Increasingly popular for outdoor paving, porcelain paving adds a high end feel and aesthetic to any outdoor space. While professional installation is always recommended, the experienced and competent DIY-er can achieve great results if the correct steps are followed.
As with any tiling, always ensure you buy sufficient quantities for the job. Once you have calculated the square meterage required, add an extra 10%, which will be enough for breakages, cuts, wastage and to give some spares.
Consider the sub base that your tiles will sit on. The most common sub base is one of compressed granular material such as MOT Type 1, which is ideal for patios, pathways and driveways. The base should be at least 100mm deep to give a strong enough foundation for foot traffic on the tiles. Alternatively, porcelain tiles can be installed on a concrete base where the concrete has a compacted type 1 sub base. In this instance the total depth of sub base and concrete should be 180mm
Cutting porcelain paving to size requires the correct equipment. The strength and hardness of the paving makes it unsuitable for cutting with hand tools such as chisels and hammers and a bench saw with a diamond blade is recommended.
Any paving should always be installed at a depth of two bricks beneath the property’s damp proof course.
How to lay porcelain paving on concrete
Porcelain paving tiles can be fixed to a concrete base with tile adhesive suitable for exterior use. Cover the entire under surface of the tile with adhesive, rather than using the ‘dot and dab’ method, to give complete support to each tile and reduce the risk of rocking over time. Always refer to the adhesive manufacturer’s guidance on the ideal thickness of the sub base required.
How to lay porcelain paving on a mortar bed
Laying porcelain paving onto a mortar base will require a bond bridge which will adhere the tiles to the base. FEBOND SBR Waterproofer and Bonding Admixture can be mixed with cement and applied to the back of the tiles before installation. Any mixture on the surface of the tile should be removed immediately with a clean wet cloth or sponge.
Tiles should be laid with a 2mm gap (spacers can be used to achieve consistency). Once the tiles are in place, use a rubber mallet to tap them gently into place, with a spirit level to ensure they are uniformly level.
Does porcelain paving need grout?
Once the adhesive you have used is completely dry and following a period of dry weather, porcelain paving stones should be grouted with a specialist porcelain tile grout. Mix the grout mixture according to the instructions and apply with a grouting tool. Once the grout is dry, clean the surface of the tiles.
Does porcelain paving need to be sealed?
Porcelain paving’s excellent water resistance means it does not need to be sealed post-installation.
Porcelain paving slabs from Witham Timber
What is porcelain paving? has lots of information for anyone considering this stunning paving solution and our full range of porcelain paving online has something for everyone. Our experienced sales team is available with help and advice on paving or building and landscape supplies in general and can be reached via email at sales@withamtimber.co.uk or phone on 01205 359188.