Modules and loose pieces
Strips, Scozzese and Slim are cladding compositions. Loose pieces are arranged on site. Check the effect of joints and whether matching corners are available.
THE DIFFERENCES THAT MATTER
Strips, modules, loose pieces.
Understand your wall.
The comparison covers composition, thickness, substrate and installation details. The stone's name alone does not define how the cladding will perform.
A wall of modules and a wall of loose pieces require different decisions. Look at the relief, check the junctions and compare quotations for the same area and scope of work.
COMPARE YOUR FAVOURITES
Stone, terracotta and sheets.
See the differences.
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15 options compared
| Option | Format and thickness | Surface | Composition | Points to consider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quartzite | White variant: 15×55 cm Z-interlocking panels, approximately 1–2 cm thick, with five rows of strips. | Natural split face; strips assembled into modules in the reference variant. | Interlocking modules; specific corners for some formats. | The module size is different from its thickness. For façades and external wall insulation, the installation system must be checked against the substrate, weight and height. |
| Slate | Black variant: 15×55 cm Z-interlocking modules, five rows, approximately 1–2 cm thick. | Natural split face; pre-assembled strips in the reference variant. | Z-interlocking modules; coordinate joints and junctions with the design. | The black slate product information warns of possible pyrite content and rust staining in the presence of moisture. Assess the selection and exposure before using it in wet areas. |
| Travertine | Noce and Borgo Toscano: loose pieces with sawn backs, approximately 3–5 cm thick. Strips: 15×55 cm modules, 2–3 cm thick. | Noce: natural split face and sawn back. Borgo Toscano: aged surface produced by brushing. | Loose pieces; the commercial square metre for the Noce variant allows for joints of approximately 2 cm. | Joints and laying patterns change material consumption. Choose cleaners and treatments compatible with limestone; do not apply data for other varieties to the selection you purchase. |
| Antiqua Stone | Aged mosaic variant: irregular pieces, average diagonal approximately 15–40 cm, with sawn-back thickness of approximately 1–3 cm. | Aged, brushed and hand-chiselled in the reference variant; natural alternatives available. | Loose pieces; the joint pattern distinguishes mosaic from rectangular layouts. | Check the variant code: natural and aged surfaces, mosaic and rectangular formats are not interchangeable. Use products compatible with limestone for cleaning and installation. |
| Luserna Stone | Tumbled variant: mixed sizes, approximately 1.5–3 cm thick, with sawn or split backs. | Aged and tumbled surface in the main variant; rock-faced and split-face alternatives. | Mixed pieces; matching corners for the tumbled variant. | The catalogue also uses commercial names containing Luserna Greca or Quarzite Luserna: these are distinct selections. Do not transfer origin, thickness or performance data between similarly named products. |
| Credaro Stone | Loose pieces in mixed sizes, with sawn backs approximately 3–5 cm thick. | Hand-split face and sawn back. | The commercial square metre allows for joints of approximately 2 cm. | Pointed installation and close-jointed installation require different quantities. Cladding is an applied finish: on external wall insulation or other particular substrates, the complete system must be checked. |
| Sarnico Stone | Loose pieces in variable sizes, with sawn-back thickness of approximately 2–4 cm. | Hand-split face and sawn back. | The commercial square metre allows for joints of approximately 2 cm. | The Sarnico name identifies a specific selection: do not equate it with any grey sandstone or stones mentioned only for their resemblance. Define the joints, substrate and junctions before installation. |
| Misto Contadino | Loose pieces in mixed sizes and colours, with sawn backs approximately 3–5 cm thick. | Hand-split face, sawn back for application to the substrate. | The commercial square metre allows for joints of approximately 2 cm. | This is a commercial blend, rather than a single geological family. The layout requires the different sizes to be distributed; quantities and waste also depend on joint widths. |
| Serizzo | 15 × 31 cm; indicative thickness of approximately 1 cm in the reference product information. | Natural split surface, sawn edges. | Individual rectangular pieces; layout and joints to be defined in the design. | Compare samples of the light, Classico or Sempione selections. The stated thickness relates to the variant and does not determine the installation system on its own. |
| Green Serpentine | 15 × 31 cm; indicative thickness of approximately 1 cm. | Natural split face with sawn edges. | Individual rectangular split-face pieces; plan the joints and distribution of shades. | Natural colour varies between pieces and with the light. Choose quantities with the row pattern, cuts and junctions in mind, without attributing data for other varieties to the supply. |
| Purple Porphyry | Mosaic, palladiana or irregular layout; approximately 1–3 cm thick. | Natural quarry surface. | Irregular pieces to arrange on site; joints and cuts affect the quantity required. | Here, thin identifies a supply approximately 1 to 3 cm thick, rather than a uniform 1 cm thickness. The arrangement of the pieces and joint widths change consumption and relief. |
| Luserna Quartzite | 20 × 55 cm Z-shaped variant, 2–4 cm thick; 18 × 35 cm Z-shaped Scozzese variant, 1–2 cm thick. | Natural split face; 20 × 55 model with cement backing. | Z-shaped modules; corners in the 20 × 55 range are measured by the linear metre. | Luserna Quartzite is the range's commercial name: the 20 × 55 model has natural stone flakes embedded in cement. Do not confuse it with a solid stone slab or with all products called Luserna Stone. |
| Brazilian Quartzite | Mosaic, palladiana or irregular layout; approximately 8–12 mm thick, around 1 cm as a guide. | Natural quarry surface. | Mosaic to arrange on site; the product information gives different waste allowances according to joints and cuts. | The thin variants state use in temperate climates: do not apply frost information from other formats to these products. Consider the allowance for cuts and joints given for the product. |
| Terracotta Brick Slips | Antico Casale 24 × 5.5 cm, 1.5–2 cm thick; Vecchia Cascina 25 × 5.5 cm, approximately 3 cm thick. | Rustic, aged surface; worked back on the cladding variants. | Flat brick slips and corners sold individually; commercial coverage is based on pointed installation. | Terracotta is kiln-fired clay, distinct from natural stone. These products are sold individually: use the specific coverage for the model and joints before comparing the cost per square metre. |
| Flexible Stone Sheets | Formats depending on the variant: 120×60, 122×61 and 244×122 cm; a few millimetres thick. | Thin natural stone face; resin/polyester and fibreglass backing, with PVC mentioned in the category information. | Sheets sold individually; dimensions, joints, cuts and backing vary by version. | These are not solid stone slabs: the stone is a veneer on a composite backing. FLEX, EXTRAFLEX and translucent versions behave differently; check bending, joints and limitations near heat sources. |
Select at least one option.
SIX DESIGN CRITERIA
Before installation,
ask the right questions.
Substrate, weight and adhesion
The substrate capacity and fixing system must suit the weight, thickness, height and exposure. Indoor/outdoor product information does not authorise every application on external wall insulation or plasterboard.
Water, frost and details
Outdoor use and frost behaviour must be checked for the specific variant. Request data for the supply and give attention to joints, copings, junctions and water management. Flexible sheets and terracotta require systems compatible with their own composition.
Light and variation
Grazing light highlights relief; diffused light changes how the colour is perceived. A sample of several pieces helps distribute the shades.
Compatible cleaning
The choice of cleaner depends on the stone and any treatment. Test products in a concealed area; limestone requires care with acids.
Areas and corners
Check the unit in the product information: square metre, piece or linear metre. For bricks, check coverage with joints; for sheets, check the format and number required. Calculate waste, cuts and corners before ordering.