Choosing the right outdoor porcelain paving can feel confusing, especially with so many brands, thicknesses and price points on the market. This FAQ-style guide brings together expert knowledge from our team and our factory partners to help UK homeowners, landscapers and contractors make confident decisions before buying.
Whether you are planning a simple patio, a contemporary garden makeover or a more demanding driveway project, the answers below will walk you through the key points: materials, thickness, slip resistance, brand quality, suitable applications, pricing and basic installation considerations.
What are outdoor porcelain paving slabs and how do they differ from natural stone?
Outdoor porcelain paving slabs are manufactured tiles made from a blend of refined clay, sand and minerals. The mixture is pressed under high pressure, digitally printed and then fired in a kiln at very high temperatures. This process produces dense, hard-wearing slabs with extremely low water absorption.
Compared with natural stone paving, outdoor porcelain slabs typically offer:
- Higher density and lower water absorption – excellent resistance to staining, frost and algae growth.
- Consistent surfaces and edges – easier to lay with tight, clean joints and a very contemporary appearance.
- Design flexibility – surfaces can mimic stone, concrete, timber, terrazzo and many other looks thanks to modern digital printing.
- Low maintenance – usually no need for frequent sealing; simple cleaning is enough for most homes.
Natural stone still has its own unique character, with truly random veining, colour variation and a traditional “hewn from the earth” feel. Porcelain is the smarter choice if you prioritise performance, consistency and low maintenance; natural stone is ideal if you want authentic variation and classic charm.
Why is 20 mm thickness recommended for outdoor porcelain? Can I use thinner tiles?
In the UK market, 20 mm thick outdoor porcelain slabs have become the standard choice for patios and many other external hard-landscaping areas. This thickness offers a very good balance between:
- Impact and load resistance
- Ease of handling and cutting on site
- Installation flexibility over suitable bases
- Long-term durability in a British climate
Thinner outdoor tiles such as 16 mm may reduce cost, but they also reduce margin for error and may be less forgiving under higher loads, poor bedding or uneven bases. If you want reliable, long-term performance, particularly for family gardens and heavy-use areas, 20 mm is a sensible minimum.
In low-load applications (for example, some balconies or very light-use terraces with a well-designed base), thinner material can be considered where the manufacturer specifically approves it. However, we recommend checking the technical data carefully and following a system that is proven for the intended use.
Does country of origin decide quality? Do I have to choose European-made tiles?
Country of origin is only one part of the story. While some European factories, especially Italian producers, are very strong in design and surface aesthetics, the critical performance values such as:
- Density and water absorption
- Flexural and compressive strength
- Surface hardness and abrasion resistance
depend more on factory capability, quality control and raw material selection than on the country name printed on the crate.
Large, established factories in India and China produce outdoor porcelain tiles that meet or exceed the technical standards required for the UK and European markets. The key is to choose:
- Recognised factory brands, not anonymous “no-name” tiles that are re-labelled by traders.
- Verified technical reports covering water absorption, breaking strength, slip resistance, frost resistance and so on.
- Stable supply and consistent production, especially if you are a landscaper or contractor who needs repeatable colour and calibration.
In short: you do not have to choose European-made tiles, but you should always choose factory-brand porcelain from a proven manufacturer.
What should I consider when choosing size, colour and specification?
The classic UK patio sizes such as 900 × 600 mm and 600 × 600 mm remain popular for good reasons:
- 900 × 600 mm gives a modern, elongated look, fewer joints and a high-end feel with minimal cutting on standard patio layouts.
- 600 × 600 mm offers a more compact visual rhythm, easier handling and can reduce waste on certain layouts.
When it comes to colour and finish, think about:
- Overall style of the property – contemporary new-builds often suit cooler greys and concrete-style finishes; period homes may benefit from warmer tones or stone-effect designs.
- Light levels and orientation – lighter colours make small or shaded gardens feel more open, while deeper tones can look very smart in larger, sunnier spaces.
- Slip resistance and surface texture – for UK patios and paths, always choose a suitable outdoor slip rating (commonly R11 for wet conditions) and a texture that provides grip without being harsh underfoot.
How easy is outdoor porcelain to maintain, and how long does it last?
One of the biggest advantages of porcelain paving is its low maintenance. Because the tiles are so dense and have such low water absorption, they are naturally resistant to many common outdoor problems such as:
- Staining from everyday spills
- Algae and moss growth on the surface
- Frost damage from water ingress
In most domestic settings, routine care simply involves:
- Sweeping or hosing down loose dirt and debris
- Occasional washing with warm water and a mild detergent
- Avoiding very aggressive, unsuitable chemicals
When properly installed over a suitable base, outdoor porcelain paving can deliver many years of service while retaining its appearance. As with any external surface, regular inspection of joints, drainage and surrounding landscaping is still important, but the tiles themselves are designed for long-term durability.
