It rains a lot in this country. If you live in the UK and you have a garden, that garden of yours is frequently going to get wet.

This is nothing new, but it is something to bear in mind when you're shopping for outdoor tiles. Your patio will need to be capable of withstanding Britain's infamously wet weather, but perhaps even more importantly, you need to know that your paving won't get too slippery after a shower.

After all, you don't want to slip and hurt yourself when you're trying to relax and enjoy your garden!

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Porcelain paving is an increasingly popular choice for outdoor living spaces. Vitrified porcelain has a number of attractive advantages when compared to more traditional materials like turf or natural stone paving - but are there any downsides?

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Garden paths are one of the many features that can make your garden stand out but are often one of the most overlooked. While their main and most obvious purpose is to allow you to journey from point A to point B, they also possess the ability to make your outdoor living space shine. When planning your next garden redesign, be sure to take some time to consider some of the garden path ideas available to you.

Not sure what’s on offer? We’ve got you covered! Whether you’re looking to provide a clear and uninterrupted walkway from one end of your garden to the other, or maze through your flower beds, our list garden path ideas is sure to get your green fingers itching.  

Natural paving

If you’re thinking of creating a natural-looking garden, natural stone paving is definitely the choice for you – the possibilities are literally endless! Natural stone paving has the ability to look right at home in a variety of garden designs, whether you’re looking to create something that’s more towards the traditional side of things or a garden that’s more upbeat and modern. Natural stone never looks out of place because of the extensive variations in shape, texture and colour.

Concrete paving

The versatility of concrete paving can help to create a stripped-back, understated design or an eye-catching walkway. Traditional designs utilising concrete paving see them embedded in the grass or paving the way through the popping colours of your garden. A traditional material such as concrete paving can brilliantly enhance a contemporary space, so for those looking to bring their garden up-to-date, concrete pavers can be used above grass, sand or pebbles as part of a beautifully elevated walkway.

Curved paths

Often, the materials used for your garden path will determine how long it remains intact, however, the shape of it also has the ability to inject some much-needed character. If you find yourself edging more towards the creative side of things rather than straight, clean lines you can build a garden path that encompasses a more organic shape with a large, sweeping curve.

Not only will this make your garden look way more interesting, but it’ll also give a sense of a greater amount of space. Make the most out of this space by planting a variety of plants and flowers along the edges, it’ll entice your visitors to take a walk around and journey across your new outdoor space!

Photo: Pinterest

Straight lines and angles

For those of you who take kindlier to the simple things in life, a garden path idea based on straight lines and angles may seem more attractive than the previous one. With clever use of geometry, you are able to transform a lacklustre and uninspiring outdoor space into one full of wonder and beauty. A garden path idea based around straight lines can add more noise and elegance as well as functionality.

From basic, two-dimensional designs to complex symmetry, the use of linear designs can help to create interest and inclination. Contemporary, three-dimensional designs use raised beds, positioning of boulders and interchanging heights to create a clean, fuss-free appearance.

When it comes to choosing the right garden path idea for your outdoor area, there is a lot of things to consider. From the materials, the shape and style of path you’re looking to create. With the above garden path ideas, however, you should be well on your way to creating the garden of dreams with the right garden path installed.

For a garden path that is guaranteed to look good and perform for years to come be sure to choose porcelain pavers! Here at PrimaPorcelain, we have an extensive collection of porcelain pavers that offer the gorgeous aesthetics of natural stone, concrete, limestone and many other materials, while providing incredible low-maintenance properties. Click below to browse our entire range of porcelain products.

Browse Our Porcelain Paving >

For more information on our range of porcelain products or to speak to a member of our team regarding your garden path ideas, be sure to contact us today by calling 02920 803 756 or email info@primaporcelain.co.uk.

The Christmas period is a magical time of year for many, as the summer warmth makes way for a wintry chill and festive spirit takes over the nation.

However, while there’s no doubt that Christmastime often lives up to its name as “the most wonderful time of the year”, the dip in temperature can bring with it some challenges of its own.

Luckily, with its robust composition and durable qualities, porcelain paving is more than up for the challenge, making for the perfect winterproof surface for your outside space.

Slip-Hazards

While the crisp layer of frost that dusts the British landscape on winter mornings can be a beautiful sight to behold, it can also present a number of hazards that are far less appealing.

Natural stone is highly-susceptible to frost, posing a myriad of dangers as a result. This can be particularly problematic for families with elderly relatives or young children with potentially serious consequences.

Frost-Proof

Ideal for a variety of purpose-built surfaces – from patios and driveways to swimming pools and hard landscaping – porcelain paving tiles are highly resistant to sub-zero temperatures.

Outdoor paving tiles from PrimaPorcelain have been fundamentally designed to offer numerous frost-proof qualities to ensure your safety when using your outside space during the wintertime.

