Low-maintenance porcelain paving is attracting plenty of attention from homeowners who want a stylish look for a wide variety of outdoor settings.
This is because, unlike traditional stone, porcelain paving slabs have been manufactured specifically to cope with all the hazards associated with outdoor use.
For starters, porcelain outdoor tiles have a low porosity, which means they are stain proof and not at risk from water damage and they are surprisingly hardwearing – so if you’re thinking China cups, forget it - porcelain can give coveted granite a run for its money in terms of strength!
And unlike traditional stone pavers and other types of outdoor materials, porcelain outdoor tiles will maintain their good looks over time.
Our porcelain paving slabs are more than mere chunks of stone but have been deliberately crafted to look amazing.
Thanks to HD printing technology, each porcelain paving slab is a mini work of art, designed in a variety of different finishes.
So, if you want your outdoor porcelain tiles to resemble the beauty of granite, or to look like wood, for example then that is entirely possible.
The process by which they are made, involves printing an inkjet image of highly compressed clay tiles then firing it at very high temperatures. The clay and other minerals vitrify – that is, become moulten – and this is what toughens them up, making them ultra strong.
This also means that porcelain paving slabs can be thinner than ones made from stone or concrete, which enhances their sleek appearance even further.
Basically, porcelain paving is like natural stone ramped up to include all the benefits and convenience of a man-made material and at a more cost-effective price than their high-end natural equivalent.
We can’t overstate just how durable porcelain outdoor tiles can be, a quality which is important for areas that will see plenty of use over their lifetime, such as a patio or driveway. Porcelain garden tiles are shock and scratch resistant and will require almost zero maintenance.
For a modern take on traditional stone, they take some beating.
The porcelain from which our paving products are created is a type of ceramic manufactured finer grain clay which all adds to their sophisticated appearance. And what makes it so hardwearing is that it’s been fired at temperatures much, much higher than other kinds of ceramic.
This makes it even less porous, which has loads of advantages. For example, a high nonslip rating makes it safer for all members of the family and also much easier to clean, as dirt and spills do not seep into the structure of the slab. Low porosity means no stains, no water damage, and no need for sealing. the result is a functional material which is also striking in appearance.
No wonder porcelain outdoor tiles so on trend.
But don’t think they are a passing fad, with their qualities of durability, shock and scratch resistance, easy maintenance and gorgeous high-end finish, these beauties are here to stay.
Porcelain versus natural stone
If you’ve been a big fan of natural stone in the past, then you’re likely to wonder how porcelain can be better.
As we’ve explained, the advantages of porcelain when it comes to outdoor paving projects are numerous.
However, in the long run, you should choose what is right for you and your project.
To get the same high-end look from natural stone as you will porcelain will potentially cost you more.
Porcelain’s prices are competitive, and prices can start lower than most natural materials, which is great if you’re counting the pennies.
Plus, if you want to spend as little time as possible on maintaining your paving’s great looks then low-maintenance porcelain has the edge over natural stone.
FAQs abut porcelain paving
Is porcelain paving any good?
The short answer is ‘yes’. Porcelain paving slabs represent value for money on many levels including:
Durability
Porcelain paving has been manufactured to a high spec ensuring that it’s incredibly hardwearing and can easily withstand high levels of footfall. The tiles are tough enough to take the weight of vehicles, making it a fantastic option for driveways as well as patios. Porcelain is vitrified, that is fired to high temperature to strengthen it so it can withstand the extremities of the climate without cracking. Plus, it won’t fade in sunlight.
Versatility
One of the many positives of outdoor porcelain tiles is their variety in colour and design so you can choose a texture, colour or finish to suit any project. Once they have undergone the firing process each slab is ground and polished to make sure that in colour and size, they remain consistent. This makes them easy to lay.
Low maintenance
If you don’t want to spend all your time looking after your outdoor paving, then you’ll love the fact that porcelain pavers are low maintenance. This is because their low porosity makes them stain resistant and easy to clean. Unlike natural stone, they don’t require sealing to ensure they stay looking great. This means that colours will remain consistent throughout and impervious to fading, even in the heat and sunlight of a long hot summer.
Exude quality
If it’s a high-end look you’re after, porcelain paving slabs will give it in spades. You can achieve everything from a sleek contemporary vibe to the look of more traditional stone, but with all the advantages of a man-made material designed to fulfil every demand required of an outdoor paving project.
Is porcelain good for outdoor paving?
Yes. Porcelain garden tiles are man-made and therefore there is a great deal of control over how they perform. They are thicker than the porcelain tiles you’d use in your kitchen or bathroom, for example, and provided they are laid properly and are high quality, they will continue to look good for decades.
Is porcelain paving slippery when wet?
