Porcelain garden slabs are relatively new on the UK paving scene and come with loads of benefits. Here is everything that you need to know about the latest technology in garden design.

Benefits of Porcelain Paving Slabs

High Strength

Porcelain paving is made from a mixture of clay, sand, quartz and other minerals which are pressed and then fired at extremely high temperatures. The result is an extremely durable, high strength and nonporous tile that will last for years.

Low water absorption

As the mineral mixture is compacted so tightly, porcelain tiles are highly water-resistant. Our porcelain has a maximum water absorption rate of 0.5%, bringing several benefits.

Low Maintenance

Our outdoor porcelain paving is easy to clean. Stains from outside wear and dirty water are not absorbed into the tile’s surface, meaning that most stains can be removed with a simple wipe.

Anti-Slip Rating of R11

Often when we think of porcelain those slippy ceramic bathroom tiles come to mind, but the surface of all our porcelain is textured to improve grip and prevent slipping. With an anti-slip rating of R11 those rainy days in the UK are not an issue!

Frost Resistant

Since our porcelain is a compact material with such a low absorption rate it is highly resistant to frost. This means the tiles do not expand and contract in winter weather and cracks from frost damage are prevented.

A Large Number of Designs and Options

The vast majority of porcelain is made to recreate the look of natural stone or wood. High-quality images are carefully designed to mimic these natural materials then they are printed onto the surface of the tile, and with this digital design aspect, the options are endless.

Reliable design

The digital design also brings the benefit of reliability. Natural stone paving comes with an expected variation in colour and size which can make it harder to work with, but since porcelain is man-made each tile can be produced with greater accuracy.

Contemporary Finish

The size and thickness tolerance of porcelain paving is much more reliable than natural stone slabs. This means it can be laid with tighter joints and makes for a very clean and modern finish.

Our porcelain outdoor paving comes in many different styles and effects to replicate both natural and man-made paving. We have detailed the main options and their specific benefits below. 

Surface Effects of Porcelain Paving

Wood

Achieve the same timber-like finish as wooden decking with our wood replica porcelain paving. Decking is growing in popularity in the UK but can be slippy, dirty and hard to maintain. With our wood effect outdoor porcelain, you can achieve that gorgeous timber appearance in a super-strong, frost-resistant and low-maintenance tile.

Concrete

Love the industrial look of concrete paving but tired of the upkeep? Concrete effect porcelain paving is the perfect solution. Concrete’s higher water absorption rate can lead to efflorescence as minerals are absorbed into the slab causing stains. Porcelain’s low water absorption rate means this won’t happen, and any stains on the slab’s surface can be removed with a simple wipe.

Slate

Slate is a traditional favourite in the UK although it can be hard to get hold of and heavy to transport. Porcelain replicas of slate paving are a great alternative - they are easily reproduced and a thinner tile makes for easier transportation.

Granite

Granite effect porcelain is a great option for those looking for the luxurious finish of a granite patio. Our porcelain tiles are lighter than natural granite and easier to clean - whilst stains may occasionally absorb into granite, our outdoor porcelain is cleaned in one wipe.

Sandstone

Sandstone is one of the most popular natural stone paving solutions in the UK right now. There are so many variations, colours and patterns available but these can be inconsistent from batch to batch which can lead to some surprises! Since it is man-made, sandstone effect porcelain recreates the gorgeous riven surface of sandstone with the benefit of consistent and reliable colouring.

Limestone

Although it is a popular natural stone option, limestone paving can fade over time and stains can be stubborn to remove. Our limestone effect outdoor porcelain recreates the natural look of limestone without the high maintenance upkeep.

Quartzite

Quartzite is a more unusual paving option that is sought after for its interesting veining within the stone. Like all-natural stone, quartzite can be affected by staining or fading, so our porcelain replica is a great choice. High-quality digital printing on the tiles allows for the colours and veining to remain vibrant.

Plain

As a man-made tile, our plain porcelain is a great reliable option for its consistency. Its hard-wearing and wipe-clean surface allows a long-wearing colour and prevents staining.