Lead times for imported stone and tile
Material stocked in the USA ships in days, and samples ship the same day; material made to order in Spain or specially ordered from Italy takes about 10 weeks. Custom work runs on its own clock: about 8 to 12 weeks for custom-cut stone and waterjet, 10 to 12 weeks for CNC, and a sample in 2 to 3 weeks, then about 10 weeks, for a custom mosaic.
Our lead times at a glance
These are the times we quote. We confirm the date in writing with every order.
- Stocked in the USA: ships in days; samples ship the same day.
- Made to order in Spain: about 10 weeks.
- Special order from Italy: about 10 weeks; minimum quantities apply.
- Custom-cut stone and waterjet: about 8 to 12 weeks.
- CNC: 10 to 12 weeks.
- Custom mosaic: sample in 2 to 3 weeks, then about 10 weeks.
- Custom color: free sample in 2 to 4 weeks, then 8 to 12 weeks.
Stocked in the USA vs made to order: what is the difference?
Stocked material is already sitting in a US warehouse. Once it is confirmed and paid, it can move fast, often within days.
Made to order material is produced for your job, usually at a factory overseas. It waits for a production slot, gets made, crated, shipped by sea and cleared through customs. Made to order in Spain, plan on about 10 weeks; special orders from Italy take about 10 weeks, and minimum quantities apply.
Why do custom mosaics and CNC pieces take longer?
Custom work adds steps before production even starts. Shop drawings, color and layout approvals, and sometimes a physical sample or mockup. A custom mosaic takes a sample in 2 to 3 weeks, then about 10 weeks for the order. Custom-cut stone and waterjet take about 8 to 12 weeks. CNC-fabricated pieces, like carved sinks, fluted panels or complex cut patterns, take 10 to 12 weeks. A custom color takes a free sample in 2 to 4 weeks, then 8 to 12 weeks.
The biggest delay is usually not the factory. It is waiting on approvals.
What happens with ocean freight and customs?
Transit time depends on origin, route and port congestion. Customs clearance is usually quick, but a random exam can add days or more. Then the container is unloaded, and the order trucked to the site or a warehouse.
Watch the calendar. Many European factories slow down or close for part of August, and holidays at the origin can shift production.
How should you plan a project schedule?
- Work backward from the date the installer needs material on site.
- Select early. Get samples, approve finishes and sign off on shop drawings before you think you need to.
- Order everything at once. One order keeps shade and lot consistent.
- Order overage, plus some attic stock for future repairs.
- Build in a buffer of a few weeks for freight and customs.
- Plan delivery. In Manhattan that can mean loading dock times, freight elevator bookings and building insurance certificates.
- Inspect on arrival, before installation starts.
How can you shorten the timeline?
Start with stocked material when it fits the design. If you need a made-to-order or custom item, approve it first and fill in the rest around it. For a Hamptons house that must be done by Memorial Day, stone decisions belong in the winter.
Tribeca Stone keeps a range of material stocked in the USA and sends samples out the same day in New York. Call or visit our Tribeca showroom and we will help you map the schedule.
Questions we hear
Can made-to-order stone be rushed?
Often, yes. Production can sometimes move up a week or two if the factory has room, and most overseas shipments can go by air freight instead of ocean, at a cost. Ask us for an air freight quote with your order; early approval is still the best shortcut.
How much extra material should I order?
Usually around 10 to 15 percent for tile, more for complex patterns or handmade products. Keep a box or two of attic stock.
Why does ordering everything at once matter?
Stone and tile vary between production runs and blocks. One order keeps color and shade consistent.
Do lead times include delivery to my site?
Ask every time. Some quotes cover production only, others run to delivery. Confirm on each order.
Shop the materials
See it in person.
Samples go out the same day in New York, or come to the showroom at 104 Reade Street and we will put the real stone in your hands.
Book a visit Ask a question