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Differences between Sandstone V Porcelain Paving

Sandstone and Porcelain Paving are 2 of the leading paving materials in most households and commercial areas. There are many things to consider when deciding between Sandstone and Porcelain Paving, which can get confusing. To make your decision a little bit simpler, we have collated a list comparing Sandstone and Porcelain so you can look at the pros and cons of each paving option and make an informed decision.

Sandstone Paving Slabs Advantages

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Durable

Sandstone Paving is widely known and popular for being lost-lasting and hardwearing. They may show signs of ageing like discolouration and stains however that does not mean they damage or break easily, meaning once laid, you don’t need to worry about your paving for many years.

Withstand harsh weather

You don’t need to worry about the weather where you are when it comes to Indian Sandstone Paving because they remain undamaged and sturdy no matter what type of climate you throw at them. Therefore, whether your property is in a rainy area or somewhere very humid, you need not worry about garden paving slabs

Authentic and organic

One of the biggest selling points of Natural Paving slabs is just that, they are naturally derived and imported to us from Indian stone quarries. Due to the fact that they are naturally derived, each slab is unique and you won’t find one exactly like it anywhere else. Therefore, if you want a garden or patio that is a little rustic and antiquated, giving off a classic vibe, then Sandstone would be the appropriate choice.

Unique from slab to slab

As mentioned before, each Sandstone slab is different from the other, this also means that there will be slight variations of colour in each slab. If you want a consistent colour for an entire area that may not always be possible unless you cherry-pick each peace, however, these differences are what make Indian Sandstone Garden slabs desirable.

Variety – sawn or riven

There are different finishes you can get when purchasing Sandstone or Limestone patio slabs for your garden. Sawn edges refer to the process of machine-cutting the slabs so you achieve a clean, straight edge on the garden slabs so you create a streamlined look in your garden. On the other hand, riven edges are ones that are left a little textured and not completely straight-edged, perfect for a more rustic, authentic look.

Affordable

Although not always, in general, Natural Indian Paving slabs tend to be the most cost-effective option compared to other paving materials. This suggests that even when you have to pave a large area, you won’t have to break the bank to install paving all over; and if you have a smaller garden or a balcony, laying natural paving slabs in them will be much more economical when compared to other options.

Eco-friendly

We have stated before that Indian Sandstone Paving slabs are natural garden slabs, which means less energy and fuel are used when acquiring these paving slabs. Overall, their development process means they are more energy efficient and for homeowners that are conscious of their carbon footprint and energy usage, Sandstone will be the appropriate choice.

At Stone Zone, we work directly with our suppliers to provide competitive prices on our Indian Sandstone such as Umbra Kandla Grey, Buff Blend Rippon, Fernlea Raj Green, Autumn Brown, Heather Modak and many more Sandstone paving slabs.

Sandstone Paving Slabs Disadvantages

Requires sealing

In order to prevent algae or moss infestation, Sandstone paving slabs require sealing every few months. This regular maintenance is often off-putting for those who don’t have the time or motivation to upkeep their paving constantly. Unfortunately, you run the risk of algae and moss all over your paving if they are not properly sealed which can potentially affect the aesthetics of your garden or driveway.

Colour variation

For those who are looking for a unique look, the fairly random colouring of natural paving slabs is seen as a desirable quality, however for people who want to have more control over the colour and design so they can create a more uniform look may not appreciate this quality and prefer paving options that are more consistent.

Permeable

Sandstone patio slabs are a permeable material, meaning they can take water in. This is great during flooding as it can help with water absorption, however, it is also problematic because it means if there is any liquid spilt on it, the pavers will absorb it and the stain will be permanent. This is something to keep in mind when deciding where to lay your paving, areas such as near a swimming pool or a kitchen may not be the best option.

Porcelain Paving Slabs Advantages

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Non-porous: resistant to moisture

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Porcelain Paving slabs are non-permeable, meaning they do not take in any moisture that lands on them. This means that if there are any spills they will remain above the surface, making it easy just to wipe the slabs clean.

Hard-wearing

Porcelain patio slabs are extremely durable and long-lasting once laid properly. Therefore they make an excellent long-term investment as they will remain unchanged and vibrant for the foreseeable future.

Consistent design

As a result of porcelain garden slabs being a manufactured product, the designs or colours are printed directly on them in a factory, and therefore all the slabs are identical to each other. In some cases, there are designs that are purposefully different with around 10-12 variations in order to create a natural effect, but even in that case, they are all similarly printed, allowing you to have complete control of the overall look.

Tough

Porcelain patio slabs are manufactured in factories and are designed specifically to have longevity and strength. This is done through processes called vitrifying and rectifying and refers to the high temperatures of 1400 degrees C these slabs are heated in and the immense pressure applied to them, all resulting in durable, sturdy Porcelain paving slabs that adorn your garden for over a decade.

Withstand extreme weather

Similar to Indian Sandstone slabs, Porcelain Paving stones are also able to remain sturdy in extreme weather and if installed properly remain undamaged and unfaded even after all the rainy British weather.

Resistant to moss and algae

Porcelain Paving does not need sealing or treating to be moss and algae-resistant. One of the biggest advantages of Porcelain Paving is that they keep algae and moss at bay so they don’t ruin the look of your patio.

Won’t discolour

A quality that makes Porcelain Paving so popular is that they do not easily discolour, even after many years have passed. If taken care of, Porcelain patio slabs will remain to look bright and fresh for many years which means you don’t have to worry about replacing them any time soon and your garden will remain vibrant.

Not riven – smooth

Due to Porcelain slabs being man-made, all their edges are machine sawn to create a smooth, straight edge allowing you to create a crisp, organised look within your garden. Although you lose the rustic look a riven edge can give you, many prefer the edges of their slabs to look pristine and uniform.

Low maintenance

As we have stated earlier, Porcelain paving slabs do not require much maintenance. All that is needed is a good sweep and wipe every couple of months and a jetwash twice a year and your tiles will be looking brand new even after years have passed.

Fireproof

Although this is not a commonly stated quality, these slabs are indeed fireproof and therefore completely safe to lay in a kitchen or a garden with a BBQ without any safety issues.

Stone Zone is proud to boast a wide range of Porcelain Paving patio slabs such as our best-selling Sienna™ Porcelain Paving range, available in the colours Quartz Grey, Cappuccino, Ocean Mist, Starlight, Jupiter Grey, Anthracite, Quartz White, Argent and Mocha. Alongside the Sienna™ we have a plethora of Porcelain Paving collections you can browse through and purchase for your garden.

Porcelain Paving Slabs Disadvantages

Generally, more expensive

When compared to other paving options, Porcelain paving tends to be on the higher end of the price range, therefore it may be a little difficult to purchase for those who need to cover large areas or big gardens. We do provide finance deals if you wish to pay in instalments to make your life a little easier.

Hard to cut unless professional

DIY garden projects may be a little difficult solely because of the strength of each paving slab. These patio slabs are extremely difficult to cut unless you are a professional landscaper. We highly recommend hiring a professional when cutting Porcelain because it can be dangerous for an average person.

Heavy

Lastly, on a similar note as the previous point, Porcelain paving slabs are not easy to handle by one that is not professional or has had no experience before, therefore you really need to know your materials if you were to do a DIY Project involving Porcelain Paving slabs.