There’s no doubt that nearly every home in the UK has some sort of tiles installed, whether they be outdoor paving tiles or indoor porcelain tiles. Whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom, or garden, the majority of homes use tiles as an effective, fashionable way to style a floor.

Whilst it’s understandable that homeowners choose tiles based solely on aesthetic reasons, it’s important to realise that most floor tiles are assigned a slip rating, known as an R-value, in accordance with the environment in which they should be installed. Tiles that aren’t assigned slip ratings are graded to a specific minimum standard regardless. R values span a scale from R9 (minimum standard) through to R13 (greatest slip resistance), which can be understood further in our handy graphic below.

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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.

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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.

It’s been a little while since we’ve introduced any new designs to our collection of outdoor porcelain pavers…so we’re undoubtedly overdue a few additions.

Well, wait no longer Britain, because we’re pleased to announce we are doing exactly that!

But we’re not just adding a new design or two to our comprehensive catalogue of tiles – we’re introducing a whole new range of high-spec outdoor pavers for you to choose from!

Say "hello" to PavingPlus – the latest member of the PrimaPorcelain family.

Paving the Way

Deliberately textured for superior grip and underfoot traction, these rectified outdoor tiles are both practically durable and aesthetically beautiful.

Available in four unique styles and nine sumptuous shades of colour, PavingPlus brings style and finesse to your outdoor space without breaking the bank to get there.

National Pride

Unlike our previous designs, the new PavingPlus range is characterised by a strong sense of British personality. Each individual design shares its name with an English location: namely Clifton, Bodmin, Richmond and Cotswold.

Named for these local sites of understated charm, the range has a humble sense of domestic patriotism that contrasts our Mediterranean ranges nicely, providing complementary variety and diversity to our overall collection.

Get a Grip

One of the most impressive features of the new PavingPlus range is its outstanding grip. Deliberately textured for superior underfoot traction, the entire range is designed to provide a firm footing for the user, whatever the conditions may be.

The Clifton, Bodmin and Richmond ranges all feature an impressive grip factor rating of 4/5, while the Cotswold range boasts an even more impressive rating of 5/5 for traction.

Variety Show

Each of the Clifton, Bodmin and Richmond designs feature a Shade Variation of V3. This translates to a moderate variegated pattern from tile to tile, providing a subtle yet stunning authenticity to each porcelain paver.

Meanwhile, much like the Grip Factor, the Shade Variation of the Cotswold range is slightly higher at V4, providing a tonal variation that not only provides a beautiful design but also adds to the authentic realism of the stone-look aesthetic making it virtually indistinguishable.

Budget-Friendly

While the design is captivating, the features are appealing and the personality is wholly pleasing, perhaps the most attractive characteristic of the new PavingPlus range is the price.

As one of the most economical products in our entire collection, the PavingPlus range is wonderfully affordable, favourably priced in our lower-end price bands.

Successfully combining such quality practical attributes with a more than reasonable price makes the PavingPlus range a rare breed of product and a welcome addition to any home – especially yours!

Don’t take our word for it – head on down to your local PrimaPorcelain showroom to check out this wonderful new range live and in living colour. Alternatively, why not order a FREE sample today and see for yourself? Click the button below and get in touch today!

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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.

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 >