Porcelain Paving Slabs vs Natural Stone

Posted on 11th February 2022

Porcelain paving slabs are the latest advancement to achieve the perfect patio. If you’re looking to start a new landscaping project, it is important to know the benefits of porcelain paving and why it is considered better than natural stone.

At Porcelain Paving Direct, we’re here to help you make up your mind between porcelain paving slabs and natural stone tiles to improve the look of your property. In this blog; we will consider how the versatility, durability, and range of options available weigh up.

So, which one is better?

Construction

Porcelain paving slabs have the reputation of being a premium patio option, which means that the long life of this flooring results in a more economical choice long term.

Porcelain paving is carefully manufactured using a combination of clays, sands, and other minerals, the mixture is pressed into a mould at high pressure and then baked in a high-temperature kiln.

The specialist printing process then helps the porcelain resemble natural timber or stone, which makes for ideal walkways, patios, porches, and a wide range of interior applications.

Unlike natural stone tiles, porcelain paving slabs and walling is fade-resistant and requires little to no additional treatment once the tiles have been manufactured. This means they are incredibly durable, considering their lightweight construction.

Natural stone paving composes granite, limestone, basalt, and sandstone; or in fact any type of beautiful rocks that are typically quarried and extremely strong.

A downfall of natural stone is that it tends to react in extreme temperatures and sunlight, which means that without proper sealing they can make your outdoor area warm and stuffy.

Stain resistance

Porcelain paving slabs are manufactured to be non-porous, which means that they are far less absorbent than natural stone and stain less readily. When it comes to moisture stains and porcelain tiles, water marks tend to be smaller and much less visible than on natural stone.

Installation

Due to their lightweight nature, porcelain paving slabs are much quicker and easier to install than stone tiles. Plus, the uniform sizing and ability to use tile spacers means that a sleek look is easy to achieve.

In addition, porcelain flooring is also less expensive to transport across large distances, which reduces carbon footprint and is more eco-friendly as a result.

Scratching and slipping

In comparison to natural stone, porcelain paving slabs have a smoother and finer surface and are manufactured with an R11 anti-slip finish to combat slips, trips, and falls even when wet.

Due to the smooth surface of porcelain tiles, they are also resistant to scratches and abrasions, which makes them perfect for creating sleek flooring and finishes inside or outside your property.

Density

If you are looking to landscape your garden with a thinner, lighter tile, porcelain paving slabs are generally less thick than natural stone options such as granite, sandstone, or limestone.

This makes them ideal for application in kitchens, bathrooms, and for patio flooring, as well as opening up interior spaces to natural light and providing an airy atmosphere. In comparison, natural stone is ideal for utility areas and heavy-duty spaces, such as workshops and sheds.

With valuable experience distributing porcelain paving, we are able to help you achieve the perfect patio, garden, or home interior with our products. Contact us and we will discuss your specific needs today.