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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Flooring tiles make for a beautiful addition to any interior or exterior design, providing colour and character to wherever you decide to lay them.

However, a simple chip in a tile is a sure-fire way to ruin that impressive aesthetic, leaving an unsightly and noticeable blemish like a pimple on prom night.

Luckily, with porcelain tiles, such an occurrence needn’t be a worry – and here’s why…

Chip Off the Old Block

When it comes to chipped tiles, the difference between ceramic and porcelain can be night and day.

Porcelain is essentially the Mike Tyson of the tiling world – tough and strong yet also visually impressive on the surface and capable of taking on all comers.

Meanwhile, ceramic is the tile equivalent of Sylvester Stallone – looks the part on the surface but probably won’t be able to last when put to the test against real competition.

While both will fill the role perfectly, when push comes to shove, you’re going to want to enlist the aid of the real deal and not a lookalike playing the part to get the full, all-round benefits.

Ceramic vs Porcelain

Ceramic tiles typically comprise of a plain tile composition that is coated with a coloured glaze which provides the aesthetic design.

While this can work out cheaper, the tiles suffer in terms of practicality. Any chips incurred will naturally expose the plain body underneath, making it very obvious and tarnishing the design.

Worse still, ceramic tiles can chip very easily, which can be problematic when an inevitable dropped mug occurs. Luckily, no such problems occur with porcelain tiles…

Porcelain Power

So, going back to the original question, do porcelain tiles chip easily? Thankfully, the answer is a resounding “no”.

All of the porcelain tiles available at PrimaPorcelain go through the vitrification process that crucially uses a dye mixed in with the clay before being placed in the kiln.

This not only provides the tile with stronger resistance to a variety of demands, but the inclusion of the dye also gives each tile a consistent colour throughout the body.

The result is a sturdier tile that is capable of withstanding a reasonable impact without showing any ill effects.

Meanwhile, the through-body colouration means that, in the unlikely event that your tile was to incur a chip, the results would be far less noticeable.

For more information on vitrified porcelain tiles and their advantages over ceramic tiles, why not drop us a line today? Call now on 029 2080 3756 to get in touch or click the button below to order a FREE sample and see for yourself. Our samples come in both small and large formats, so you can really get a feel for your chosen tiles.

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Once you're happy with your chosen tiles, you can use our paving calculator to work out how many tiles you need. Simply add them to your basket and checkout through our website. It couldn't be easier!

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 eco-friendly garden design, replacing your natural, green grass with porcelain paving may not seem like the most practical way of contributing to the environment.

However, while it may be surprising to hear, porcelain paving tiles from PrimaPorcelain are actually extremely eco-friendly.

At PrimaPorcelain, we believe that a great looking garden shouldn’t cost the Earth. How so? Read on to find out more.

Environmentally Conscious

At PrimaPorcelain, we take conservation and sustainability very seriously and every step is made to keep environmental impact to an extreme minimum.

In fact, our entire production process has been painstakingly streamlined specifically for that purpose.

Every single tile we produce is subjected to rigorous environmental standards and each slab is made to meet the criteria of European Ecolab standards.

This means that all of our products and their associated processes are specifically designed to have as little impact on the environment as possible, every step of the way.

Eco-Friendly Processes

From the very get-go in our production process, environmental impact is at the forefront of our company ethos.

All the raw materials used throughout production are deliberately sourced using tried and tested methods with minimal environmental impact.

Even the materials themselves are sourced from locations local to the production site as a means of limiting transportation and minimising carbon footprint.

Meanwhile, none of our pavers are feature lead polishing. As a result, they won’t give off any harmful gasses when exposed to flame.

Similarly, our porcelain products contain no harmful waterproofing agents, varnishes or resins either, further contributing to a greener, healthier environment.

Recycling Waste

In addition to our eco-friendly sourcing, the entire manufacturing process is setup to minimise the release of pollutants and every effort is made to produce as little waste product as possible.

Extensive recycling takes place in-house during production and the minimal waste that is produced is recycled back into the manufacturing process.

We even recycle water in the pursuit of saving energy and really do go above and beyond to ensure our products are as green as can be.

For more information on our eco-friendly processes or to find out more about our recycling processes, why not drop us a line today? Call now on 029 2080 3756 or get in touch online by clicking the link 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.