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On Monday 23 March, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation (full transcript here) and urged us to stay at home in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The days since then have mostly been warm and sunny, but instead of going to the seaside or congregating in local parks, conscientious homeowners have been forced to make the most of their own back gardens and patios.

Patio with white porcelain paving

Pictured: Bolzano White Porcelain Paving

Am I allowed to go out on the patio?

Yes - the current coronavirus guidelines state that you should only go out in public if it's absolutely essential (e.g. if you need to provide care for somebody or purchase basic necessities), but you're free to enjoy your own private outdoor space as long as you don't go within 2 metres of anyone from a different household.

This means that you can still tend to your garden, have a kickabout with the kids, or sit in your favourite lounger and soak up the sunshine.

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Porcelain paving is very durable and will not be impacted by the heat that a fire pit generates. Just another reason why PrimaPorcelain paving is such a great choice for the patio!

Fire pit in the garden

Spring is in the air, and with the weather getting warmer and the days getting longer, the garden is the place to be.

The opportunity to spend a sunny afternoon on the patio is one of the best things about this time of year, and if you're keen to stay outside long into the evening, you may have thought about purchasing a fire pit for your outdoor space.

A fire pit is a great way to stay warm and add a bit of extra ambience to your outdoor activities. But is there a chance that having an open fire on your patio will permanently damage the paving?

 

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For anyone looking to brighten up their outdoor space with a patio area, the choice of tiles to choose from can make the endeavour quite the creative conundrum.

Do you go with natural stone or concrete? Ceramic or Saltillo? Mosaic or brick? With so many options to choose from, it’s enough to cause headaches before you’ve even laid the first slab.

Luckily, there’s one material that boasts the unique benefits or each with none of the drawbacks. Porcelain paving offers everything a patio could need, making the choice an absolute breeze.

 

is porcelain tile good for patio

Pictured: Bolzano Grey

 

Why choose porcelain paving?

Porcelain isn’t just good for patio paving, it’s pretty much the perfect material, providing everything you could want from an outdoor tile. Durable, low-maintenance and aesthetically stunning, porcelain paving ticks all the boxes.

As a patio paving material, porcelain offers a variety of suitable perks, from its stain resistance to its textured grip. However, most notably and perhaps most importantly is its resistance to a number of weather conditions.

In addition to being fade and frost resistant, they are also non-porous and extremely water-resistant with an absorption rate of 0.05%. The low porosity makes them virtually impermeable, giving them added traction in wet conditions and protecting any users from potential slip hazards.

The water-resistance also makes them the ideal surface for those that are looking to accessorise their patio with watery activities, such as a hot tub or a pool. While the wipe clean stain-proofing makes them just as suitable for outdoor socials, such as barbeques or drinks with friends.

 

Why choose PrimaPorcelain?

At PrimaPorcelain, we have one of the largest collections of porcelain tile designs in the UK. From the dark and stormy mystique of Quartz Black to the woody allure of Forest Oak, our catalogue of porcelain paving patterns is virtually unrivalled.

All of our outdoor porcelain paving slabs are made with a thickness of 20mm for enhanced strength and sturdiness. What’s more, all our tiles are vitrified, making sealing and glazing a thing of the past.

Better still, all of our porcelain tiles are mixed with a dye before being placed in the kiln, providing a consistent colouration throughout the entire slab. This means that, in the unlikely event of a chip or scratch, the damage will be unnoticeable, unlike a traditional ceramic tile.

Our tiles can even be dry-installed without the need for any adhesive or mortar. Using our unique pedestal system, the task of laying patio tiles is considerably easier than traditional methods, making it a realistic DIY job if you are confident in your own skills.

Better still, the lack of adhesive means there is no settling time, allowing you to walk on your new patio from the moment the final paving tile is laid.

Did you know we now offer large and small samples, allowing you to really get a feel for our ranges before making a decision? Once you've chosen your dream paving, you can place your order directly through our website. 

Order FREE Porcelain Tile Samples

Click here to explore our wide range of porcelain tiles and paving slabs >

The definition of a “small garden” can vary wildly depending on your individual outlook, ranging from a plot 50 feet long to a patch of grass the size of a parking space.

