Why people choose porcelain
Outdoor porcelain is made by firing clay at very high temperatures, which leaves a dense slab that hardly absorbs water. In a damp North East garden that is a real advantage: spilled wine, barbecue fat and leaf stains wipe off rather than soaking in, and moss and algae struggle to get a grip.
- Low maintenance. No sealing needed, and a wash down keeps it looking new.
- Consistent look. Every slab matches, so you get crisp lines and tight joints. Popular finishes include stone, slate, concrete and wood effects.
- Colour that lasts. The colour goes all the way through and does not fade in the sun.
- Grip. Good outdoor porcelain has a textured surface with a slip rating suitable for outdoor use. Ask what rating the slabs carry.
The trade-offs: porcelain costs more than most concrete slabs, it is harder to cut, and it is less forgiving to lay. That is why the fitting matters as much as the slabs.
How a porcelain patio should be laid
Porcelain is so dense that ordinary mortar does not stick to it well on its own. Done properly:
- A firm, compacted sub-base of crushed stone, deep enough for your ground. On Middlesbrough clay that often means digging a little deeper.
- A full mortar bed, not dabs or spots, so there are no hollows underneath that could crack a slab.
- A bonding primer brushed onto the back of every slab just before it is laid, so it grips the bed.
- A steady fall away from the house so water runs off, with the finished surface kept well below the damp-proof course.
- Clean cuts with a diamond blade, and joints filled with a jointing compound made for porcelain.
When you compare quotes, ask whoever is quoting whether every slab is primed and laid on a full bed. If the answer is no, walk away.
Example: porcelain going down
Is porcelain right for your garden?
Porcelain suits modern houses and anyone who wants a smart, tidy patio with as little upkeep as possible. It works well in shady gardens, where natural stone tends to go green faster. If you prefer the character and colour variation of natural stone, look at Indian sandstone. For a tighter budget, concrete patio slabs are worth a look.
You can also run the same porcelain from the patio into a garden path or steps so the whole garden ties together.
Questions people ask
Is porcelain paving slippery when wet?
Good outdoor porcelain has a textured, anti-slip finish and is fine when wet. Polished or indoor porcelain tiles are not suitable outside. We can tell you the slip rating of the slabs you choose.
Does porcelain need sealing?
No. Outdoor porcelain absorbs so little water that it does not need sealing. An occasional brush and wash with clean water keeps it looking new.
Can porcelain crack?
The slabs are very strong, but any slab can crack if there are hollows in the bed underneath. A full mortar bed and a primer on the back of each slab are the best protection.
How much does a porcelain patio cost?
It depends on the size, the slab range, how much digging out is needed and any steps or walls. See what affects the price of a patio or ask for a free quote.
