Porcelain and natural stone are two of the most popular paving materials and you see them utilised in many modern paving systems to striking effect. However, aesthetics is not the only consideration when selecting your preferred paving material. Durability matters, too. In this article, we examine whether porcelain paving is more durable than stone and several other factors that may influence your decision.
Is porcelain more durable than natural stone paving?
Ultimately, diverse factors determine paver durability, ranging from manufacturing techniques to the quality of the raw materials. As a result, durability varies from product to product. Natural stone also encompasses a wide array of materials, including sandstone and granite. These different materials have distinct properties. Generally, we can say that porcelain paving is typically more durable than natural stone paving. However, the question warrants a more extensive and detailed exploration.
How durable is porcelain paving?
Porcelain pavers are renowned for their durability, which is largely achieved via a unique manufacturing process. Porcelain is fired at high temperatures and then rapidly cooled. Known as vitrification, the process fundamentally alters the material’s chemical structure and strengthens the bonds between its constituent parts.
Vitrification makes porcelain pavers resistant to scratches, fading and general wear. It also reduces the material’s porosity, preventing water absorption, making it more resistant to staining and ensuring it is well-suited to conditions in which freezing and thawing can cause problems. While you need to be careful when installing porcelain pavers, they are one of the most durable and robust paving materials once in place.
How durable is natural stone paving?
The durability of natural stone is more difficult to assess. Harder stones, like granite, are tough, durable and abrasion-resistant. However, softer stones, such as sandstone and limestone, are less durable and more likely to degrade over time. Even within these sub-categories, durability can vary. For instance, not all sandstone is alike. Some types will be more durable than others.
Porosity is also a concern. Unlike porcelain, many natural stone pavers are more porous and susceptible to staining and weathering. Water absorption tends to affect long-term durability and increases the amount of maintenance required. While porcelain boasts a water absorption rate of less than 0.2%, limestone’s water absorption rate can hit 12%.
Overall, porcelain is usually considered the more durable paving material. That said, natural stone remains a popular choice for aesthetic reasons.
Porcelain or stone paving? Examining other factors
While durability is critical when selecting a paving material, it is not the only factor. With this in mind, we want to highlight three other facets of the porcelain vs stone debate.
1. Installation
Installation of both porcelain and stone pavers requires significant skill and is best performed by professionals. You must take care when laying porcelain pavers. But, once in place, they are robust and long-lasting. Cutting porcelain is also relatively easy and the way the pavers are calibrated to achieve a smooth and uniform edge guarantees a fantastic finish.
Natural stone is even easier to cut than porcelain but can be tricky to level. As it is a naturally occurring material, it is rougher and more uneven, making it more challenging to lay a tight-fitting, long-lasting and low-maintenance surface.
2. Maintenance and overall cost
Many specifiers prefer porcelain for its low maintenance requirements. Besides keeping the surface debris-free and occasionally hosing it off, porcelain requires no other maintenance. This can be true of denser, less porous hard stone pavers. However, most natural stone pavers require regular cleaning with stone-specific solutions to prevent mould growth as the paver absorbs water.
These higher maintenance requirements increase the overall cost of using natural stone pavers. Historically, natural stone was the more affordable option. However, porcelain has become more accessible in recent years. Now, there is little price difference. Factor in the long-term maintenance costs though, and porcelain becomes the more cost-effective choice.
3. Practical performance
Finally, porcelain pavers excel when it comes to slip resistance, making them ideal for high-traffic areas exposed to wet conditions. Natural stone’s slip resistance depends on the surface texture and what treatments are utilised. While it can be grippy and benefit from good slip resistance, it does vary according to the manufacturing and finishing processes.
Explore RYNO’s porcelain paving range
Both porcelain and natural stone are excellent paving materials and can be used to construct a spectacular paving system. Each excels in different ways and provides unique benefits. At RYNO, we believe the performance characteristics associated with porcelain make it a wonderful material to work with and well-suited to most paving applications. Our world-class porcelain pavers are available in various beautiful finishes, including a natural stone look and wood effect. To learn more, visit our paving finishes page or contact our expert RYNO team to discuss your needs.
