Frequently Asked Questions

Every Question
a Wholesale Buyer
Should Ask Us

25 questions across 5 categories: products, ordering, quality, shipping, and pricing. Everything you need to know before sourcing Egyptian marble and granite from Shawkat Stone.

Products & Varieties Ordering & RFQ Quality & Certification Shipping & Logistics Pricing & Payment
25 Questions Answered
5 Categories
ISO 9001:2015
B2B Wholesale Only
48h RFQ Response
01

Products & Stone Varieties

What we supply, what varieties are available, and what you can expect from Egyptian marble and granite as a wholesale product.

What types of Egyptian marble and granite does Shawkat Stone supply? +

We supply all major Egyptian marble and granite varieties. For instance, our marble range includes Galala , Sunny Menia , and Sinai Pearl.

Furthermore, our heavy-duty granite range includes Red Aswan, verdi Brown, and New Halayeb. Consequently, all stones are sourced directly from premium Egyptian quarries and processed carefully in our ISO 9001:2015 certified factory in Cairo. View the full product range →

What surface finishes are available on Egyptian marble and granite? +

We produce six professional surface finishes using dedicated equipment for each:

  • Polished — high-gloss mirror finish, enhances natural color and veining. Interior flooring, wall cladding, countertops.
  • Honed — smooth matte surface. High-traffic areas, bathrooms, contemporary interiors.
  • Brushed — wire-brushed texture, aged appearance. Rustic and classical projects.
  • Flamed — high-heat rough surface. Outdoor paving and anti-slip flooring. Granite only.
  • Bush-Hammered — mechanically textured anti-slip. Outdoor walkways, pool surrounds.
  • Sandblasted — uniform matte texture. Facade cladding and decorative applications.
What formats and dimensions are available? +
Custom Format Specifications

We process raw stone precisely to any individual buyer specification. Consequently, standard formats include architectural slabs, large-format tiles, floor and wall tiles, cut-to-size pieces, custom countertops, sturdy stair treads, window sills, and functional thresholds.

Export Thickness and Calibration

In addition, standard export thicknesses are carefully calibrated at 2cm and 3cm. However, custom thicknesses remain fully available for high-volume contract orders. Ultimately, all pieces are strictly calibrated for uniform thickness before finishing to guarantee seamless on-site installation.

What makes Egyptian marble different from Italian or Turkish marble? +
Distinctive Color Palette & Pricing

Egyptian marble — particularly Galala and Sunny Menia offers a distinctive warm cream and beige palette that Italian and Turkish alternatives cannot replicate. Moreover, Egyptian stone is significantly more competitive on commercial FOB pricing while maintaining comparable structural quality for global wholesale distribution.

Geological Uniformity for Large Projects

In addition, Egypt's unique geological belt produces premium marble and granite with reliable consistency across multiple quarry batches. As a result, this structural advantage is highly critical for large-format commercial projects that require strict color uniformity across massive volumes.

Do you supply stone for outdoor use? +
Premium Outdoor Granite Applications

Yes, absolutely. Egyptian granite is particularly well-suited for demanding outdoor applications. For instance, its high density and natural hardness make it highly resistant to weathering, severe frost, and heavy commercial traffic. Consequently, we regularly supply flamed and bush-hammered finishes specifically engineered for exterior paving, pool surrounds, wall cladding, and commercial outdoor flooring.

Marble Selection & Technical Advice

Furthermore, specific premium marble varieties are also perfectly suitable for sheltered outdoor use. Therefore, our technical team can readily advise on selecting the right stone and finish combination for your specific architectural application.

02

Ordering & RFQ Process

How to start an order, what information we need, and what happens between your first enquiry and production start.

How do I request a quote from Shawkat Stone? +

Submit your RFQ directly through our convenient Request a Quote page. Please include your stone type, precise dimensions, surface finish, exact quantity (in square meters or container volume), and destination port.

Following this, our export team will respond with a detailed FOB quotation within 24–48 hours. Furthermore, if you're unsure about specific technical measurements, our team can help you define them. Simply describe your structural project requirements and we'll gladly guide you through the process.

What is the minimum order quantity? +
Flexible Container Options (LCL & FCL)

Our minimum order quantities are systematically structured for secure container import. For instance, LCL (Less than Container Load) is available for smaller wholesale orders. This option is highly suitable for buyers testing a new stone variety or safely placing a first trial order.

Standard Wholesale Frameworks

Conversely, FCL (Full Container Load — 20ft or 40ft) remains the default standard for our regular wholesale clients and offers the most competitive per-unit pricing. Therefore, please contact our team to discuss your total volume and we'll quickly confirm the right container option for your logistics.

Do you work with retail customers or only wholesale buyers? +

Shawkat Stone is a dedicated B2B wholesale exporter only. Specifically, we supply global stone distributors, large-scale importers, fabricators, and sourcing agents ordering in container quantities. Consequently, we do not supply retail customers, individual homeowners, or single-piece orders.

