While concrete and brick pavers have for a very long time been the default choice of architects and landscape architects for general landscape paving, over the last decade or so, porcelain pavers have increasingly become a popular alternative. Let’s look at the reasons behind this change.
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Aesthetic Elegance:
Porcelain pavers project a timeless elegance that elevates the visual appeal of any outdoor space. With an exceptionally wide choice of colors, textures, and patterns, porcelain pavers offer nearly endless design possibilities, allowing for the creation of customized and striking landscapes that reflect individual style and preference. Porcelain pavers can very effectively mimic other materials, such as natural stone and wood. Unlike concrete, which often appears dull and uniform, porcelain pavers display sophistication and charm, enhancing the overall ambiance of outdoor paved landscapes. But for those who nevertheless like the uniform look of concrete, there’s also porcelain pavers which mimic the look of concrete! Except they go a step further. You can have the concrete look but with the stain resistance, scratch resistance, frost resistance etc. of porcelain.
- Extensive Range of Colors and Sizes:
Porcelain pavers are available in an exceptionally wide range of colors and style. The Archatrak 2cm thick paver range for example encompasses over 90 colors and sizes ranging from 48″ x 96″ slabs to cobblestone blocks just 4″ x 4″ in size.
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Durability:
Engineered to withstand the harshest outdoor climatic conditions including freeze-thaw cycles, UV exposure and heavy foot traffic, porcelain pavers offer unparalleled strength and resilience. Unlike concrete, which is prone to cracking, staining and changing color over time, porcelain pavers can maintain their original appearance and structural integrity year after year, guaranteeing a reliable long-term investment in upholding the beauty and functionality of outdoor spaces.
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Stain Resistance and Easy Maintenance:
Because of their exceptionally low water absorption, porcelain pavers are inherently resistant to stains, even oil and grease. Unlike concrete, which is porous and susceptible to absorbing liquids and oils, porcelain pavers are not just resistant to stains, spills and dirt, but their surface inhibits the growth of mold, moss and mildew. With minimal ongoing maintenance requirements, other than maybe a power wash from time to time, porcelain pavers offer a hassle-free solution for busy homeowners and commercial property owners alike.
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Slip Resistance:
Safety is paramount in outdoor spaces, particularly in areas exposed to moisture and inclement weather. Exterior porcelain pavers rate highly for slip resistance, providing a secure and stable surface, wet or dry, enabling porcelain pavers to be used around pools, patio surfaces, and other outdoor areas where safety is a priority.
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Eco-Friendly and Sustainable:
As sustainability becomes increasingly important in construction and design, porcelain pavers stand out as an environmentally friendly option. Made from natural materials and produced using eco-conscious manufacturing processes, porcelain pavers have a lower environmental impact compared to concrete. Additionally, their long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements contribute to reduced resource consumption over time.
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Versatility in Design and Installation:
Porcelain pavers offer unparalleled versatility in design and installation. Whether creating a sleek modern patio, a rustic garden path, a traditional courtyard or a commercial rooftop deck for bars and restaurants, a color or style of porcelain paver can generally be found to suit any aesthetic preference and architectural style. Their consistent and uniform size and thickness and precise rectified edges streamlines the installation process, ensuring an elegant professional finish with less effort and shorter installation time.
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Frost Resistance:
Because porcelain pavers are essentially non-porous , they don’t suffer freeze/thaw issues than can plague concrete pavers in certain climates, leading to premature failing of the paving, or at the very least, leaving the deck looking shabby and forlorn.
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Fade Resistance:
Porcelain pavers maintain their vibrant colors and elegant appearance over time, thanks to their excellent fade resistance. Unlike concrete, especially colored or stamped concrete which will generally fade and discolor due to UV exposure and weathering, porcelain pavers retain their original hues and patterns. Whether installed in a sunny courtyard or a shaded garden, porcelain pavers maintain their aesthetic excellence for years to come, with colors keeping the same hue and shade whether exposed to direct sunlight or not.
Summary
Porcelain pavers represent a paradigm shift in designing paved areas for plazas, walkways , and general landscaping, offering a multitude of advantages over traditional concrete paving. From their aesthetic elegance to their stain resistance, fade resistance, and eco-friendly properties, porcelain pavers surpass concrete in practically every aspect. As the preferred choice for discerning homeowners, designers, and architects, porcelain pavers set the standard for modern outdoor living, providing unmatched beauty, functionality, and longevity.
Archatrak Inc. offers one of largest selections of porcelain pavers in the USA, with over 90 colors and styles including hexagonal pavers, cobblestones and planks. While the most common thickness specified is 3/4″ (2cm), Archatrak also supplies 3cm and 5cm thick pavers for heavier duty pedestrian use and vehicular applications, plus 4” x 4” x 2 ½” H cobblestone blocks. For elevated deck installations, Archatrak supplies both plastic and non-combustible steel paver supports and stackable rubber pads for low deck height and patio installations. FRP grating panels and steel plates can be supplied for extra protection under pavers installed on roof decks.
Unlike heavy concrete pavers, porcelain pavers can be shipped nationally by conventional road carrier without difficulty, typically with 60-72 pavers 24″ x 24″ per pallet. Pavers can generally be delivered direct to site and unloaded by the carrier utilizing a liftgate and pallet jack, making them equally accessible to homeowners and contractors, no matter where they are located.