Regardless of your interpretation, if you view your own garden as “small”, chances are you would welcome a few tips to make it look a little bigger.

Luckily, we’ve can do just that with this handy guide on how to make a small garden look bigger.

how to make a small garden look bigger

 

Easily Make Your Garden Look Bigger

One of the coolest things about maximising space in your garden is that you don’t have to overstretch your boundaries in any way to do so.

So, before you begin tearing down your fence and declaring next door’s patio as your own, pump the brakes and listen up.

From optical illusions and visual trickery to strategic plant placement and clever furnishing, making the most of the space you have can be surprisingly easy. Something as simple as foldable furniture can be an instant space saver when not in use!

Here’s a few of the most effective ways to save space in your garden and make your garden look bigger as a result.

 

Level Up

Altering your outdoor space to include levels can transform your space completely. Not only will it provide a visually appealing alternative to a traditional flat garden, it also raises up your garden making it look more spacious as a result.

Incorporating varying levels into your garden design can provide a more dynamic appeal to your outdoor space, giving the illusion of additional space. This is particularly notable when each raised area comprises of a different type of surface material.

For example, if your garden begins with a patio, you could have steps leading up to grassy lawn area, followed by further steps leading to decking at the end. This essentially creates three different gardens in one, while also providing a visually impressive incremental effect.

 

Zone Out

Another great way to instantly make your garden seem more spacious is to divide your plot into specified areas or zones.

For example, if you were to divide your garden into three definitive sections, a patio area immediately outside your house could be used for dining and sitting, followed by a lawn which can lead to a feature at the end of your garden.

The far end of the garden can be used for anything from a lounge area or fire pit to a shed or Wendy House. Meanwhile, a path running down the garden can help split up the space even further, while also providing a logical journey through your outdoor space.

 

Reflection

While they are a staple of the home, mirrors are criminally underutilised outdoors. A spectacularly easy – and somewhat cheeky – shortcut to spaciousness, adding mirrors in strategic areas of your garden can create the impression that your outdoor space is far bigger than it actually is.

If you have a particularly cosy garden with very little wiggle-room, this shameless shortcut can be a great way to enhance any existing plants or flowers in your garden, creating the illusion that your flower bed spreads even further than it does.

This technique can add another dimension to your garden, while it can also brighten up your space by reflecting light into darker areas, particularly if the mirrors are angled just right.

 

High Standards

With so much emphasis on the groundwork, it’s easy to overlook the high walls that surround your garden. Whether they’re brick or fence, the perimeter enclosing your outdoor space can act as a blank canvas for you to create upon.

From wall-mounted plant pots to artsy wall displays, this often-neglected space is ideal for accessorising and decorating. Meanwhile, wall-mounted displays save floor space, allowing you to utilise your ground surface for other things.

Similarly, tall reaching plants and foliage can add an alluring touch of green to your garden without spreading out across your space. However, it’s important not to go overboard on either: a busy garden with too much going on can quickly become cluttered.

 

Trees a Crowd

While trees can be a visually impressive feature in any garden, with many benefits to both man and beast, they also take up a lot of space. What’s more, they can also block out a lot of natural light, particularly when the leaves are in full summer bloom.

Big trees in particular can reach out far over your garden in terms of both width and length, making your garden feel crowded and cramped. If you do want to have a tree in your garden, consider planting a smaller tree that won’t encroach too much on your space.

Meanwhile, if you already have a large tree in your garden and are considering removal, be sure to check you are legally allowed to do so. Some trees are protected under the Tree Preservation Order, so it’s worth a reaching out to your local council before you reach for an axe.

 

make your garden look bigger

 

Patios and Pathways

One of the most effective ways to create additional space in your garden is the inclusion of a patio area. If you don’t already have one, this can be the ultimate upgrade, opening the door to many of the aforementioned tips in the section above.

Larger tiles tend to provide a better illusion of space than small pavers, so be sure to go big with your tile choice. Meanwhile, a sensible colour can also open up your garden, creating a sense of openness and width. Bright colours – like limestone and sandstone – can light up an area and instantly make it feel less claustrophobic.

