When deciding on the perfect material for paving an outside area, there are plenty of options available. From poured concrete blocks to ceramic brick pavers of various shapes and sizes to natural stone slabs, there’s no shortage of choice for your garden or patio area. One of the most popular forms of paving in recent years is porcelain paving, and it’s not hard to see why.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at porcelain as a domestic paving solution and see what advantages it has over the alternatives.

What is porcelain paving?

As the name suggests, porcelain paving is an outdoor paving solution made up of porcelain slabs. Porcelain itself is a type of man-made ceramic made from a mixture of clay, sand, and various other minerals. This mixture is formed into pavers and fired in a kiln at much higher temperatures than other kinds of ceramic. The result is a highly durable and completely non-porous material that is perfect for laying a patio or other outdoor paved area.

Benefits of Porcelain Paving

Porcelain is a versatile ceramic with many advantages over other paving materials. These are some of the most popular ones:

Longevity

So long as your porcelain slabs are of the highest quality and laid with care on good bedding, there’s no reason they shouldn’t last for decades of everyday use. Indeed, it’s not unusual to see good porcelain paving last for 50 years or more.

Durability

Thanks to the intensity of their firing process, porcelain pavers are highly durable. Being a non-porous material, it is not affected by extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for outdoor paving since it is entirely frost proof. Equally, porcelain pavers are fireproof, which makes them a perfect option for paving a barbecue or firepit area.

Low maintenance

Again, because they are non-porous, porcelain paving slabs are easy to clean and maintain, usually requiring nothing more than a mop and a bucket of water. If you want to keep them looking bright and sparkling, you can also clean them quickly and easily with a pressure washer.

Range of styles

As man-made ceramic tiles, porcelain pavers are available in a wide variety of colours, sizes, textures, and patterns. Whether you favour the brightest whites, the darkest blacks, or anything in between, we have you covered. Our porcelain pavers are even available in a range of natural stone effects.

Slip resistant

We’ve already trumpeted the non-porous qualities of porcelain pavers, but they bear repeating. Because they are moisture-resistant, you don’t get a buildup of moss, mould, or algae on them, which reduces the risk of slipping. For added safety, you can invest in textured slabs for greater grip.

Is porcelain paving expensive?

Compared to other paving options, porcelain slabs are on the expensive side, costing more than concrete flagstones, brick pavers, and even some natural stone varieties. However, you get what you pay for, and the benefits of porcelain pavers, as detailed in this article, certainly outweigh the cost.

Is porcelain paving a good idea? Final thoughts

At our builders merchants yard in Bexley, we have a wide selection of porcelain stone paving slabs available for immediate collection or delivery. Our team of landscaping experts is happy to offer independent and professional advice on the best products to meet your particular needs, as well as any additional materials you might need to get the job done.

Get in touch with Bexley Sand and Ballast Co. Ltd today on 01322 555 066 for a free, no-obligation quote.