Riverstone phyllite for flooring, exterior stone cladding and more
Riverstone is SSQ’s sensational architectural stone product – not slate, but phyllite, made harder, denser and stronger by millions more years spent underground.
Riverstone might make for an outstanding roofing material – but that’s far from the only context it excels. Due to its satin phyllitic sheen appearance, coarse grain and naturally riven surface that makes it more slip-resistant than natural slate, Phyllite is extremely versatile, making it a perfect product for flooring, cladding, stairs, skirting, patios, worktops and even swimming pools.
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The finest phyllite
Phyllite is rare – so rare, in fact, that it’s only found in a few locations around the world. But at SSQ, we’re lucky enough to own one of the finest phyllite quarries in the world – San Luis, in La Repressa, Argentina – and it’s here we source our exceptional Riverstone architectural stone.
Riverstone slates for cladding stone projects
Riverstone phyllite has been used as the material of choice for stone cladding projects around the world. Thanks to its attractive phyllitic sheen and unique shade of grey, it has helped to make some of the most distinctive architectural projects a complete success.
When it comes to cladding, it’s not all about appearance. Cladding stone materials are constantly exposed to the elements. Therefore, they need to act as a protective layer for the building exterior. Fortunately, Riverstone is extremely weather resistant. It will repel heavy rain and act as a barrier against strong winds, shielding the building’s exterior and preventing damage. Riverstone phyllite is also non-combustible so will never cause a fire risk.
Trusted by the best
Riverstone is a stunning product used by prestigious venues all around the world – like the Topography of Terror Museum in Berlin, The Four Seasons hotel in New York, the Hilton in Helsinki, the Grand Lisboa Casino in Macau, and hundreds of luxury homes around the world.
discuss your projectNon-combustible Riverstone cladding stone
Cladding materials must undergo strict checks to ensure they are safe for use. Following the devastating Grenfell tragedy, fire safety regulations for all types of cladding, including stone cladding, have become even stricter. Materials used on buildings over 18 metres in height must now meet British Standards for how combustible they are.
Natural slate including Riverstone phyllite, however, is exempt from testing. This is because, for many years natural slate has been repeatedly tested and proven to be 100% non-combustible. Wherever roofing or cladding products must meet the new fire-safe standards, natural slate is now one of the most popular materials.
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Riverstone slates for flooring projects
Riverstone phyllite is an excellent material for exterior flooring projects. Its strength, density and durability make it capable of withstanding decades of use as a patio area or external pathway. It is highly weather resistant and will not deteriorate in quality or appearance, even when exposed to the harshest weather conditions.
As mentioned above, Riverstone phyllite has a coarse grain and naturally riven surface. This makes it the perfect material for exterior flooring as it has a high slip resistance capacity. Even when it is wet, Riverstone phyllite is one of the safest exterior flooring materials available today. For both residential and commercial outdoor flooring, Riverstone is a great choice.
Get in touchFrequently asked questions
Is stone cladding any good?
Stone cladding can be a good option for both interior and exterior applications. Natural stone is a durable and versatile material with a natural and timeless look that can enhance the appearance of any building. It also provides an extra layer of insulation, helping to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.
Stone cladding can withstand harsh weather conditions and it is a long-lasting option for both residential and commercial buildings. However, proper installation is important to prevent issues such as moisture penetration or cracking over time.
Does stone cladding need a foundation?
Stone cladding installations require a foundation to support the weight of the wall, whether it is a building facade or a garden retaining wall. A solid footing is necessary to ensure that the end result is not compromised. It is crucial to ensure that the substrate is of good quality to prevent any issues.
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Testimonials
We put forward Riverstone as a cost-effective, yet high quality alternative to Welsh Slate, and it was accepted on that basis. The refurbishment work has now been completed and both the owners and ourselves are very happy with the result.
Keith Hicks Architect at Pave Hall
Testimonials
SSQ Matacouta slate was chosen as the most sympathetic option. Its consistency and competitive price make it a clear winner over indigenous slates.
