Outdoor Porcelain Paving Tiles
Porcelain paving is the ideal choice for patios, terraces, roof gardens, and high-traffic areas. With a range of finishes inspired by natural stone and wood, they offer the premium look of traditional materials with minimal upkeep.
Section Heading
Fast Delivery
Orders over £1200 are delivered free of charge
Trusted Warranty
Peace of mind with long-lasting protection
Trade Discounts
Exclusive discounts for installers and contractors
10% Pledge
We donate 10% of profits to sustainable causes
Paving Substructure & Accessories
The right substructure is key to a long-lasting porcelain paving installation. Whether you need a simple pedestal system or a fully compliant non-combustible build-up, we offer a range of substructure solutions to support your project from the ground up.
Plastic Pedestals
Our height-adjustable pedestal systems create a stable, free-draining support structure beneath your paving.
View Plastic Pedestals
Metal Pedestals
We offer fully non-combustible substructure for use in buildings where Class A-rated build-ups are required.
View Metal Pedestals
Edging Profiles
Aluminium edging profiles are designed to provide a neat, durable border for your porcelain paving system.
View Paving Spacers
Porcelain Paving Installation
Installing porcelain paving is a straightforward process. We offer full installation guidance, compatible accessories, and expert support to help you achieve a flawless finish.
Suitable for solid or raised installations
Install directly over a concrete slab or use adjustable pedestals to create a raised, free-draining system, ideal for balconies and roof terraces.
Precision-cut for easy alignment
Porcelain tiles are rectified for uniform edges, allowing for simple alignment during installation.
Step-by-step paving installation guide
To make the process even easier, we provide a detailed installation guide that covers every stage, from preparing your base to laying tiles.
Support for builders with trade pricing
We value our trade partners and understand the importance of reliable pricing, product availability, and expert support
Porcelain Paving FAQs
If you don’t find the answer you're looking for, our team of experts is here to help. Give us a call on 020 8088 4888
High-quality outdoor porcelain paving slabs are designed to be slip-resistant, even in wet conditions. Unlike polished indoor tiles, exterior-grade porcelain is manufactured with textured or matt finishes that improve grip underfoot, making it a safe and practical choice for patios, pathways, balconies, and commercial spaces.
Textured Surface: Outdoor porcelain slabs typically have a slip rating of R11 or higher, providing reliable traction in wet weather.
Low Water Absorption: With a porosity of less than 0.5%, porcelain resists surface water penetration, reducing the risk of slippery algae or moss build-up.
Consistent Finish: Factory-controlled manufacturing ensures a uniform slip-resistant surface across every slab.
Factors to Consider:
Correct Installation – Laying slabs correctly and maintaining adequate falls for drainage prevents pooling water.
Routine Cleaning – Keeping the surface free from leaves, dirt, and organic matter helps maintain optimal grip.
Location Choice – In shaded or damp areas, regular cleaning is especially important to avoid any surface film that could reduce slip resistance.
Porcelain paving offers a stylish, durable, and low-maintenance solution that maintains excellent slip resistance throughout the seasons, making it ideal for year-round outdoor use.
Porcelain paving slabs are manufactured through a highly controlled process that combines natural materials and high-temperature firing to create a dense, durable, and low-maintenance outdoor surface.
This method ensures exceptional strength, slip resistance, and long-term performance for residential and commercial projects.
Raw Materials
High-quality clays are blended with quartz, feldspar and other natural minerals.
Colourisation
Pigments are added to achieve the desired tone, pattern or finish.
Mixing
The blend is finely milled and mixed with water to form a homogenous slurry or powder. It is then shaped using high-pressure moulding to achieve precise dimensions.
Drying and Firing
Moisture is removed from the formed slabs to prepare them for firing. Slabs are fired in kilns at temperatures of around 1200–1400°C, vitrifying the material into a dense, non-porous structure with a water absorption rate below 0.5%.
Surface Finishing
For outdoor paving, a textured or matt surface is applied to enhance slip resistance.
Quality Control
Slabs are checked for consistency in size, colour, texture, and technical performance.
The result is a porcelain paving solution that offers exceptional durability, stain resistance, and aesthetic versatility, ideal for patios, roof terraces, and high-traffic commercial spaces.
Porcelain paving is exceptionally easy to maintain thanks to its low porosity and hard-wearing surface. Unlike natural stone, it doesn’t require sealing and resists staining, moss, and algae growth, making it a truly low-maintenance paving option for patios, terraces, and commercial outdoor spaces.
