Why Choose Porcelain Paving?

Many customers wonder why they should opt for porcelain paving instead of sandstone paving. The answer often lies in the superior manufacturing process of porcelain paving, which offers greater peace of mind for those creating their dream garden.

One primary reason customers prefer porcelain paving is the wide variety of tiles available in a wide range of colours and patterns. Porcelain paving is often chosen for its sleek, modern appearance, in contrast to the more rustic look of natural sandstone paving.

A significant advantage of porcelain paving is its durability. As a manufactured stone, it is designed to last for decades. The high firing temperature of 1400 degrees in the kiln ensures exceptional strength. This process also vitrifies and rectifies the tiles, ensuring they are dimensionally accurate and consistent.

Each porcelain slab is printed, guaranteeing that every piece will match perfectly. In contrast, sandstone paving can vary from slab to slab, offering less consistency. This uniformity, combined with the long-lasting nature of porcelain, makes it a popular choice for many garden projects.

Difference Between Grey Sandstone & Grey Porcelain Paving

1. Material Composition:

Grey Sandstone Paving: Made from natural stone, quarried and cut into slabs. Each piece is unique, with natural variations in colour, texture, and pattern.

Grey Porcelain Paving: Manufactured from a mixture of refined clay and other materials, then fired at high temperatures. Each slab is engineered to be identical, ensuring uniformity.

2. Appearance:

Grey Sandstone Paving: Offers a more rustic and natural look. The inherent variations in the stone give each patio a unique, organic appearance. Colours range from light to mid-grey tones, often with subtle variations and veining.

Grey Porcelain Paving: Provides a sleek, modern appearance with precise edges and a uniform finish. The colour is consistent across all tiles, offering a clean and contemporary look.

3. Durability:

Grey Sandstone Paving: Durable but can be prone to weathering over time. Natural stones can develop a patina and may require periodic sealing to maintain their appearance and prevent staining.

Grey Porcelain Paving: Extremely durable and resistant to weathering, staining, and scratching. It retains its colour and finish for many years without the need for sealing.

4. Maintenance:

Grey Sandstone Paving: Requires regular maintenance, including sealing, cleaning, and possibly power washing to remove moss, algae, and dirt.

Grey Porcelain Paving: Low maintenance, usually only needing a hose down to keep clean. It is non-porous, resisting staining and not supporting moss or algae growth.

5. Slip Resistance:

Grey Sandstone Paving: The naturally riven surface provides good slip resistance. However, it can become slippery when wet or mossy.

Grey Porcelain Paving: Designed with a textured surface to be slip-resistant, achieving a non-skid grade of R11, making it safe even when wet.

6. Installation:

Grey Sandstone Paving: Generally requires more skill to install due to variations in thickness and size. It needs a solid base and proper bedding.

Grey Porcelain Paving: Easier to install due to the uniformity of the tiles. It requires a stable base, but the consistent thickness and size simplify the laying process.

7. Environmental Impact:

Grey Sandstone Paving: As a natural product, it has a lower environmental impact in terms of manufacturing but may involve significant quarrying.

Grey Porcelain Paving: The manufacturing process is energy-intensive, but the longevity and low maintenance of porcelain can offset the initial environmental impact over time.

8. Cost:

Grey Sandstone Paving: Generally more affordable, but prices can vary depending on the quality and source of the stone.

Grey Porcelain Paving is often more expensive due to the manufacturing process, but its durability and low maintenance can justify the cost.

Buy With Confidence

• Our paving can be purchased in quantities of 5 square metres.
• Please enter the amount of 5 sqm you need (for example 20sqm would be 4 x 5sqm). 
• All of our paving comes in crates which can be easily placed into a van or into a garden using a hiab lorry.
• You can choose a free collection from one of our Depots or fuss-free, home delivery.

A Service You Can Rely On

• Our trustworthy service offers prompt delivery to any area in the UK
• Stone Zone is a family-run business that has been well-established since 1998
• Our knowledgeable customer advisors can help you with your purchase
• We pride ourselves on offering a range of affordable garden supplies 

Sample slabs are available in-store, please ask a customer advisor.