Similarly, a garden path, particularly one that weaves and winds through your garden from feature to feature, can create an additional sense of space, without necessitating too many wholesale changes or upfront costs.

Finally, don’t be afraid to invest in your tiles if you do plump for a patio or pathway. Porcelain pavers may be a little more expensive, but the durability and low-maintenance properties of these tough tiles can be enduringly worth it.

 

For more information on outdoor tiles and porcelain pavers for your garden, give us a call today on 029 2080 3756. Alternatively, drop us a line using the button below for further information.

Contact Us

cheapest patio flooring

Renovating your outdoor space can be an expensive endeavour, particularly if you run into unforeseen issues along the way.

If you’re looking to give your garden an underbudget overhaul, porcelain paving could be a surprisingly economical option that pays dividends for years to come. 

Order FREE Porcelain Paving Samples >

Don’t believe us? Let’s take a break from laying tiles and lay down the facts with this handy blog on just why porcelain may be the cheapest patio flooring for you long-term.

 

Outdoor flooring options

 

Okay, before we get into the nitty-gritty of our porcelain patio products, let’s take a quick look at the outdoor alternatives.

 

decking

Decking

 

One of the most popular external flooring options outside of porcelain pavers is the equally popular outdoor favourite – decking.

A fantastic flooring option in its own right, decking has been a national favourite for decades. However, if you’re looking to create something other than a wood-effect design for your outside space, decking is very much going to be left out in the cold.

What’s more, modern composite decking can be expensive and, while it does have the edge over traditional decking in terms of upkeep, it probably won’t tick the box when it comes to budget solutions.

Conversely, cheaper decking options will require exponentially more time and money in maintenance, which defeats the object in terms of saving money.

 

Natural stone

 

Meanwhile, another hugely popular patio preference is another outdoor classic – stone.

Transcending trends and eternally enduring, natural stone tiling – such as granite, concrete, limestone and sandstone – has long been a go-to for outdoor design. It’s tried, it’s tested, it’s universally accepted – who are we to argue with centuries of popularity?

Luckily, we don’t have to, because the facts speak for themselves! Stone-look porcelain is far superior when it comes to both durability and practicality in the home, while the perks of low-maintenance make it surprisingly economical for both time and cost.

What’s more, natural stone isn’t particularly cheap either – from a purchasing perspective or an upkeep point of view – once again leaving it trailing behind in terms of cost-effective flooring options for your patio.

 

Cheap outdoor flooring

 

So, with decking and natural stone both off the table as far as cheap solutions to your outdoor flooring woes, what other options are available as affordable alternatives?

When it comes to cheap outdoor flooring, there are a few common materials that typically make the list. These include:

  • Artificial grass
  • Outdoor carpet
  • Brick
  • Vinyl
  • Foam tiling

Sadly, cheap and cheerful isn’t always so cheery… or even that cheap when you take into account the need for maintenance and eventual replacement.

The above options, while initially economical, are highly unlikely to last any length of time without becoming worn, haggard or damaged. Worse still, these materials don’t actually fill the void of a genuine patio.

To truly be considered the real deal, a patio requires paving. When it comes to paving, there’s only one true king and it comes in the form of porcelain.

 

Save money with porcelain paving

 

If you’re looking to truly save money on your patio without economising on quality, investing in porcelain could pay off big time in the long run. Long-lasting with none of the upkeep you would get from an inferior product, porcelain is not only the most reliable option, but it may also be the most convenient.

The low-maintenance properties of our porcelain-powered pavers give them the edge over inferior materials. Built to last, you won’t have to replace them any time soon, nor will you have to spend time and money cleaning them during their stay. Once laid, your floor is there to stay and look great along the way.

In addition to the visual and practical benefits of our beautifully crafted yet extremely durable outdoor pavers, all of our products come with a 10-year warranty, giving you peace of mind should the unlikely occur.

 

With so many upsides to porcelain paving slabs, why not contact the PrimaPorcelain team to find out more?

Alternatively, click the link below to order a free sample and see for yourself! Our samples come in both small and large formats, allowing you to really see the details in each range before you make a decision.

Request a FREE Sample

Once you've decided on the perfect tiles for your project, you can use our paving calculator and order your paving directly through our website!