Is outdoor porcelain suitable for patios, gardens and driveways?
Yes – outdoor porcelain paving is suitable for a range of applications, provided the product specification and installation method match the intended use:
- Patios and family gardens – ideal. 20 mm porcelain with an appropriate anti-slip rating is an excellent choice for most UK residential patios and terraces.
- Paths and seating areas – equally suitable where a firm, even, low-maintenance surface is required.
- Light commercial spaces – many 20 mm systems can be used in light commercial courtyards and outdoor dining areas; always check the technical data.
- Driveways and vehicle areas – possible, but you must choose tiles that are specifically rated or advised for vehicular use and follow a driveway-grade installation build-up. The base and bedding need to be designed for the loads involved.
For standard UK homes, a quality 20 mm porcelain slab laid correctly over a suitable base is more than capable of handling everyday use on patios and paths.
What is a typical price range for good 20 mm outdoor porcelain in the UK?
Prices vary with design, brand, order size and delivery location, but for guidance:
- A reasonable UK retail price for 20 mm outdoor porcelain often sits roughly in the region of around the low- to mid-£20s per m² including VAT, with home delivery on full patio packs.
- Significantly higher prices may reflect premium branding, very specialist designs or additional retailer overheads rather than purely better raw performance.
- Extremely low prices should be treated with care: always check whether the product is from a recognised factory brand, and whether it has proper technical documentation.
Ultimately, “best value” is found where robust technical performance and reliable brand provenance meet a fair, transparent price.
How can I tell if I am buying a genuine factory-brand porcelain, not low-quality re-labelled tiles?
There are several practical checks you can make:
- Brand identity – does the product clearly state the factory brand (for example, a known Indian or European manufacturer) rather than a vague reseller label?
- Technical documentation – look for proper test reports listing water absorption, breaking strength, slip resistance, frost resistance and conformity to relevant standards.
- Consistent packaging information – crates and pallets should have clear factory and origin labelling; if the origin claimed in marketing does not match pallet markings, ask questions.
- Price realism – if tiles are advertised as top-end European but sold at unrealistically low prices, that is a warning sign to investigate further.
Working with a supplier who can clearly explain which factory your tiles come from, and provide supporting documentation, is one of the safest ways to avoid disappointment.
What basic installation points should I keep in mind?
Full installation advice should always come from a professional installer or a recognised system manufacturer, but the following principles are widely accepted for 20 mm outdoor porcelain:
- Base construction – build a stable, well-compacted sub-base with suitable drainage. The base must be designed for the loads expected (foot traffic or vehicles).
- Bedding – use a suitable external-grade mortar or adhesive system recommended for porcelain. Achieve full contact under each slab to avoid voids and rocking.
- Cutting – use quality diamond blades suitable for porcelain with wet-cut saws or dedicated cutting equipment. Avoid forcing cuts or using inappropriate tools that can chip or crack the tiles.
- Falls and drainage – build in adequate fall away from buildings so water drains off the surface and does not pond.
- Joints and movement – respect joint widths recommended by the manufacturer and allow for movement joints where required, especially on larger areas.
Taking the time to build the right base and follow a suitable installation system is just as important as choosing a quality tile.
Can I lay porcelain slabs directly over my old natural stone or concrete patio?
In some cases, yes – but only after a careful assessment of the existing surface:
- If the old patio is structurally sound, free from major cracks, frost damage and movement, and has suitable levels and drainage, it may be possible to install a suitable system over the top.
- If there are signs of significant settlement, cracking, loose slabs or poor drainage, it is usually better to remove the old surface and rebuild the base correctly before laying porcelain.
- Always consider finished levels, thresholds and drainage paths when adding layers on top of an existing surface.
Because every project is different, we strongly recommend discussing your specific patio with a professional installer who understands outdoor porcelain systems before deciding whether to go over the top or start again.
Final thoughts
Outdoor porcelain paving has transformed UK patios and gardens by offering the look of high-end materials with outstanding durability and very low maintenance. By paying attention to thickness, slip resistance, brand provenance, application and proper installation, you can enjoy a patio or terrace that performs beautifully for many years.
If you would like tailored advice for your own project, or help matching colours and finishes to your home, our team is always happy to assist.
