Log Out 
Do porcelain pavers need edging?
Porcelain paving edging is used to give a beautiful finish to your slabs. You can create a border around them using a colour that blends with them seamlessly, or you can opt for a contrasting shade for a more personalised look. Porcelain paving edging is available in a square design or a more rounded shape to soften the edge.
Porcelain paving edging is used to give a beautiful finish to your slabs.
You can create a border around them using a colour that blends with them seamlessly, or you can opt for a contrasting shade for a more personalised look.
Porcelain paving edging is available in a square design or a more rounded shape to soften the edge.
Why do you need to edge porcelain paving?
Porcelain tiles are rectified, which means they are ground down so that their edges are completely straight and even. They are created in this way so that they are the same size, and so the grout lines are smooth and flush.
Rectified tiles are therefore great when it comes to level joints, but it does result in sharp edges around your newly paved area, hence the need for porcelain paving edging.
It is possible to get away without having porcelain paving edging if your patio or paved area is surrounded by turf or there are plants surrounding the slabs. However, this will not work for every project.
Sharp edges are not a good idea for steps, raised beds, and swimming pool surrounds because they could be a hazard.
Another motivation for edging your porcelain tiles is for aesthetic reasons, to make them look more finished. This isn’t a problem with natural stone or concrete paving where the unfinished edge does not look out of place. However, the smooth surface and rectified edges of porcelain paving gives them a sharp look.
Have the edges profiled
As well as porcelain paving edging, you can make the raw edges look attractive in other ways.
Profiling is when tiles are sent to a specialist to be cut or ground to create a bespoke finish.
Terms like ‘bull nose’ or ‘half bull nose’ edge are used in the sector.
The result is stylish and contemporary, but it is expensive. Not only that, sending your slabs to be honed can take several weeks, and be mindful that not all porcelain slabs are suited to profiling.
Use a stainless steel tile trim
Stainless steel is an anti-rust, anti-oxidation option for porcelain. It is hardwearing too but it’s not a popular option because, unlike porcelain edging, it doesn’t match the slabs. It can also be expensive.
Chippings or stones
Stones or chippings are an affordable option if you are on a budget. You can go for chippings in natural hue, or even make an impact by surrounding your slabs with bright colours (including glow in the dark!). You can use decorative stones for a simple border that won’t break the bank either. The downside is that chippings or stones can be kicked up onto your paving and will need to be swept back into place.
Porcelain paving from Forward Builders’ Supplies
Take a look at our premium porcelain paving range.
Our selection is broad, and includes a long list of different colour and texture options – meaning we will have an ideal solution for your outdoor space.
Don’t forget to ask a member of our team if you have any questions about priming porcelain slabs.
Visit us at our Ellesmere Port site, or complete the form on our contact page and we’ll be in touch as soon as
possible to help.
The information below is required for social login
Login
Register
Fill in the form below to create your new account