Compared to natural stone, porcelain paving slabs are easily more slip-resistant. The reason for this is their lack of porosity. They are created from very dense clay and other materials which makes them virtually non-porous. Because water does not soak into the vitrified tile, it evaporates for the surface. If you need further reassurance, you can check our porcelain paving’s R values which are the value given from ramp testing to record slip resistance of a tile. In the UK the 'R' value ranges from R9, which has a small degree of slip resistance, right up to R13, which is the highest slip resistance.
Do porcelain slabs need a concrete base?
If you want to go down the traditional route, then the answer is yes. But laying porcelain paving requires more cement than other pavers as their non porous nature means a stronger bond needs to be created between the slab and earth.
If you don’t wish to go down the cement route there’s an alternative process called pedestal support which produces innovative dry installation that will provide your pavers with a level surface without concrete.
Do porcelain paving slabs break easily?
If porcelain slabs are installed correctly then they will not crack, even under extremes of temperature, as they are highly robust.
How long should porcelain slabs last?
Again, if they are installed correctly (and if you need advice about this, we’re always prepared to address any concerns before you buy from us) they should keep on looking good for at least 50 years.
Can you clean porcelain with a pressure washer?
Porcelain tiles are easy to maintain but if you do feel the need for a deep clean with a pressure washer then yes, you can. Because they are so strong they can easily cope with the force of the water from a pressure washer.
Are porcelain paving slabs easy to lay?
Laying porcelain tiles to a high standard isn’t easy. Porcelain paving slabs have been fired to an extremely high temperature to make them extra strong so when it comes to installing them, you will have problems if you don’t have the right equipment to hand. Simply put you cannot use normal hand tools such as chisels and hammers when you cut them. For most projects you will most certainly need to cut your slabs to ensure they fit together in an aesthetically pleasing way and therefore we do recommend you use a bench saw with a diamond blade for the work. After every few cuts you also need to ensure the saw remains free of debris and cleaned off before you continue. If you don’t use the correct cutter and blade, then you risk damaging your tiles.
What is the best base to lay porcelain slabs?
Concrete and slurry, or plastic pedestal support
Do porcelain garden tiles need sealing?
Vitrified or glazed outdoor porcelain tiles are non-porous which means they do not need sealing, however if you want to change their colour or add shine, a micro top coat sealer can be used.
Do porcelain slabs need grouting?
Yes. If you don’t grout them, you may have a problem with water seeping underneath the tiles, causing a range of problems from sprouting weeds to the erosion of the concrete base.
What grout should I use for porcelain paving?
For high traffic areas or those which are more exposed to rain and harsh weather conditions then you should use an epoxy grout, which will equal the tiles themselves for weather resistance and durability.
What grout colour should I choose?
Grout isn’t only about practicalities it can also be used to enhance the look of your project. So, if you want to make a design statement you can opt for a darker grout with a lighter tile or lighter grout with a darker tile. Or, for a modern seamless finish you can choose a grout that is the same as the paving.
What laying pattern should I choose?
If you’re looking for porcelain paving ideas, then be inspired by our collections on this website. You can opt for larger-sized slabs which you can lay in a repeating pattern, use random-sized slabs to great effect, or you could opt for a herringbone design, which will look impressive but will require more tiles and therefore involve an increase in the cost of your project. Generally, you need to use 4mm spacers between your porcelain outdoor tiles.
Do porcelain slabs get hot in the sun?
Porcelain paving that has been coated with a UV-resistant layer should not get hot in the sun, making it perfect for areas where animals and small children play.
How thick should porcelain tiles be outdoors?
For outdoor use, porcelain paving slabs should only ever be 20mm.
How do you keep porcelain shiny
Using a porcelain tile sealer will bring back the shine to your porcelain paving.
Are porcelain patios worth it?
Porcelain outdoor tiles have grown in popularity, and this has resulted in the availability of a wider range of designs. But they don’t just offer you more choice. When you take into account their durability, their water resistance and handsome look, porcelain paving slabs are the perfect choice for any patio. They’ll require little maintenance, be stain resistant, which is useful if you’re having and outdoor BBQ or party and can withstand everything the great British climate throws at them.
Want to buy porcelain paving?
Typing ‘porcelain paving slabs near me’ into an online search engine? Look no further.
Upgrade your patio space today with our selection of high-performance porcelain paving.
Forward Builders’ Supplies is a recognised supplier of upscale paving slabs and stocks a comprehensive range of porcelain paving.
With different colour and texture options available you are sure to find the perfect solution for your garden or home.
If you have any questions, or would like to place an order, then don’t hesitate to contact us.
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Porcelain Slabs | Outdoor Tiles - Hermada ChateauSale £16.49 £13.99 Each Inc. VATShop Now51 left in stock
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