Porcelain paving has become one of the most popular choices for patios, terraces, courtyards and garden paths in the UK. Low maintenance, long-lasting and highly durable, outdoor porcelain combines the beauty of natural stone with the performance of modern ceramics. This FAQ guide answers the most common questions customers ask when buying and laying outdoor porcelain paving.
1. What is outdoor porcelain paving?
Outdoor porcelain paving slabs are thick (usually 20 mm) porcelain tiles designed specifically for exterior use. Unlike indoor tiles, outdoor porcelain slabs are engineered to be frost-resistant, slip-resistant and able to withstand UK weather conditions.
2. Why choose porcelain over natural stone?
Porcelain paving offers a combination of durability, consistent colour throughout the slab and a wide range of finishes — from stone looks to contemporary concrete and textured surfaces. It generally requires less maintenance than natural stone and resists staining, fading and mould better.
3. How much does porcelain paving cost?
Prices for outdoor porcelain paving vary by thickness, size, finish and supplier. On average in the UK, high-end Italian porcelain can be priced around £42–£50 per m², while factory direct porcelain from Guangdong often sits around £20–£22 per m² (including VAT and standard delivery on full crate quantities).
4. What sizes are available?
Common sizes include 900 x 600 mm and 1200 x 600 mm slabs at 20 mm thickness. Larger and square formats like 600 x 600 mm are also popular, especially for modern landscape designs and stepped patio layouts.
5. Do porcelain slabs need special base preparation?
Yes. A well-prepared base is essential for a long-lasting porcelain patio. Typically, installers create a compacted sub-base of MOT Type 1 aggregate, followed by a screed or mortar bed to lay the tiles. Correct drainage and fall are critical so water does not collect on the surface.
6. What laying patterns are recommended?
The choice of pattern depends on slab size and design preference. Popular options include staggered (brick bond), linear and random formats. Mixing sizes can add visual interest, but always follow a planned layout to minimise cutting waste.
7. Can porcelain paving be laid straight onto grass or soil?
No. Porcelain slabs must never be laid directly on soil or grass. This will lead to uneven surfaces, movement over time and potential cracking. Always lay porcelain on a properly prepared base and bedding layer.
8. Do porcelain slabs need sealing?
Outdoor porcelain paving is highly resistant to stains and moisture by nature, and most products do not require sealing. However, applying a specialist outdoor porcelain sealer can help protect against stubborn stains on high-use areas.
9. How do I prevent slipping?
Choose a surface finish with good natural slip resistance, such as a textured or anti-slip porcelain surface. Avoid very smooth finishes in areas that may stay wet or are near water features.
10. Should I butt the slabs tightly or leave a gap?
Always allow consistent joint spacing between slabs, usually around 3–6 mm for porcelain. This allows for movement from temperature changes and provides space for jointing grout or resin.
11. Is it easy to cut porcelain slabs?
Cutting porcelain requires the right tools — a wet saw with a diamond blade designed for ceramics. Manual tile cutters are not suitable for thick outdoor porcelain slabs, and poor cutting tools will cause chipping or breakage.
12. How long does it take to lay a porcelain patio?
Installation time depends on the size of the area, the complexity of the design and base preparation. A small patio may be completed in one to two days by experienced installers, but larger or more intricate projects can take longer.
13. Can I install porcelain paving myself?
While competent DIYers with the right tools and skills can lay porcelain slabs, outdoor paving installation is technically demanding. Hiring a professional installer ensures the base, drainage and joints are correctly done — which pays off in long-term performance.
14. Will porcelain fade in the sun?
Quality porcelain paving has colour throughout the slab, so surface fading is minimal even under prolonged sunlight. Lower-quality tiles may show more variation over time, which is why investing in proven outdoor porcelain quality is important.
15. How do I clean and maintain porcelain paving?
Porcelain is low maintenance. Regular sweeping removes surface debris. For deeper cleaning, a mild detergent mixed with warm water and a soft brush usually suffices. Avoid harsh acids or abrasive cleaners that can damage jointing materials.
Outdoor porcelain paving combines resilience with aesthetic versatility. Whether you choose a classic stone look or a contemporary urban finish, understanding these FAQs helps ensure your patio project looks great and performs for years.
