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.

With so many options on the market in terms of garden design and outdoor aesthetics, knowing which road is right for you can take time and consideration.

That being said, here at PrimaPorcelain, we’re unsurprisingly biased with a strong partisan slant in the direction of porcelain power – and with good reason.

Porcelain paving possesses a wide variety of benefits that puts it head and shoulders above the rest. For proof, look no further than this very blog!

Benefits of Porcelain Pavers

If you’re considering anything other porcelain for your exterior design, take a look at these top five reasons to choose porcelain pavers for your outdoor space.

Unrivalled Durability

The primary headline when it comes to porcelain paving selling points is and will likely always be its superior durability.

Porcelain is incredibly hard-wearing, specifically designed to withstand a myriad of elemental demands.

From sun and snow to wind and rain, porcelain pavers won’t falter under the demands of Mother Nature. They won’t fade nor will they bear the scars of wear and tear.

They are also extremely stain and scratch-resistant, making them the perfect surface for outdoor socialising and alfresco dining.

Low-Maintenance

A brilliant by-product of their innate durability is that our porcelain tiles are extremely low-maintenance, requiring very little upkeep to retain their looks – unlike natural stone.

Specifically engineered to quite literally weather the storm, porcelain paving is fundamentally designed to keep their aesthetic beauty year-round.

That being said, in the event that you did want to give them spruce, our tiles are inherently easy to clean.

To revive your pavers’ “just laid” shine, all you need to do is give them a quick once over with a mop and warm, soapy water.

Safety First

With an extremely low porosity of just 0.05%, porcelain paving tiles are virtually impermeable. Not only does this make them last aesthetically, it also makes them extremely slip-resistant.

This enhanced grip provides greater traction underfoot, while the minimal absorption also allows each paver to dry out very quickly, further reducing the risk of a fall.

Meanwhile, this slip-resistance also extends to ice and frost, with each tile extremely capable under sub-zero temperatures.

For unquestionable clarity, each tile is given a “Grip Factor” rating of 1-5 (1 being low/5 being high) with the majority of our outdoor tiles achieving a rating of 4 or above.

These capabilities in cold and wet conditions make porcelain paving a fantastic flooring solution around areas that are prone to splashes and spills, such as pools and hot tubs.

Design Freedom

When it comes to creative freedom, the sheer variety of designs available with porcelain paving blows any other option completely out of the water.

Whether you’re looking for an outdoor tile that mimics natural stone or a paver that plays the part of a wooden board, PrimaPorcelain can provide.

And the creativity doesn’t stop there.

How you arrange the pavers and their chosen layout can have a huge impact on the overall aesthetic, while adding a secondary tile to compliment it can also open up a whole new world of designs.

If you’re looking to create something unique to your property, porcelain paving can provide that in droves with a list of combinations that’s virtually endless.

Seamless Transition

Following on from the previous point, porcelain paving tiles also provide you with the power to seamlessly blend your outdoor space with your interior design.

By choosing a matching indoor tile, porcelain paving can be transitioned from the outdoors into the home.

In addition to achieving a smooth, uninterrupted transition, it also expands both the outside area and the interior living space.

This can be particularly notable when incorporated with a level patio and foldable patio doors, providing an expansive effect that opens up both indoors and outdoors considerably.

What are you waiting for? Request a FREE sample today and see the power of porcelain paving first-hand! For more details, call now on 029 2080 3756 or get in touch online using the button below.

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