Solnhofener is a German limestone in beige to yellowish tones with the characteristic riven slab appearance and a building tradition going back centuries. At ROSSITTIS it is used for floors, wall surfaces, stairs and traditional internal and external applications where a regional platy limestone with character is called for.
Limestone
Germany
Available as: Skirting, Tiles and flooring slabs, Polygonal flagstones
Solnhofener is not a stone for smooth perfection, but for genuine materiality. The colours range from beige through sand to warm yellow tones, joined by the characteristic riven slab appearance that immediately recalls classic southern German architecture. It is precisely this natural bedding that makes the stone so distinctive. On floors, stairs and wall surfaces Solnhofener reads as down-to-earth, historic and at the same time remarkably timeless.
The stone comes from Solnhofen in Bavaria and is known far beyond the natural stone sector as lithographic stone. In the market, Solnhofener is among the most classic German platy limestones of all. For planning purposes it is important that this material does not work to the logic of a high-strength granite. It lives from its natural bedding, its regional origin and its craft-based fabrication. That is precisely where its quality lies.
Technically, Solnhofener calls for an honest appraisal. Bulk density is around 2,550 to 2,700 kg/m³, flexural strength only 2.45 MPa and the abrasion value around 15 cm³/50cm². That explains why the stone is suitable as flooring but does not reach the abrasion reserves of hard rocks. A polish is possible, but unusual. Acid sensitivity likewise remains an issue, as with any limestone. For carefully planned internal floors, wall surfaces and traditional external applications the stone nonetheless makes very good sense.
Honed is not the typical idiom for Solnhofener. The finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down. At ROSSITTIS, Solnhofener is available as floor slab, wall slab, stair, window sill, façade component and for further made-to-measure internal and external applications. For gloss-oriented luxury interiors it is rarely the first choice; for regional, craft-led architecture it absolutely is.
The honest assessment: Solnhofener is not a high-performance floor for heavy everyday loading and not a neutral design stone. Its strength lies in regionality, history and honest material character. Anyone looking for exactly that gets one of the most distinctive German limestones there is.
In stock
Current availability from our warehouse.
12 slabs in stock · plus 12 blocks
Thicknesses: 1 & 1.2 cm · Finishes: Honed C400, Riven · Available as: Skirting, Tiles and flooring slabs, Polygonal flagstones
Guide values for the stone type, taken from manufacturer and test reports. Natural stone is a natural product — individual batches and slabs can differ. For critical applications, request slab-specific test data.
Solnhofener is available in a range of finishes. The finish affects appearance, feel and the care it needs.
Honed C400
Matt appearance created by fine honing with a C400 grit — the level surface shows a clear colour intensity with only minimally visible honing marks (fine honing). Slightly more maintenance-intensive than polished, yet visually very close to polished depth — an elegant matt alternative for demanding exposed surfaces.
Riven
The surface corresponds to a natural split of the stone — a matte, rough effect with high slip resistance and an original, natural appearance. Suitable for outdoor areas, masonry cladding and heavily used paving in which an original, craftsman-like character is called for.
Care & fabrication
Depending on use and finish, Solnhofener should be sealed, particularly on internal floors and horizontal surfaces. As a limestone the material remains sensitive to acids.
pH-neutral natural stone cleaners are suitable for cleaning and care. Acidic cleaners, descalers and aggressive household chemicals are unsuitable.
On floors, dirt should be removed regularly so that the surface does not become unnecessarily clogged. Riven or more irregular surfaces in particular need somewhat more attention than smooth ceramic.
Outdoors, falls, drainage and correct installation matter more than additional chemical care. Solnhofener lives from good planning and clean craftsmanship.
Frequently asked questions
Is Solnhofener suitable for floors?
Yes, but with realistic expectations. The stone is suitable as flooring, but does not reach the abrasion resistance of hard rocks and, as a limestone, needs more care.
Where does Solnhofener come from?
Solnhofener comes from Solnhofen in Bavaria and is one of the best-known German platy limestones of all.
Which finish suits Solnhofener?
The finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block on this page.
How do I care for Solnhofener correctly?
The stone should be maintained with pH-neutral natural stone cleaners and protected from acids. Depending on use, a sealer is advisable.
Solnhofener or Jura limestone?
Jura usually reads as more compact and homogeneous, Solnhofener as more layered and more craft-like. The decision depends strongly on the desired material effect.
What does Solnhofener cost?
The price depends on the batch, thickness, surface finish and fabrication — with natural stone there is no serious flat rate per square metre. Business customers see prices once their B2B account is activated; private customers receive a complete quote through a fabricator near them.
