If you have ever heard of a marble top arriving at its destination in a crate broken, without any signs of crate problems, shock is usually the reason. So reduce the risk with a Rebul Crate. We think of these things so you don’t have to worry about them.
2. Bending.
How can slate bend? Well, like any material, if lifted, carried, or even tilted slightly, greater pressure will be put through the slate. Combining this with many hundreds of kilograms makes for trouble. Therefore slate/marble should always be carried and transported on its side and kept perfectly vertical at all times. All the crates we make for these materials have specific ‘this way up arrows’ for transport and allow for flexibility in packing from any side of the crate. The crate design suits the slate top, ensuring its best protection through the entire process.
One of the biggest suggestions I hear from packers around the country is how much they would appreciate it having handles on crates for large, heavy, cumbersome objects. They have a tough job, and it is one way we can make it a lot easier for them. For the sake of $15, ask for handles for any items being crated that are large, heavy, and valuable, your packers and clients will thank you for it.
Find out how we crate pool tables.
And give us a call if you need any advice when dealing with sensitive materials.