Porcelain paving is a newer type of paving that has been used in many different places around the world, including sidewalks and driveways. These pavers are made from very durable material, which means they can withstand harsh weather conditions without being damaged.
Porcelain pavers are also designed to last for such a long time because they do not need any maintenance or repairs like other types of pavement.
This page answers some of the most common questions about porcelain paving so you have all the information before making your decision!
In Preston or Lancashire? Check out our 5-star paving service
What is porcelain paving?
Porcelain paving is formed by baking a mixture of clay, sand and other minerals at high temperatures. This creates a high density, hard and wear resistant surface which has made it probably the best type of paving available today.
Does porcelain paving fade over time?
Porcelain paving is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including rain and snow. This means that it will not fade over time like other types of paving slab.
The material used in porcelain pavers also has a high resistance to UV light so the colour won’t change or be impacted by sunlight exposure.
In these qualities we have found it to be much better than even high end natural stones such as granite.
Can you cut porcelain paving?
Yes, porcelain paving can be cut to any size however its hardness makes it more difficult to cut than softer stones like sandstone. If you are cutting porcelain paving you will need a powerful saw and diamond blades.
To get neat cuts we have found that table mounted masonry saws are by far the best.
How much does porcelain paving cost?
Porcelain paving is typically more expensive than other types of paving such as brick or concrete.
This cost can vary depending on the size and design you choose, but it is important to note that porcelain pavers are generally higher quality due to their durability and resistance against harsh weather conditions.
The price for this type of material will also depend on whether you want a traditional square-shaped slab with straight edges or if you would prefer something more modern like an angular shape which may include some curves in its edge.
Typically you will be looking at between £140 and £200 per square meter depending on quality and how good the installers are.
Do I need to seal porcelain paving?
Porcelain paving has a very hard ceramic surface which is resistant to most weather conditions and abrasion which usually cause paving to fade or weaken.
Unlike sandstone paving, porcelain pavers are not porous and don’t absorb water so sealing them would not work well and would likely ruin the paving.
Does porcelain paving stain?
If you do spill something on your porcelain paving, it is best to use a damp rag or sponge and wipe the offending substance away. Porcelain pavers are not porous which means that they don’t absorb anything so spills will typically just sit on top of the surface unless you scrub them off with water
Does porcelain paving scratch easily?
Many people hear the word porcelain and instantly think of fragile, brittle porcelain that will break if anything touches it. Porcelain pavers are actually quite hard and durable which means they won’t scratch as easily as softer stones like sandstone.
Does porcelain paving chip easily?
Porcelain paving is very hard but can be brittle and chips are possible if the surface is not properly maintained. Porcelain pavers are vulnerable to being chipped by sharp objects such as gardening tools.
The weakest area of the porcelain slabs is the edges, this doesn’t matter so much once they are installed but when installing you need to be careful not to chip the edges.
Overall porcelain paving will not be any more brittle than sandstone paving but will be slightly easier to chip than granite.
Is porcelain paving slippery?
Porcelain pavers have a smooth surface so water will tend to stay on them for longer than more permeable paving such as sandstone. Thankfully most porcelain paving has a very good anti-slip surface which outperforms most smooth natural stone.
The primary cause of slippery paving is algae growth.
Algae thrives in wet conditions and once it has caused an area to be slippery, it’s hard to get rid of. Porcelain paving is very resistant to algae growth in the first place so this won’t happen as often with porcelain paving
Is porcelain paving suitable for driveways?
Porcelain paving, like other popular types of paving can be used for driveways and has many benefits such as its wide variety and easy installation however we recommend you get purpose designed driveway porcelain.
Driveway porcelain is around 50% thicker than standard porcelain paving. This means that it will resist the added weight of cars and van and will be more robust against things being dropped on the driveway.
Does porcelain paving look like natural stone
Porcelain paving is a man made product but it has a similar appearance to natural stone which means that it will not only look good but also be more durable.
Natural Stone is susceptible to things like salt and acidic water whereas Porcelain paving is resistant so you won’t need to worry about this as much.
Porcelain paving can also have a high gloss finish or textured surface. It is available with marbled effects and hundreds of other effects. One advantage it has over natural stone is that i not fade so you get the same amazing effect for decades.
Conclusion
Porcelain paving is a great investment because it lasts longer than other types of pavement and does not need to be repaired like concrete. These pavers are also more aesthetically pleasing due to their variety of colours, textures and patterns.
If you want to learn more about porcelain paving before installing them at your house, take a look around our website. What do you think? Do you have any experience with porcelain paving or would you consider using them in your own garden?
