Installation of porphyry and other natural stones

Installing porphyry and other natural stones requires precision, technical expertise, specific skills and compliance with established standards. Aesthetics are important, but these elements are essential to achieving an optimal, reliable and long-lasting result. Failure to meet these requirements may lead to issues such as settlement, detachment, slab lifting and material breakage. In addition, improper installation can reduce the lifespan of the paving and result in higher maintenance costs.

 

Odorizzi Soluzioni in Pietra complies with and follows several specific standards and certifications:

• UNI 11714-1:2018, the main technical guideline for the design, installation, and maintenance of natural stone coverings and pavements, both horizontal and vertical, for indoor and outdoor applications. Compliance with this standard ensures safer and more durable works.
• UNI 11714-2:2019, which defines the professional requirements for natural stone installers, ensuring that those carrying out the work possess the skills necessary to guarantee quality and long-term durability.
• UNI EN 1341, 1342, 1343, the European reference standards for natural stone products intended for outdoor paving applications. These standards define technical requirements and testing methods to verify performance. Specifically, UNI EN 1341 applies to slabs, UNI EN 1342 to setts and UNI EN 1343 to kerbs.

 

By applying the installation systems defined by UNI 11714-1:2018, which classifies natural stone pavements according to their intended use, Odorizzi is able to select the most suitable solution for each specific application.

 

The five main classes are as follows:

Class	Intended Use	Typical Applications	Recommended Thickness
P4–P5	Pedestrin and cycle traffic	Gardens, squares, pathways, marketplaces	4–6 cm
P6	Pedestrian areas with occasional vehicle access	Pedestrian areas accessible to delivery vehicles	6–8 cm
P7	Light vehicular traffic	Residential streets, private parking areas, driveways	6–8 cm
P8	Public and commercial vehicular traffic	Public roads, commercial parking areas	8–10 cm
P9	Heavy-duty industrial traffic	Ports, industrial areas, heavily trafficked roads	10–12 cm

 

Installation systems offered by Odorizzi Soluzioni in Pietra

Among the various installation techniques available, Odorizzi selects the most appropriate solution according to the use class, the material, and the climatic conditions:

• Traditional sand and cement installation: suitable for pedestrian areas and light vehicular traffic. This technique is used when permeability and drainage capacity are not essential requirements;
• Crushed aggregate with polyurethane resin: this is the preferred solution for installing setts, binderi, and mosaics in both pedestrian and vehicular applications. It is gradually replacing traditional sand bedding thanks to its ability to promote water drainage and absorb deformations;
• Installation of tiles, split tiles and small formats: a compact-bed system (mortar or adhesive) designed for elements with constant or variable thickness;
• Flagstone and opus incertum installation: suitable for irregular slabs used in natural settings, gardens, and prestigious pathways. Irregular slabs (flagstones, opus incertum, crazy paving) require manual selection to ensure final surface flatness.

 

When installing porphyry and other natural stones on slopes, ramps and inclined surfaces, specific technical requirements must be respected:

• Minimum slope of 1.5–2% to ensure proper drainage and minimize water stagnation;
• Flamed or bush-hammered finishes to achieve the required slip resistance classification;
• In alpine climates characterized by severe freeze-thaw cycles, a minimum thickness of 6 cm is recommended to withstand frost action;
• Expansion joints are mandatory for all classes from P5 to P9.

 

Natural stone installation: more than just laying the material

Installation is only one stage of the Odorizzi process. We manage every phase of the project:

1. We begin with a technical site survey, analyzing the location, classifying it according to its intended use and evaluating traffic loads and climatic conditions;
2. We develop the project, starting from technical drawings and selecting the most suitable installation system, then calculating thicknesses and preparing specifications in compliance with UNI 11714-1:2018;
3. We supply materials sourced from our own quarries or through our international network;
4. Our UNI 11714-2:2019-certified installation teams carry out the work while coordinating on-site activities.
5. We provide a 24-month warranty from the completion of the installation works.