Upgrade Your Outdoors: The Complete Guide to Porcelain Pavers

Introduction to Porcelain Pavers

Porcelain pavers were recently innovated, but since their innovation, the outdoor landscaping industry has been completely revolutionised. It is durable, stylish and practical. As the average house size has been decreasing the outdoor space has become an integral part of the home and commercial areas due to this the demand for long-lasting, visually appealing flooring solutions has been boomed. From all the available options Porcelain Pavers have emerged as a crowd favourite due to their unique quality.

What Are Porcelain Pavers?

Just like tiles porcelain pavers are made from refined clay and other natural materials the difference is in their thickness and surface. They are fired at extremely high temperatures ( >1200° Celsius ), which results in a dense, non-porous surface with minimal water absorption, it also resists stains and frost. Due to our standard 20mm thickness, it can withstand up to 10000N force. Porcelain pavers provide a range of designs and versatility in design and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for patios, driveways, pool decks, and commercial outdoor spaces  

Evolution of Porcelain Pavers.

Porcelain tiles have been used in indoor spaces for a few centuries from places to modern homes. It is a popular choice for flooring and wall finishes due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. As the technology improved in the late 20th century, this allowed manufacturers to create stronger, thicker and more durable pavers which could withstand outdoor elements. Today porcelain pavers have become a go-to choice for stylish and functional outdoor spaces worldwide.

Why Porcelain Pavers Are becoming so popular?

There are many reasons why porcelain pavers are becoming so popular 

1. Durability- They can withstand up to 10000N force which makes them resistant to cracks, chips, and weather damage
2. Low Maintenance- They can be easily cleaned and maintained
3. Environmentally Friendly- Pavers are made almost entirely from natural materials and are often recyclable. 
4. Anti-Slip Rating- All our porcelain pavers have R11 rating making them perfect for outdoors

Understanding Porcelain Paver Composition

Porcelain paver's unique composition and manufacturing process makes them extremely durable and versatile. 

There are mainly four raw materials used for making these pavers-:

• Kaolin Clay: It is known for its purity and plasticity
• Feldspar: Increases the durability and strength of the tile 
• Quartz- Improves the hardness and scratch resistance
• Natural Pigments- Provides texture and long-lasting colours

Manufacturing Process Explained

1. Material Blending: The raw materials are finely ground into a powder and mixed with water to form a thick paste.
2. Shaping: The paste is pressed into moulds to form tiles of specific dimensions and thickness.
3. Drying: Excess moisture is removed to prevent warping during firing.
4. Firing: The tiles are fired in kilns at temperatures exceeding 1,200°C. This process vitrifies the clay, creating a non-porous and incredibly durable surface.
5. Finishing: The tiles are cut, polished, and textured based on their intended use.

Main Features of Porcelain Pavers

• Non-Porous Surface: With less than 0.5% water absorption rate it prevents mold growth
• Slip Resistant: All our Pavers have standard R11 surfaces which makes them perfect for pool areas.
• UV Resistant: Colors remain vibrant even after prolonged sun exposure.
• Strength and Load-Bearing Capacity: Due to its 20mm thickness it is suitable for heavy foot traffic as it can withstand force up to 10000N

Understanding the composition and manufacturing process helps explain why porcelain pavers are considered superior to many other outdoor paving materials.

Types of Porcelain Pavers

Porcelain pavers are available in a variety of types, each tailored to different applications and aesthetic preferences.

Standard Porcelain Pavers

These pavers are typically 20mm thick and designed for standard outdoor spaces such as patios, walkways, and decks. They balance durability with affordability.

Thick Porcelain Pavers (20mm+)

Thicker pavers are designed to handle heavy loads, making them perfect for driveways, commercial outdoor areas, and high-traffic zones.

Outdoor Porcelain Pavers

Outdoor-specific pavers feature textured surfaces to enhance grip, reducing the risk of slipping on wet surfaces. All our pavers have R11 surfaces perfect for outdoor areas.

Textured and Smooth Finish Pavers

• Textured Finish: Ideal for pool surrounds and rainy climates where slip resistance is critical.
• Smooth Finish: Best for covered patios or areas with minimal water exposure.
• Coping Finish: Pavers also come in the coping finish which makes them perfect to use around the pool area 

Choosing the right type of porcelain paver depends on your project’s functional and aesthetic requirements.

4. Differences Between Porcelain Pavers and Other Paving Materials

There are a lot of options for outdoor flooring so it becomes almost essential to compare porcelain pavers with other popular materials like concrete and natural stone.

Key Takeaways:

• Porcelain pavers outperform concrete in terms of water resistance and durability.
• While natural stone offers aesthetic charm, it requires higher maintenance.
• Porcelain strikes the perfect balance between durability, aesthetics, and low upkeep.

Advantages of Porcelain Pavers

Porcelain pavers offer numerous benefits that make them a preferred choice for outdoor spaces:

1. Exceptional Durability

Porcelain pavers are incredibly tough and can withstand heavy foot traffic, vehicle loads, and weather fluctuations without cracking or fading. It can withstand up to 10000N force 

2. Water and Stain Resistance

The non-porous surface prevents water penetration, making porcelain pavers resistant to mould, mildew, and staining. Which makes them ideal for a pool area.

3. Low Maintenance Requirements

Regular sweeping and occasional washing is all it takes to keep porcelain pavers looking new. Due to this, they have grown a massive popularity in the Aussie homes.

4. Different shapes:                                                                                       

Pavers come in various such as coping and bullnose which helps people use the same design throughout the house.

4. Aesthetic Versatility

Porcelain pavers are available in a variety of colours, textures, and designs, including wood-look, stone-look, and concrete-look finishes without compromising their unique features.

5. Slip Resistance

Textured surfaces provide excellent grip, making them safe for pool decks and rainy environments. All our pavers have an R11 surface.  

Disadvantages of Porcelain Pavers

While porcelain pavers offer numerous advantages, it’s essential to consider their drawbacks to make an informed decision.

1. Higher Initial Investment

When compared to basic stone and concrete pavers the initial cost can be seen a little on the higher side. The cost can increase further if professional installation is required.

2. Installation Challenges

Porcelain pavers require a stable, well-prepared base to ensure proper installation. Inadequate installation can lead to uneven surfaces or cracked tiles over time.

3. Limited Repair Options

If a porcelain paver breaks, it often needs to be replaced entirely rather than repaired. That's why we recommend adding 15% to your total need as it is important to keep an extra few pieces for the future.

4. Weight and Handling Difficulty

Thicker porcelain pavers are heavier and can be difficult to handle during DIY installations. Using professional help is recommended as it not only saves the risk of breakage but also gets you hurt in the process.

Despite these limitations, porcelain pavers remain one of the most durable and stylish outdoor flooring options available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are porcelain pavers suitable for driveways?

The 20mm pavers with high durability are strong enough to withstand heavy loads and traffic as it can withstand up to 10000N force.

2. Can porcelain pavers be used around pools?

Their non-slip, water-resistant surfaces which prevent stains and moulds make them perfect for pool decks. We also have coping tiles which would be ideal to use around the pool area.

3. Are porcelain pavers expensive?

They have a higher upfront cost as compared to others, but due to their low maintenance and high durability, they can be seen as cost-effective over a long period.

4. Do porcelain pavers require sealing?

As they are naturally non-porous they don't require sealing for outdoor use.

5. Can I install porcelain pavers myself?

Yes, it is possible, but professional installation is recommended due to high procurement costs and heavy.