How to Move a Marble Dining Table Safely

How to Move a Marble Dining Table Safely (UK Courier Guide)

Marble is heavy, brittle at thin points, and chips easily. The #1 rule: separate the top from the base, protect the edges, and keep the slab vertical during handling and transport (on an A-frame if possible). If stairs or tight turns are involved—or the top is 80–120 kg+—book a specialist crew.

If you’re looking for a marble dining table courier UK, this guide shows the exact, professional method we use.

Safe Rules

1. Don’t lift by the top while assembled; disassemble first.
2. Protect edges and corners before any lift.
3. Carry and transport the top vertically (edge-on) and strap to a padded A-frame.
4. Use 3–4 people, lift straps/suction cups rated for stone, and communicate each move.
5. Photograph & video condition before/after.
6. If in doubt, hire a white-glove courier, with high value Goods-in-Transit insurance..

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What you’ll need (pro kit checklist)

1. Wooden Frame

   Pre constructed wooden frame - size should be larger than the table-top, with enough space for foam edge protectors, and protective materials i.e. large cell bubble wrap and a single furniture blanket.
2. Rubber Flooring

   A vehicle with thick rubber flooring, this helps to lessen the shock caused by uneven road surfaces. Rubber is ideal because it's non-slip.
3. Pallet

   Reduces the risk of manual handling problems - 90% of damage is caused when manually handling fragile goods.
4. Portable Pallet Truck

   You'll need this to load and unload safely.
5. Pallet Padding

   Add 3 layers of furniture blankets and a single layer of large-cell bubble wrap onto the pallet before moving the table top. Fold any stray blankets.
6. Tail Lift

   Use a vehicle with a tail lift - The least amount of manual handling the better. The goal is to use specialist tools to move the marble from point A to Point B, with the least amount of manual handling.

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Step-by-step method (field-tested)

1) Plan access & roles (5–10 min)

• Measure doors, turns, stairs, lift sizes; plan the route.
• Assign a lead to call moves (“1-2-3 lift”, “rotate”, “lower”).
• Clear all obstacles along the route.

2) Photograph or Video condition (2–3 min)

• Take 6–8 photos and a video: full top, each edge/corner, base/legs. Note any chips. You’ll repeat this at the end for proof-of-condition.

3) Disassemble carefully (10–20 min)

• Detach the base/legs
• Bag and label all fixings; store in a safe and easily remembered location.
• If the base is marble too, treat it like a smaller slab (wrap + vertical handling).

4) Protect the tabletop (10–15 min)

• Fit edge and corner protectors first - affix with painter tape.
• Wrap with large-cell bubble wrap and a single furniture blanket.
• Place within the wooden frame - don't hammer nails into the frame!
• Add the 3 layers of furniture blankets and a single layer of large-cell bubble wrap onto the pallet.
• Shrink wrap at a low, low-temperature, ensuring that the wooden frame is attached to the pallet.
• Place the frame onto a suitably sized pallet - use 2-4 helpers when lifting.
• Shrink wrap at a low, low-temperature*, ensuring that the wooden frame is attached to the pallet.

* IMPORTANT: That wasn't a typo - avoid heat on the stone—low temp only, moving the gun constantly and never dwelling.

5) Lifting & carrying (team of 3–4)

• Move the pallet as close to the assembled wooden frame as possible.
• Using a team of 3-4 lift gently and place onto the pallet.
• Move slowly, announce turns or any difficulties, rest at landings.

6) Loading & securing in the vehicle

• Using the portable pallet truck and vehicle tail lift, move the pallet into the vehicle.
• Avoid any holes or uneven sufaces.
• Position the pallet against a sidewall, as close to the front as possible.
• Strap in three points (top/middle/bottom) with rachet straps, and apply padding to the anchor points - i.e. where the straps touch the pallet enclosure.
• Keep heavy items low and forward; never stack on to the pallet.

7) Transit best practice

• Always transport during day light hours - see below.
• Smooth driving, avoid potholes/speed cushions, widen turns - no harsh acceleration, braking or manouvers.
• Always (Pro tip) Stop and re-check straps after the first 10–15 minutes.

8) Delivery, reassembly & proof

• Unload from vehicle and transport to the front door.
• Unwrap carefully; remove shrink wrap, and carry the wooden frame to the room you wish to locate the table.
• Refit the base (hand-tight, then torque evenly).
• Final condition photos and video, don't forget to get the delivery note signed.

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When you should hire a specialist (don’t DIY)

• Tabletop > 150 cm length or > 80–120 kg
• Stairs, tight turns, or upper floors
• Undermounted glass/metal inlays, or fragile pedestal bases
• No safe parking / long carry distances

A professional crew brings the correct kit (wooden frame, protectors, straps), and Goods-in-Transit insurance specific to high-value items.

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Common mistakes to avoid

• Moving the table while still assembled (stress points = cracks).
• Carrying the slab flat (easier to snap with small drops).
• Skipping protection, pallet and tools - risking manual handling damage.
• Using hot shrink wrap directly on stone or near adhesives/finishes.

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Costs

Every job varies with access and weight, but with our single-item white-glove moves with protection, you don't have to second guess. Visit our quotation page, for a precise cost, we guarantee to honor for up to six months.

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About Our Service — FAQ

What areas do you cover?

We’re based in Essex with regular runs to London, neighbouring counties (Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Herts), and locations across England, Scotland and Wales.

What items do you transport?

High-value and fragile pieces including marble/stone tables, luxury furniture, glass display cabinets, mirrors and selected artworks/instruments. If in doubt, send a photo and dimensions.

How do you protect items in transit?

Triple protection: blankets → bubble → low-temp shrink (as appropriate), plus edge/corner guards, floor/door protection at properties and ratchet-strap load securing. We also take condition photos and video.

Are you insured?

Yes. We’re fully insured for Goods-in-Transit and Public Liability - standard insurance is £30K, but this can be increased to +£1M if required. See our Insurance page.

Do you handle stairs and heavy items?

Yes. We plan access first and assign the right crew (one-man, two-man or three-man) with the correct equipment. For heavy stone tops or tight staircases, please share photos of the route.

Can you do same-day or timed deliveries?

Subject to availability, yes. We offer same-day, next-day and timed windows on all runs. We can also provide instant collection (within an hour).

Do you assemble or place items in the room?

Room-of-choice placement is standard. Basic reassembly isn't a service we provide..

How do I get a quote or book?

First use our Quotation form, this provides the distance based quote. Once you have that visit the Booking Form, which provides a comprehensive price for your entire project.

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Call, Text or WhatsApp me (Lee) on 077 888 211 21 or email lee@luxuryfurniturecourier.co.uk.