Making the Tiles
Porphyry has an infinite number of uses, since it suits many different environments and is both functional and decorative. It is used by architects and town-planners to furnish and decorate simple cottages and country houses, or modern and refined residential buildings, or for public and private construction work. Porphyry's technical advantages remain unequalled and it has become one of the most sought-after materials.
Porphyry cubes 
Porphyry cubes are the most well-known form of porphyry. They come in four different sizes: 4/6, 6/8, 8/10 and 10/12. Their weight per square metre is 105, 135, 190 and 250 kg respectively.
4/6 cubes are particularly recommended for paving which are mainly subject to pedestrian traffic, for example roads and squares in town centres, courtyards, porticoes, pedestrian islands, pavements, garden paths.
6/8 cubes are instead recommended for paving roads subject to mixed traffic (pedestrian and motor traffic) both in urban centres and elsewhere. They have also proved extremely useful in zootechny for paving modern stables.
8/10 and 10/12 cubes are suitable for paving roads and squares subject to intense traffic, in urban centres and in industrial plants (blast-furnaces, foundries, chemical industries) where they are subject to knocks and heavy loads or where chemical substances are present - porphyry infact resists acid corrosion.
Porphyry cubes may be arranged in various ways and different geometrical patterns (contrasting arches, concentric circles, in the shape of a fan or a peacock tail) and are sometimes framed by porphyry of a different tone of colour. For successful paving it is important to use a good quality foundation which will guarantee a lasting laying.
Here are some samples of porphyry cubes.
Porphyry Tiles
Porphyry tiles are used to pave kerbs, squares, roads in town centres, driveways, courtyards, porticoes, warehouses. They are of aesthetical value for paving and facing interiors (polished and semi-polished tiles) and for outer facings (house basements, load-bearing structures) with sawn or cut sides.
Tiles are particularly recommended for paving terraces since they are not slippery, even when they are wet. They can also be used for roadside ditches.
The tiles are made in the following sizes: width 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 cm; length variable, but never less than the width; thickness varying from 2 to 5 cm. Tiles with a set length are made on order.
| Stones | Tiles & Cubes | Beauty Under Your Feet | More Info |