Porcelain Pavers
T20 2cm Porcelain Pavers
The most versatile and cost-effective porcelain pavers, 3/4″ thick, for both residential or commercial applications.
Lay over sand or gravel, mortar set over concrete or lay among grassed areas.
‘Float’ on fixed height rubber pads over existing concrete for resurfacing patios.
Construct elevated rooftop decks and balcony floors with pavers supported only at each corner by adjustable height pedestals.
Over 90 color options available in wood, stone, cement, rustic and contemporary styles.
Size options from 12″ x 24″ to 48″ x 96″slabs.
T30 3cm Porcelain Pavers
Heavy duty 1 1/8” thick slab pavers for high traffic commercial applications.
Much superior load bearing capacity and impact resistance than 2cm pavers.
Almost 3 times the breaking strength of 2cm pavers.
Ideal for high pedestrian traffic commercial elevated decks.
Suitable for applications subject to light vehicular traffic.
Size options include 24″ x 24″, 16″ x 32″, 36″ x 36″ and 16″ x 24″, depending on the color selected.
T50 5cm Porcelain Pavers
Extra heavy duty 2” thick pavers.
Available in cobblestone sized 4″ x 4″, 4″ x 8″ and 8″ x 8″ blocks with inbuilt nibs on all sides for permeable paving.
Also available in 24″ x 24″ square edged pavers.
Best porcelain driveway paver option for commercial, on-grade applications subject to vehicular traffic.
Excellent for high traffic pedestrian plazas, walkways and laneways.
Hexagonal 2cm Pavers
Hexagon shaped pavers, 3/4″ thick and 24″ wide.
Available in five colors.
Suitable for all on-grade paving applications.
Can be used as ‘stepping stones’ set among gravel or grass.
Not suitable for laying over adjustable height pedestals.
For roof decks, can be laid over pedestal supported FRP grating.
Porcelain Cobblestone Pavers
Precisely dimensioned, frost proof, stain, moss and mildew resistant, cobblestone style pavers.
Available in 8” x 8” x 3/4″ and 8″ x 12″ x 3/4″ pavers.
Feature rustic hammered edges and textured surface.
Much quicker and easier to lay than natural stone cobblestone blocks.
Ideal porcelain driveway pavers for residential use.
Superior to concrete cobblestones in appearance and technical features.
Porcelain Planks
Plank style pavers, ¾” thick, 48″ long and 8”, 12″ or 16” wide.
Totally fireproof alternative to traditional plank style wood decks.
Available in both wood look and a limited range of cement look colors.
Normally laid over a rail system with an array of hollow aluminum beams supported by adjustable height pedestals.
16″ x 48″ planks can be laid over adjustable height pedestals.
Ideal for rooftop decks and balconies, both residential and commercial.
How do Porcelain Pavers Compare with other Paving Materials
Porcelain Slab Pavers vs Concrete Pavers
One of the primary differences is thickness and weight, with concrete pavers being much thicker and heavier. Both materials can be installed over support pedestals for elevated decks, but the extra weight can be a problem at times with concrete pavers. Concrete is more porous and apart from susceptibility to staining, freeze/thaw cracking may be an issue in some climates. Concrete pavers are also unable to match the styles and colors available in porcelain.
Porcelain vs Natural Stone
While natural stone can be excellent for on-grade paving, the natural imperfections cause problems for elevated decking supported by pedestals. And of course other properties of natural stone vary significantly depending on the stone type – some stone being quite porous and subject to staining, comparatively soft like some sandstone, or subject to accumulation of mold and mildew.
Porcelain vs Clay Pavers
Clay pavers are similar in composition to porcelain but fired at a lower temperature. While they are also resistant to color change over time, they are much more porous and subject to staining and growth of moss. They are also limited in size and in color range. However, because they are a lot thicker, they are more suited to vehicular applications and sand set applications like sidewalks and other pedestrian areas.
Porcelain Pavers vs Ceramic or Porcelain Outdoor Tiles
While porcelain outdoor tiles are available in an even greater range of colors and styles than pavers, at just 3/8” thick they must always be laid in a mortar bed over concrete and grouted. They cannot be installed on a paver support system for elevated decks or used in areas subject to regular vehicular traffic so will most commonly be used in porcelain patio paver or porcelain pool paver applications.
Porcelain vs Wood
The primary differences are in resistance to fire, decay, staining and fading/color change. Porcelain pavers excel in all four characteristics, being totally non-combustible, exceptionally durable with no color change over time and since they are essentially non-porous, they are highly resistant to grease or oil stains as well as other common spills.
Special Considerations with Porcelain Paver Installations
Wind Uplift
With any paver loose laid on a pedestal system, potential for wind uplift should always be evaluated, even with concrete pavers. Since porcelain pavers are lighter, this can be a more significant issue and thus the installation may require precautions being taken such as Archatrak’s wind mitigation systems.
Impact Resistance
Although porcelain is very hard and dense, pavers can nevertheless suffer damage due to mishandling, careless treatment or accidental impact. If hard objects are dropped on the pavers from a significant height, surface damage and/or cracking and breakage may occur. For pedestal supported pavers, Archatrak offers several break through protection solutions to reduce the risk of injury should a paver break in service.
Vehicular use
Except for the smaller 8” x 8” and 8” x 12” cobblestone pavers, ¾” thick porcelain pavers are not recommended for use in vehicular applications. 3cm or 5cm thick pavers will generally be suitable, subject to the correct site preparation.
FAQs
What are the primary advantages of using porcelain pavers for outdoor spaces?
Porcelain slabs and pavers offer numerous benefits. They are highly durable and very resistant to damage from scratching and scuffing. Their exceptionally low porosity makes them stain-resistant and easy to clean, reducing regular maintenance. But perhaps most importantly, they are available in an exceptionally wide range of colors and designs, including those that mimic natural stone or wood, providing unmatched aesthetic versatility.
How do porcelain pavers compare to natural stone in terms of maintenance and durability?
While natural stone pavers possess unique beauty, they often require sealing and can be susceptible to staining and weathering over time. Some natural stone is also quite soft and subject to scratching or other damage. Porcelain, on the other hand, is much harder, essentially non-porous and resistant to stains, eliminating the need for sealing.
Can porcelain pavers be installed over existing surfaces, and what installation methods are recommended?
Yes, they can be installed over existing surfaces, provided the underlying structure is stable and level. Common installation methods include laying on sand or gravel beds, ‘floating’ the pavers with rubber support pads over concrete patios, using pedestal systems for elevated applications like rooftop decks, or fixing porcelain slab pavers over concrete with suitable adhesives. Each method has specific considerations, so it’s essential to choose the appropriate technique based on the project’s requirements in consultation with professionals if necessary.
Do porcelain tiles or pavers need sealing or regular maintenance?
No, since porcelain tiles and pavers are essentially non porous, no sealing is needed. So the only maintenance you generally need to keep your porcelain patio pavers looking as good as they day they were installed, is washing with water from time to time.