With a porosity of less than 0.05%, they retain very little moisture, reducing the risk of ice for a more reliable performance throughout the winter period.

What’s more, all our tiles are also pre-sealed, meaning there are no cracks for the water to settle in, eliminating the worry of water expansion and cracking as a result of freezing.

Grip Factor

Porcelain paving tiles from PrimaPorcelain have been deliberately textured for maximum grip. As a result, each porcelain paver retains its non-slip properties even in the face of harsh conditions.

All porcelain paving tiles from PrimaPorcelain come with a Grip Factor rating, illustrating their traction and overall firmness underfoot.

The scale is measuring from Grip Factor 1 to Grip Factor 5, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the best. Most of our outdoor tiles offer a reassuring 4 or 5 on the scale, giving you peace of mind as well as solid footing.

For more information on winterproof paving tiles from PrimaPorcelain, why not drop us a line today? Call now on 01753 575102 or get in touch online by clicking the button below.

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When it comes to adding porcelain paving to your outside space, it’s easy to get preoccupied with the colour and design of the tiles without fully considering the base or what goes underneath. 

Overlooking what lies beneath can be a big mistake and do your beautiful new pavers a grave disservice.

After all, you wouldn’t buy a car purely based on the chassis without checking the quality of the engine underneath and the same principle applies to outdoor porcelain paving.

A good base is a must for any outdoor tiling job but knowing which one to choose can be a tricky choice.

Luckily, this blog aims to provide you with the knowledge to make the best decision for you, your property and your pavers so you can stop asking, "what do you lay patio slabs on?" and start choosing the best base for your project.

Concrete Base

Unlike indoor tiles, there are a variety of modern options when it comes to the foundation of your paving design; however, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the industry standard – the tried and tested concrete base.

Strong, durable and secure, concrete has been the go-to solution for patio bases for many years, quite literally providing a solid foundation for the pavers to rest on.

A concrete base can be time-consuming and often requires a lot of prep work. From mixing and spreading to levelling and laying to grouting and cleaning, this route is a million miles from simply paying and laying. 

In fact, creating a level surface that’s uniform from left to right can be frustratingly difficult and takes a real knack to get right. What’s more, the necessary inclusion of adhesives – such as mortar, grout and cement – make this a messy process.

Perhaps worst of all, these firm drying substances don’t lend themselves well to mistakes either. One off-tile can be hard to undo once the paving is laid and can taint your paving finish instantly. 

Luckily, there are two great alternatives that are far more forgiving and far less arduous to undertake. So, if you don't choose concrete, what do you lay your patio slabs on?

Pedestal System

A revolutionary alternative to the traditional concrete base, pedestal supports from PrimaPorcelain provide a simple yet smart installation solution through innovative dry installation.

A favoured option amongst DIY enthusiasts, this adhesive-free option allows you to achieve a level surface without arduously flattening the surface plane.

In fact, no paving skills are required at all, with no mortar, adhesive or grout in sight. This translates to a clean installation with minimal mess.

Meanwhile, the total lack of adhesive also means there’s no necessary drying or setting time required, allowing you to use your new surface from the moment the final slab is laid on the patio base.

Better still, the elevated structure promotes thermal and acoustic insulation, while the gap between the slabs and the ground also allows for placement of cables and piping. These can be accessed easily should any maintenance work need doing. The porcelain tiles can simply be lifted off the pedestal base and replaced when finished. 

Easy-Frame System

Much like the pedestal method, the Easy-Frame provides a fantastic means of laying porcelain paving in your outdoor space without the mess, hassle and labour of conventional means. We think this is one of the most innovative porcelain tile bases on the market.

Constructed from galvanised steel, this porcelain paving substructure system essentially provides your pavers with a stage to rest on for a solid, stable base.

The structure itself is assembled off-site to fit the exact dimensions of your outdoor space. From there, the frames are simply transported to your property in sections and locked together on-site. This means you can lay your patio slabs on the base with minimal fuss and effort.

Coated in zinc for heat, frost and moisture resistance, the frame also boasts the highest weight-to-strength ratio on the market, providing unrivalled reliability.

Mirroring its pedestal counterpart, the Easy-Frame also offers an adhesive-free route to patio paving bases, allowing easy access to the substrate, minimal mess and zero drying time.

Best of all, the framework model allows the Easy-Frame to simply be placed directly over existing areas without disturbing utilities, such as drains, pipework of cables. This means you can install this patio base pretty much anywhere in your garden, making it ideal for all outdoor spaces.

Read More: How to Lay Slabs

For more information on any of our outdoor porcelain tiles or the various installation methods available, why not drop us a line today? Call now on 029 2080 3756 or get in touch online by clicking the button below.

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Did you know, we now offer large and small porcelain tile samples? Once you've picked your favourite porcelain paving from our ranges, use our paving calculator to work out how much you need & order directly through the website. We can't wait to help you transform your home/garden.