Furthermore, our pricing, documentation, and international logistics are all carefully structured for wholesale import frameworks rather than individual retail purchases.

What is your standard production lead time? +
Production Timelines & Commitments

Standard production lead time after formal order confirmation and sample approval is typically 3–5 weeks. However, this depends on order volume, product specifications, and our current factory schedule. In addition, lead times are strictly confirmed in writing at the order stage because we never commit to deadlines we cannot realistically meet.

Logistics & Fleet Advantage

As a result, we do not adjust quoted lead times without early client notification. Furthermore, our own dedicated transport fleet safely manages the factory-to-port leg, which we fully account for in the total delivery timeline we provide.

03

Quality & Certification

How we ensure consistent quality across every order, what our ISO certification covers, and what buyers should verify before sourcing from any Egyptian supplier.

Is Shawkat Stone ISO certified? +

Yes, absolutely. Shawkat Stone holds official ISO 9001:2015 certification covering our full production and export operations. This spans from initial block selection at the quarry through precise cutting, calibration, surface finishing, quality inspection, and container loading.

Furthermore, ISO 9001:2015 is an internationally recognized quality management standard. Consequently, it means every single process in our modern facility is fully documented, completely traceable, and regularly audited — not just claimed. Therefore, official certification documentation is readily available for clients on request.

How do you ensure consistent quality across large orders? +

Quality control at Shawkat Stone runs meticulously at every production stage — not just a final visual check before packing. Our structured inspection checkpoints cover:

  • Block intake — color, veining, structural integrity assessed before production
  • Post-cutting — dimensional accuracy and slab yield verified
  • Post-calibration — uniform thickness confirmed across full slab surface
  • Post-finishing — surface consistency, finish quality, and edge condition checked
  • Pre-packing — batch color matching and final defect screening before export approval

Pieces that fail any checkpoint are removed from the order — they are never shipped. View our production process →

How do you handle color matching across large batch orders? +
Block Selection Protocols

Batch color matching is one of the most critical quality requirements for wholesale buyers supplying commercial projects. For instance, our process starts early at block selection — we strictly assess color consistency across the full block face before it enters production.

Visual Cross-Checking & Lot Tracking

Furthermore, during the final inspection stage, slabs and tiles within a shipment are cross-checked for visual consistency against the approved sample. Consequently, any pieces that fall outside the accepted color range are immediately removed and replaced. For large-format projects requiring long-term color continuity across multiple containers, we can seamlessly discuss custom lot tracking and batch reservation.

What quality documentation do you provide with each shipment? +

Every export shipment from Shawkat Stone is accompanied by a full documentation package. Specifically, this includes the commercial invoice, a detailed packing list (with piece count, exact dimensions, and weight), the certificate of origin, the bill of lading, and a phytosanitary certificate for wooden packing materials (ISPM 15 compliant).

Furthermore, the container loading process is thoroughly photographed at key stages — including packed units, container interior before sealing, and the final sealed container door. As a result, these verifications are transparently provided to the client before departure.

What should I look for when evaluating an Egyptian stone supplier? +

The key verification points for any Egyptian stone supplier:

  • ISO certification — request the actual certificate, not just a claim. Verify it is current and covers the factory operations
  • Own factory — confirm they manufacture in their own facility, not subcontract to third parties
  • Physical samples — any supplier unwilling to send physical samples before order confirmation is a risk
  • Loading documentation — ask if they photograph loading. Suppliers who do are accountable; those who don't aren't
  • Export track record — ask for references from buyers in your market and verify they have active export lanes to your destination

We're happy to provide any of the above on request. Contact our team →

04

Shipping & Logistics

How we pack, load, and ship Egyptian marble and granite internationally — and what you can expect from our logistics process.

Which countries does Shawkat Stone export to? +
Established Global Markets

We actively export to the USA, Canada, Germany, Greece, Cyprus, and other European and international markets. For example, Greece and Cyprus represent our most established regional markets with highly regular container shipments. Conversely, the USA, Canada, and Germany are active high-growth markets where we are consistently building long-term wholesale distribution relationships.

Customs Clearance & Documentation

Furthermore, our logistics team carefully prepares country-specific documentation packages for smooth customs clearance at each destination. Consequently, this includes certificates of origin, phytosanitary certificates, and commercial documentation that perfectly meets each local market's strict import requirements.

What packing methods do you use for export shipments? +

We use four export-grade packing methods, selected based on stone type, format, and destination:

  • Wooden crates — for tiles and cut-to-size pieces. Heat-treated (ISPM 15 compliant) with internal foam protection.
  • Wooden bundles — structurally reinforced A-frames designed specifically for large raw slabs.
  • Strap securing — high-tensile steel or nylon strapping inside containers to prevent shifts.
  • Moisture protection — specialized plastic wrapping to shield premium polished surfaces during transit.