Porcelain Pavers

Porcelain Pavers

These pavers provide a natural stone look without the “price tag” of natural stone. 

Outdoor porcelain-type pavers are similar to indoor porcelain tiles. The difference is that they are thicker and more durable. 

Porcelain outdoor tiles are available in a vast variety of sizes, colours, and prints. They possess the power to create contemporary outdoor living spaces. Pavers are available in various interpretations; including stone and wood effects.  They offer incredibly high breakage loads of up to 2,000 pounds, making them less susceptible to destruction. 

Advantages

Outdoor paving and other materials are used to establish the tone of an area. These flexible pavers can be dry laid onto grass, gravel, dirt, sand, and additionally even on terraces and roofs using raised supports. 

• Bold aesthetic appeal:  Porcelain tiles offer a rich catalogue of style and colour.  They create visually satisfying spaces. They exude both light and shade in variation. They can project stone and wood beautifully, without using either material.
• Durability: It is one of the toughest flooring pavers available on the market.  Porcelain is a ceramic material made to be of high-level mechanical resistance. It is low on porosity and high in density. Due to this, the material is hard, durable, wear-resistant, and exceptionally low on water absorption. It’s resistant to most heavy impacts. 
• Variety in size and design:  2cm porcelain pavers come in various shapes and sizes. These can be in pieces as small as  4” x 4” up to as large as 96” x 48”. Sizes impossible to get in other pavers e.g concrete. Since they are made of clay they come in a variety of colours and prints.
• Weather-resistant:  Porcelain has zero water absorption. They are not susceptible to thawing or moisture, and are stain-resistant. This is because they are denser and less porous than natural stone pavers. Porcelain pool pavers are ideal for this purpose. They can easily be cleaned and maintained.
• Long lifespan and longevity: Porcelain outdoor tiles can last decades if properly installed and maintained. This saves time and money on the replacement of pavers and renovations. 
• Fireproof:  Clay makes the porcelain material extremely heat resistant. They don’t catch on fire and help limit the spread of fire if one does break out. 
• Light in weight: 2cm porcelain pavers are lighter than concrete and most natural stone. This makes the pavers easier to install and transport. 

Applications of Pavers 

Porcelain Pool Pavers

A non-slip surface around your swimming pool is the best safety guarantee. Porcelain is UV resistant and has a slip resistance of R11. Porcelain pool pavers have a high resistance to wear and tear. Ultimately, they make a great impact on the colour and design of the pool area.

Outdoor Porcelain Tiles

Outdoor tiles are affordable in the long run, visually appealing, and offer design flexibility.  They are hard wearing and are therefore suited to areas with high use. They can turn an outdoor living space into a beautifully composed arrangement. 

Different Tile Types

Unglazed Porcelain Tiles

These are produced through dry pigmented powder clay being injected into the mould and then pressed and fired. Each tile has a different pattern after this process. Unglazed porcelain tiles do not require any further treatment or sealing. Unglazed tiles are hard wearing and are suitable for both domestic and commercial application. 

Glazed Porcelain Tiles

Glazed porcelain tiles can be purchased in the form of gloss, matt, or semi-polished. Once glazed they have either a solid colour or a pattern with a gloss or matt finish. They do not require any further treatment or sealing.

Printed Porcelain Tiles

These are different type of glazed porcelain material. Natural materials are captured on camera and digitally printed onto tiles to create fine images. These tiles do not require sealing either. 

Additional Things to consider

Layout

The overall design of the outdoor living area will determine the adapted layout. Square layouts are the easiest to install and means cuts and wastage are minimised. Porcelain proves slightly complex on curved cuts. Layouts that bend, or feature any circular patterns may present challenges when cutting the pavers.

Appearance

Assess the landscape and architectural design before determining if this would blend in. Porcelain does not exude the genuinely earthy look that natural stone or wood possess. Pavers are cut in straight lines which ultimately give a more modern feel. 

Slopes

The 2cm porcelain tiles work best when installed on flat surfaces or on one that only has a slight slope. This is due to their typically large size and their inability to bend or curve.

Heat

Tiles generally get hotter than concrete or natural stone pavers. For areas that receive a lot of direct sunlight choose a lighter color tile to avoid burnt feet. 

Porcelain Paving Maintenance 

Porcelain tiles are easy to maintain. Depending on the type of tiles, each requires different treatment. Despite this, the bare minimum of cleaning maintenance must be performed i.e sweeping, scrubbing, or vacuuming. 

Learn more about incorporating porcelain pavers into your next exterior project.