What is Porcelain Paving?

Being both robust and strong, as well as lightweight and smooth, porcelain paving is the ideal flooring option for your outdoor space. Our range of tiles offer fantastic versatility, with a stylish variety of both authentic wood and stone effects, as well as the ability for installation on various different terrains.

As well as patio spaces, our porcelain paving can be installed onto grass, sand, gravel, driveways and raised areas.

Laying for a Patio

It is important that you collect all necessary advice prior to starting your project to ensure that you are fully prepared and have the relevant tools to effectively install your beautiful tiles. Our expert team are on hand to offer support, guidance and information regarding your dimensions, requirements and installation, call them on 0208 088 4888.

Also note that this is a simplified guide, we recommend consulting more in-depth instructions prior to installation.

This is our recommended method for installing porcelain patio paving in 4 simple steps.

You will need:

Tools

• Shovel or spade
• Compactor
• Rubber mallet
• Circular saw
• Diamond blade
• Broom

Materials

• Porcelain paving slabs
• Hardcore
• Cement (for mortar bed)
• Sand (for mortar bed)
• Slurry-based primer

Remember to also wear gloves, a facemask and eye protection where necessary.

Step 1: Subbase

Prepare your site by marking out the chosen area and dig to a depth of around 150mm. Evenly fill this section with 100mm of hardcore (also known as aggregate or MOT grade 1) and compact this down in two separate layers, 50mm at a time, using a compacting machine. This is required to establish a solid foundation for your tiles, providing strength and stability for the patio above.

Step 2: Bedding

Next, prepare the mortar bed, consisting of a 4:1 mixture of sand to cement. We recommend using a combination of sharp sand and Portland cement, and advise against the use of builders’ sand or white cement. This mortar should bind together into a firm, workable consistency without appearing runny or sloppy. Apply this mixture over the subbase to a thickness of around 30-40mm.

Step 3: Priming and Laying

Immediately before laying, coat the entire underside of each porcelain slab with a slurry-based primer to help the tile adhere to the bed below. Due to the impressive low porosity of porcelain paving, tiles will not absorb moisture to the same extent as other paving materials. Primer provides the strong adhesion necessary to enable a long-lasting and strong performance, preventing lifting or separation in all weather conditions. Make sure that no primer spills onto the face of the porcelain slabs as it can be impossible to remove once dried.

Despite the strength of porcelain, the tiles will not be able to endure excessive hammering. Gently tamp down the primed porcelain onto the mortar bed using a rubber mallet. If any of the slabs need to be cut further to fit within your designated patio space, use a diamond blade at high speed with a petrol-powered circular cutter. Ensure that this is a stone or concrete cutting blade (not a tarmac blade) and that water suppression is used when cutting to create a clean line.

Step 4: Jointing

Finally, fill the gap between the tiles with a jointing compound to allow for a sleek finish. First, wet the paving surface, and then sweep the compound into the joints using a broom, pressing it down and into the corners to ensure security. You can neaten the fill by running a rounded surface along the joints. Wash any excess compound away and then repeat the process as necessary until the joints are filled, and you are satisfied.

The colour of jointing compound is up to you; it is often chosen for contrast to provide outline to the tiles, allowing for a neat patio.  

Maintenance

Not only are they simple to install, our Luxury Porcelain tiles are non-absorbent and stain resistant, providing a low-maintenance outdoor surface year-round. With anti-fading characteristics, cleaning your paving is as easy as any household surface, with acceptable methods ranging from mopping to jet washing. Our tiles are even colour resistant to UV light and are impressively long lasting, proved by their long warranties.

Our Services

We offer free paving samples to help you choose your perfect tile. You can contact us for quotes, guidance and technical support regarding your plans. If you don’t want to install your tiles yourself, we are also happy to recommend an installer to help.