8 Benefits of Porcelain Paving

1. Durability

Porcelain is remarkably strong and resilient and boasts excellent durability. In large part, this is due to the manufacturing process. When creating porcelain, clay is fired at extremely high temperatures, fundamentally altering the bonds in the clay, and reducing the material’s porosity. This process is known as vitrification. And it ensures porcelain is stronger and more robust than other similar materials.

Durability is beneficial for several reasons. First and foremost, it extends your paving system’s expected lifespan, ensuring you do not have to replace slabs prematurely. Porcelain will resist deterioration better than many paving alternatives and is well-suited to the severe weather conditions experienced in the UK, including frost, ice and rain.

2. Slip-resistance

Safety is a priority when considering paving materials and a paver’s slip-resistance goes a long way to determining its suitability. It is particularly critical in the UK and the northern hemisphere in general, where wet weather is common and must be accounted for in building design. Many porcelain pavers are specifically engineered to provide good grip and incorporate textured surfaces that improve performance and reduce the likelihood of slips and falls.

The RYNO range of porcelain pavers demonstrates the material’s slip-resistant properties perfectly. All pavers in the range are classified as “low risk of slip” after being put through the BS 7976-2:2002 + A1:2013 Pendulum Friction Test.

3. Low Maintenance

For most property owners, the ideal paving material requires little ongoing maintenance. Performing constant upkeep is a burden most homeowners prefer to avoid, as maintenance-heavy materials are far more time and resource-intensive. Many paving materials, notably natural stone, require regular sealing to prevent staining and damage.

Fortunately, porcelain is far more low maintenance. Property owners simply need to keep their paving debris-free by sweeping the surface clean now and again. The material’s natural stain-resistant finish also ensures you can wipe away spills and other surface marks, making for a hassle-free outdoor experience.

4. Non-combustible

Porcelain is non-combustible and fire-resistant, making it well-suited to single-home projects and the perfect choice for large-scale remediation work on larger constructions. With the introduction of new fire-related building safety regulations, construction professionals must now utilise non-combustible materials for any external walls or structures on residential buildings above 11 metres. In such instances, porcelain’s A1 fire rating makes it the perfect choice.

5. Sustainability

Sustainability is a significant consideration for any construction specialist or property owner who wants to deliver a more environmentally friendly project. Compared to other materials, porcelain is often a greener option. The core ingredient – clay – is usually locally sourced and often fired using energy-efficient kilns. Porcelain is also inert, ensuring no harmful materials are released into the environment once it is complete.

Perhaps most importantly, porcelain is recyclable. As such, porcelain slabs at the end of their life can be removed and incorporated into new materials, reducing waste, and promoting more sustainable construction practices. As many organisations look to transition towards a more circular economy, porcelain will become a more and more attractive proposition, as the scope for circular process and reuse is extensive.

6. Versatile finishes

Subtle changes in tone, texture and finish can have an outsized impact on how paving looks and feels once installed. Consequently, versatility and a broad range of finishes are essential paving material characteristics. Specifiers need to be able to choose the finish that best reflects their design vision and not be forced to settle for second best because there is only a narrow selection.

Porcelain pavers are available in a spectacularly wide range of finishes, ensuring specifiers have total control over their projects. From matte finishes that offer a contemporary and understated appearance to elegant, polished finishes and wonderfully surfaced textured finishes, there is a porcelain paver for everyone.

For an idea of just how varied porcelain finishes are, check out RYNO’s Paving Finishes page.

7. Wind-uplift adaptations

Another of porcelain’s key strengths is the ability for it to be “kerfed” to accommodate the wind-uplift fixing on pedestals and rails. Kerfing is a process by which grooves are integrated into the material. This is particularly valuable for specifiers looking to install paving on taller buildings that are vulnerable to wind uplift issues.

By facilitating the installation of wind-uplift fixings, specifiers can utilise porcelain confidently, safe in the knowledge that the paving system is secure and can withstand strong winds and other adverse weather conditions. We have an article on the dangers of wind uplift and how to mitigate for these, if you want to know more.

8. UV resistance

Over time, many paving materials fade and lose their lustrous shine, resulting in a diminished finish that lacks its original, striking aesthetic appeal. In many cases, we can attribute this to the effects of UV radiation from the sun. Exposure to the sun can result in discolouration and fading and many materials will quickly degrade if not protected. It will even occur in countries like the UK, where overcast conditions are more common.

Porcelain overcomes this issue thanks to its natural UV-resistant properties. This compliments and enhances the material’s durability, further extending its expected lifespan and ensuring outdoor areas continue to look their best long into the future.

1. When working on a tight budget

Porcelain paving is often more expensive upfront compared to other paving materials, such as concrete. Concrete may be a better choice if working to a strict budget and need to reduce costs. However, it is important to consider long-term expenditure. While porcelain may require a larger initial investment, its long-term durability and low maintenance will likely offset the early costs.

2. When installation is complex or you don’t want to use specialist help

Concrete is worth considering if your project involves a high-traffic area and prioritises pure strength over aesthetics and other performance characteristics. Porcelain also performs excellently in such instances. But cost considerations and concrete’s general robustness may mean it is better suited to large-scale public or semi-public paving installations.