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.

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.

 

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 >

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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Block paving has long been a staple of outdoor flooring design, both in residential and commercial areas, as well as public spaces.

However, just because this classic method is a tried and tested approach doesn’t mean there aren’t new and novel ways of achieving this established paving look.

 

 

Popular Block Paving Patterns

While block paving can come in many forms with a variety of different designs, colours and sizes, there are a few go-to methods when it comes to aesthetics.

Here are the three block paving patterns you’re most likely to find dotted throughout your local neighbourhood.

 

Stretcher Bond

The most simplistic of all the flooring patterns, the classic stretcher bond look is one that never goes out of fashion.

Also known as running bond or half bond, the joints of each block are offset exactly half the width of each block beneath and above it.

The finished aesthetic provides a clean, uniform pattern from left to right, resembling a traditional brickwork pattern.

 

Herringbone

Named for its likeness to the bones of a fish, herringbone paving is a common choice for driveway designs in particular, providing a common sense of direction in its pattern.

The mechanics of the pavers also help ensure that the blocks won’t become displaced when vehicles brake and turn on them.

The mesmerising pattern is achieved by interlocking slabs to create an arrowhead, zig-zag effect for a beguiling finish.

 

Basketweave

Perhaps the most common and popular alternative to straight flooring pattern, the basketweave is named for its likeness to – you guessed it – a woven basket.

The end-result of interlacing blocks create a visual that looks as though the slabs are weaving under and over each other.

The traditional block paving basketweave pattern involves columns of pavers, alternating repeatedly between two vertical pavers on top of two horizontal pavers.

This also comes in a variety of sub-categories and modifications, such as the Boxed Basketweave and the Californian Weave.

 

"Common Block Paving Patterns" by Selcltd licensed under CC BY 3.0 (unchanged)

 

Porcelain Block Paving Patterns

While block paving patterns have long been achieved through the use of brick and stone, there is no hard or fast rule that says you have to use a particular material to achieve such as finish.

In fact, provided that the pavers themselves are rectangular in shape, the choice of material is completely up to you!

While there are plenty of options to choose from, we believe that porcelain is the king of outdoor paving. With a myriad of benefits and virtually limitless design options, the upside of porcelain is incomparable.

Boasting extreme elemental durability and unrivalled resistance to scratches and abrasions, porcelain is robust enough to withstand the demands of any outdoor environment, including driveways.

What’s more, its low porosity makes it extremely resistant to staining and also provides a high level of slip resistance. Add to that fade resistance that is unparalleled by any other material and you have yourself the perfect material for your outdoor design.

Speaking of design, why limit yourself to the bog-standard orange brick aesthetic? PrimaPorcelain has the largest selection of porcelain tile design in the UK, allowing you to achieve a traditional block paving pattern with a contemporary look for a truly unique finish.

 

What are you waiting for? Order a FREE sample of your favourite paving design today and explore the world of block paving patterns available with porcelain paving. Call now on 029 2080 3756 or click the button below to get in touch online.

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Block paving has long been the surface of choice for driveways across the UK. Pleasing to the eye, relatively versatile and long-lasting, paving makes for a decent option when it comes to surfacing your external property.

PICTURED: 20mm Bolzano Graphite porcelain paving

Outside of block paving, other popular options include traditional concrete, tarmac and gravel - again, all perfectly acceptable and practical materials for the driveway. However, in the near future, you can expect to see an influx of an entirely different driveway design.

It's out with the old and in with bold, so step aside tradition - there's a new sheriff in town and its name is porcelain paving.

Order FREE Porcelain Paving Samples >

 

Porcelain Driveway Paving

 

Outdoor porcelain paving makes for a fantastic surface for driveways. There are many reasons for this, not least porcelain's extreme durability and weather-resistance.

Porcelain is an inherently hard-wearing material, capable of withstanding a myriad of demands. Slip, stain and fade-resistant, it makes for the perfect driveway surface, providing traction for tyres without the worry of oil staining or losing its colour in the sun.

PICTURED: 20mm Concrete Silver porcelain paving

Additionally, porcelain is also resistant to abrasions and relatively scratch-proof. Meanwhile, it's also notably frost-resistant, providing reliable performance even in sub-zero winter temperatures. Deliberately textured for maximum grip, porcelain pavers retain their non-slip properties even in the face of harsh conditions.

What's more, porcelain slabs are also extremely low-maintenance, requiring very little TLC to retain their good looks and unblemished finish. With a porosity of less than 0.05%, they retain very little moisture and never need to be sealed. Simply give them a jetwash annually to keep them in peak condition.

Browse Outdoor Porcelain Tiles >

 

Choosing Your Driveway Pavers

 

Best of all, the sheer scope for patterns and visuals is virtually limitless when it comes to porcelain paving. At PrimaPorcelain, we stock the widest selection of porcelain paving designs in the UK, providing you with a cornucopia of aesthetic options for your driveway.

You can even experiment with two tile designs to really set your driveway apart from the rest of the street, opening up even more opportunity for artistic freedom and designer flair. You can even blend two tile designs for a stunning border effect.

Even the orientation of the tiles can make a big difference when it comes to the finished look and a combination of vertical and horizontal can make a wonderful criss-cross visual. Meanwhile, a herringbone pattern can create a fantastic sense of direction that works particularly well for driveway design.

Browse All Porcelain Paving >

For more hints and tips on how to create a porcelain paver driveway on your property, check out our blog dedicated to driveway designs for our hot take on this inherently cool look.

We now offer large and small porcelain tile samples so you can see our porcelain paving up close. Once you've picked your favourite porcelain paving, use our paving calculator to work out how many pavers you need & order directly through the website. We can't wait to help you transform your driveway!