How to transport tiles and slabs safely

Tiles and slabs look harmless, but a box of tiles is heavy and a large slab is slippery, sharp at the edges and breaks easily. That is why things often go wrong during transport: a back that protests, a broken slab or a load that shifts in the car. With the right approach, the right aids and a little preparation, you transport tiles safely from the point of purchase to your job. In this blog you will read how.

👷 Calling in a professional or a carrier is never superfluous. Is it about large or heavy slabs, many packs at once, a staircase or floor without a lift, or an unsuitable vehicle? Then leave the transport to a carrier and let the tiler think along about the delivery.

Prepare: know what you are transporting

• Weight. Tiles quickly weigh a lot. Add up the weight of the packs and compare it with the permitted load of your car and any trailer. Overloading is dangerous and not allowed.
• Route. How far is it from the car to where you are working? Are there stairs, thresholds or narrow passages?
• Packaging. Leave tiles in the original box or on the pallet until it is time to lay them.
• Help. You do not lift a heavy box or a large slab alone. Ask someone to help.

Read more about the tiling itself in our blog on tiling a floor.

Personal protection

Tile edges are sharp and a smooth pack slips out of your hands easily. Always wear:

• work gloves with nitrile coating with grip, or cut-resistant gloves for slabs with sharp edges. Read more in our buying guide for work gloves.
• safety shoe with a steel or composite toe cap, in case something falls on your foot. See our blog on choosing safety shoes.
• safety goggles when you break tiles or handle an opened pack.
• knee pads when you work on the floor, and a safety helmet on a site where others are working.

💡 Gloves with good grip stop a tile slipping away. Wear them from the moment you load.

Loading and securing

1. Tiles prefer to stand upright. Place packs of tiles on their side, against each other, not stacked flat. Upright they load each other less and break less easily. For large slabs the same applies: stand them upright on the long edge.
2. Soft layers in between. Put a blanket or foam between slabs and against the wall of the car.
3. Heavy low and forward. The heaviest pack lies low and as close to the rear axle as possible.
4. Secure everything. Use cargo straps (set), cargo straps with double hook or a cargo strap with double hook. Tighten them firmly but not so tight that an edge or corner is damaged, and use a corner protector. Check after a few kilometres that everything is still secure.
5. No loose parts. Do not drive with a load that can slide, not even over a short distance.

⚠️ A badly secured load is a danger to yourself and to others when braking. Always adapt your driving and drive calmly.

Aids on site

• Transport cart for tiles and slabs. A cart such as the Tyrrel MkII transport cart for tiles and slabs moves slabs around the site safely, even over small unevenness.
• Carrying system. With the Raimondi Easy-Move tile carrier 320 cm two people carry a large slab together, with suction cups on the slab.
• Trolley. A Raimondi Easy-Move transport trolley helps to move heavy packs or slabs over a level surface.
• Suction cups. A Raimondi RV175 vacuum suction cup with pressure gauge or Easy-Move suction cup with vacuum gauge gives grip on smooth tiles and slabs. Note: read the instructions and check the maximum load and the gauge, because a suction cup only works on a clean, flat, non-porous surface. Never use suction cups above anyone's head.

Lifting without back problems

• Lift with bent knees and a straight back; keep the pack close to your body.
• Do not twist with your back, but move your feet.
• Do not lift above shoulder height.
• Never hold a heavy pack with one hand.
• Walk calmly in pairs and agree who sets down when.
• Take your time: haste is the biggest source of mistakes.

When do you call a carrier or professional?

• Large or thin slabs that break easily, or slabs heavier than you can carry safely.
• Several pallets, or delivery to a high floor.
• A vehicle that is not suitable for the load or the distance.
• Work where you need a crane or lifting gear: that is work for a professional with the right certification.

When in doubt, the carrier is the safe choice. General rules for safe working are in our blog on safe working on the construction site; for tile systems and tools see our blog on Raimondi tile tools.

Frequently asked questions

May I lay tiles flat in the boot?

It can be done, but upright is safer for the tiles. Make sure nothing can slide.

How do I prevent broken slabs?

Transport upright, support the whole slab and use a cart or carrying system on site.

What if I do not know how heavy it is?

Check the packaging or the product sheet and ask for help or a carrier if in doubt.

Where can you find everything for this job?

At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.

• Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
• Create a customer account and order easily.
• Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
• Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
• Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.

In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.

Saniso – Build your home with Saniso.

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