As New Englanders, we’ve always loved the rugged look of natural stone, which often fits seamlessly with the 200+-year-old flagstone walls that dot our landscape. But the heavy spring rains, freeze-thaw cycles, and hot summer sun can wear or damage natural stone. If you often eye beautiful natural stone pavers but shy away for these reasons, perhaps you should give porcelain pavers another thought. These durable, versatile outdoor porcelain tiles are a cost-effective way to achieve all the aesthetic appeal of natural stone. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the reasons why this elegant paving solution might be the perfect fit for your outdoor projects.
How Are Porcelain Pavers Made?
Porcelain pavers are crafted from a blend of natural materials, including clay, sand, minerals and feldspar, that are baked at extremely high temperatures. Free from chemical emissions, this process results in a dense and hard-wearing material that stands up to the rigors of outdoor environments. High-definition glazed inkjet technology provides a finish that is often indistinguishable from natural stone and won’t fade or blemish in extreme weather conditions. Originating with European design traditions, porcelain pavers have a history of providing elegance along with resilience, making them suitable for a variety of outdoor applications.
Porcelain Pavers vs Concrete Pavers
While both are incredibly versatile options, porcelain pavers vs concrete pavers vary greatly in their composition and aesthetic appeal. Porcelain has a high density and low porosity, giving it great stain resistance and easy maintenance. Concrete pavers, while sturdy, are more porous and might require more regular cleaning and resealing to keep them looking their best. Let’s review some porcelain pavers pros and cons to get a better idea of how this product fits with your needs, budget and style.
The Benefits of Outdoor Porcelain Pavers
- Super Durability: They are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions without showing wear. Their hard surface resists scratches and dents, and they do not crack easily under freeze-thaw conditions.
- Low Maintenance: Porcelain pavers are highly resistant to staining, fading, and moisture absorption, so they never require resealing. This also means they naturally resist mold, mildew, and fungi, thus need little cleaning.
- Versatile Placement: You can install porcelain pavers on sand, on pedestals, or with mortar on a concrete bed. This allows hardscapes to incorporate porcelain pavers anywhere in their design and leverage growing trends like biophilia.
- Aesthetic and Design Flexibility: One of the most appealing aspects of porcelain pavers is their aesthetic versatility. Available in a multitude of designs, from natural stone look to modern, sleek finishes, porcelain can complement any architectural style. This allows homeowners to create custom, striking outdoor living areas that truly reflect their personal style.
Considerations When Using Porcelain Pavers
- Higher Initial Cost: Due to the sophisticated manufacturing process, porcelain pavers have a higher initial cost compared to concrete products and even some natural stone options. However, Arterra porcelain pavers come with a lifetime warranty to guarantee your outdoor space is like-new for years to come.
- Careful Installation: For the smoothest finish, porcelain pavers are best installed by a professional who will have specialized tools like a diamond blade tile saw, paver clamps, leveling kit, and more. Experienced DIYers can still achieve a great finished look, but we recommend hiring a contractor for the best installation.
Porcelain Paver FAQs
- Are porcelain pavers slippery? Arterra outdoor porcelain tiles are treated to provide extra grip, making them a safe option for pool decks and patios.
- Are porcelain pavers durable? Porcelain pavers are incredibly durable and are resistant to cracking, scratching, and staining.
- Do porcelain pavers get hot? Outdoor porcelain pavers are cooler to the touch than concrete pavers, and their surface temperature in the sun tends to be comparable to natural stone pavers of a similar color. Since dark colors absorb sunlight, dark colored pavers will have a higher surface temperature than light colored pavers in the sun.
- How do you clean porcelain pavers? Cleaning is simple—Use a broom to brush off leaves and other yard debris. For a deeper clean, a mild detergent and water are usually all that’s required to keep porcelain pavers looking new.
Inspiration & Examples of Outdoor Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain pavers are not just functional; they are also incredibly stylish. Ideal for a wide range of applications, from the simple elegance of a garden walkway to the grandeur of a fully outfitted outdoor living room or a luxurious poolside lounge, porcelain offers a clean, cohesive look with unmatched beauty. Current trends in hardscaping focus on creating seamless transitions from indoors to outdoors, with porcelain pavers offering the perfect medium to achieve such designs.
For example, we love the wood-like texture of the Caldera Grigia porcelain pavers, pictured here in a gorgeous urban patio. The warm grey is sleek but inviting, offering the perfect contrast to the rough brick edges. This is just one of eight different pavers subtly designed in the style of wood planks.
Perhaps the elegant and timeless style of Argento Travertino, with its marble appearance is more your style. Just like real, natural stone, these porcelain patio pavers are each unique, giving the space visual interest while maintaining cohesion.
Like something a little darker and more modern? These Quarzo Gray pavers give this pool perimeter a touch of luxury and perhaps a little mystery too. Paired with round, river stones, the outdoor space is full of serenity.
By choosing porcelain pavers for your outdoor space, you’re not just selecting a paving material; you’re investing in a long-term, stylish solution that will enhance the beauty and functionality of any home. Whether you’re renovating an existing space or starting a new project from scratch, porcelain pavers offer a blend of durability, elegance, and modern appeal that can fulfill any design dream. You can shop nearly 50 colors and styles of premium Arterra porcelain pavers at any of our 3 Genest retail locations. Chat with a team member for help choosing the right option for your project and ordering your materials. And take your time exploring all the inspiration in MSIs gallery.