Historic Scotland
Testimonials
Everyone liked Sarria: the client was delighted with its appearance and its consistency made it easy to cut and lay.
Gary Lambert, Complete Roofing Contractors
Testimonials
We specified SSQ First Domiz Blue-grey roofing slate for both technical and aesthetic reasons:its strength and quality gives the performance needed and its cold, hard, colour provides a dramatic foil to the rich warmth of the western red cedar walls.
Mark Webber, Architect, Nichols Brown Webber
Testimonials
Working in a conservation area brings a special responsibility. SSQ Riverstone slate fits perfectly, its tone and texture blending seamlessly with its surroundings.
Joan Kinane, Architect
Testimonials
With so many ‘interested parties’ the local planners set their minds on a natural slate roof at a very early stage of the project and, from this starting point, we needed something that would satisfy a number of technical and aesthetic requirements – SSQ Domiz blue-grey, was the one chosen for use to compliment the local ‘Shere Green’ colour.
Ben Hunt, Total Project Integration
Testimonials
The choice of slates was made easier due to the quality of product you provide and the support of Gary Firth throughout the process – which I much appreciate. Gary is a good ambassador for your company.
Pat Murray, Senior Project Engineer, Alvance Group
Testimonials
SSQ Rocaber Blue-grey slate was actually chosen at the initial design-concept stage. A natural slate roof was in keeping with the traditional local architecture.
Tom Ewan, Architect at Model Developments
Testimonials
Being both high quality and cost-effective, Matacouta slate from SSQ is proving very popular with specifiers and contractors alike for refurbishment as well as for new build projects.
Mr Roy Clark, Baxter Clark and Paul
Testimonials
With the roofs being such a visible feature, the choice of roofing slate was a significant decision. We involved the roofing contractor at an early stage in the selection process and they recommended SSQ’s Del Carmen Blue-black slates. Although it’s not an indigenous slate, it is an excellent match for the originals and, having used Spanish slate on other projects, we know the quality is there.
Richard Thorpe, Ridge and Partners LLP
Testimonials
The quality and strength were there, the colour was similar to indigenous Welsh slate and its ‘traditional’ look was in keeping with the surrounding community. In fact, as I had used it on my own Edwardian house, I knew it was a good slate!
Julian Bohling, OSP Architecture
Testimonials
SSQ Ultra Del Carmen slates come with a 75-year guarantee and that was important. Not only that, the on-site services promised – and delivered – by SSQ enabled a smooth and easy workflow.
Stuart Howes, Architect
Resources
SSQ Professional Resource Centre
When you work with SSQ, you get so much more than world-class slate and architectural stone.
Over the last forty years, we’ve built up a huge amount of expertise covering natural slate, roofing, geology, specifications and so much more – and you can benefit from that, along with case studies, CAD drawings, technical PDFS and a wealth of other support, on our Professional Resources centre.
Booking a CPD
Book a CPD
At SSQ, we love sharing our decades of natural slate expertise with architects, and our CPDs are always extremely popular.
On our RIBA-approved Why Specify Slate CPD, you’ll learn about:
- How to guarantee a perfect slate roof
- The secret to specifying
- Unusual roof designs
- How to avoid specifying defective slate
- The difference between CE tested and true quality slate
- The legal requirements when it comes to specifying slate
- How to specify random coursed roofing slates
- The difference between hook and nail fixing
- The environmental benefits of natural slate
- Specifying heritage roofing slates
… and a whole lot more.
If you’re interested in booking a place on our next CPD, simply fill in this form.
Why choose SSQ?
Millions of SSQ slates have been installed by customers all over the world – and with a team of dedicated quality controllers based at our Spanish and Argentinian sites, our company’s uncompromising commitment to supplying only the best ensures our Del Carmen slate meets the most exacting international standards.
Outstanding natural slate and stone, forty years of expertise, and a series unbeatable guarantees make SSQ one of the best suppliers on Earth.
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