For architects and engineers
Specifying Swedish stone
A practical guide to the standards, documents and wording that make a stone specification clear, fair and buildable.
Standards
The four key standards
- EN 1341: slabs of natural stone for external paving
- EN 1342: setts of natural stone for external paving
- EN 1343: kerbs of natural stone for external paving
- EN 1469: natural stone cladding, the standard for facade panels
Each sets the properties a supplier must declare, the test methods behind them and the tolerances for dimensions and finish.
What to ask for
- Flexural strength to EN 12372, stated as lower expected value (LFV)
- Flexural strength after freeze-thaw to EN 12371, or frost and salt resistance where relevant
- Water absorption to EN 13755 and apparent density to EN 1936
- Slip resistance to EN 14231 for the specified finish
- Abrasion resistance to EN 14157 for floors and paving
- Breaking load at the dowel hole to EN 13364 for cladding
Appearance
Colour and pattern vary in any natural stone. Fix appearance with an approved reference sample or a small panel, and state acceptable variation in the specification.
Documents we provide
A declaration of performance and CE marking with every quote; test reports, petrographic description and environmental data on request.
Questions
Should a specification name a stone?
Many public clients require performance-based wording. Specify measurable values (flexural strength LFV, frost, water absorption, slip) and appearance by reference sample; then any stone meeting them can be offered.
What is a declaration of performance?
Under the EU Construction Products Regulation, natural stone covered by a harmonised standard must carry CE marking and a declaration of performance (DoP) stating the declared values.
What does LFV mean?
Lower expected value, a statistical lower bound used for structural design. It is lower than the mean and the figure to use for sizing.
Samples and quotes
Get the documents
We send DoPs and test reports for the stones in your specification.