Routine Cleaning
Sweep away debris: Use a stiff broom to remove leaves, dirt and loose debris.
Wash with warm soapy water:
Mix a mild detergent with warm water and scrub using a soft-bristle or deck brush, working in circular motions.
Rinse thoroughly:
Hose down the area or use a low- to medium-pressure washer (avoid directing the jet too close).
Tackle stubborn marks:
For oil, grease or tannin stains, use a pH-neutral cleaner or a porcelain-specific cleaning solution. Avoid acidic or bleach-based products.
Maintenance Tips
Regular sweeping - Prevents organic matter from building up and creating a slippery film.
Prompt spill clean up - Vitrified porcelain paving is highly stain-resistant, but not completely stain-proof, ensuring substances like red wine or cooking grease don’t have time to sit on the surface reduces the chance of staining.
Annual deep clean - Keeps paving looking like new, ideal before summer use or after winter.
These simple cleaning practices keep porcelain paving slabs looking pristine for decades, without the need for sealing or intensive upkeep.
Porcelain paving offers clear performance benefits over natural stone, especially when long-term durability, low maintenance and consistent appearance are priorities.
While natural stone, such as granite, limestone, or sandstone, remains popular for its natural character, porcelain paving slabs deliver engineered precision and resilience that suit a wide range of modern residential and commercial projects.
Advantages of Porcelain Over Natural Stone
Low Water Absorption – Porcelain has a porosity of less than 0.5%, making it highly resistant to frost damage, algae growth, and staining. Many natural stones are more porous and require sealing to achieve similar performance.
Minimal Maintenance – Porcelain needs no sealing and is easy to clean, while most natural stone benefits from periodic sealing and more frequent deep cleaning.
Colour Stability – High-quality porcelain is UV-resistant, retaining its original colour for decades, whereas natural stone can fade or weather over time.
Slip Resistance – Outdoor porcelain is manufactured with textured finishes (R11-rated) for safe grip in wet conditions.
Dimensional Accuracy – Manufactured to precise tolerances, porcelain slabs are perfectly uniform in size and thickness, making installation faster and more predictable.
Fire Safety - Vitrified porcelain achieves a Class A1 fire rating, meaning that it's classified as non-combustible under EN 13501-1 standards, especially useful for balconies and roof terraces. In contrast, natural stones can have mineral inclusions that react to fire or crack under intense heat.
When Natural Stone Might Still Be Preferred
If a rustic appearance is the main goal, natural stone offers variation and texture. However, for low-maintenance paving with long-lasting durability, colour stability, and consistent quality, porcelain paving is often the superior choice.
Like all outdoor surfaces, porcelain paving will warm up in direct sunlight, but it generally absorbs and retains less heat than darker natural stones or concrete. The exact surface temperature depends on factors such as tile colour, finish, and exposure time.
Colour: Light-coloured porcelain paving (beige, cream, light grey) reflects more sunlight and stays cooler underfoot, making it ideal for pool surrounds or sunny terraces. Darker shades will absorb more heat and feel warmer.
Environmental conditions: Shaded areas, breezy locations, or spots with intermittent sunlight will naturally remain cooler.
Practical Tips
Choose lighter colours if surface temperature is a big concern.
Use shading solutions such as pergolas or umbrellas.
A quick hose down with water can instantly lower the temperature on very hot days.
Porcelain paving slabs offer a stylish, low-maintenance solution that balances durability with comfort. With the right colour choice and layout planning, you can enjoy an outdoor surface that looks great and feels pleasant, even in peak summer sun.
High-quality porcelain paving is highly stain-resistant thanks to its extremely low water absorption rate.
The dense, non-porous surface prevents liquids, dirt, and oils from penetrating the material, making it far more resistant to staining than natural stone, concrete, or other porous paving options.
Why Porcelain Paving Resists Stains
Low porosity: The vitrified surface doesn’t absorb moisture, meaning spills sit on the surface rather than soaking in.
UV stability: Colours and patterns are baked into the tile during manufacturing, preventing discolouration from sunlight.
Easy cleaning: Most marks can be removed with warm soapy water and a soft brush, without the need for harsh chemicals.
When Staining Can Occur
While porcelain paving is stain-resistant, it’s not completely stain-proof. Surface marks can occur if spills such as oil, red wine and cooking grease are left for extended periods or if dirt, leaves and algae are left to accumulate.
Best Practices to Avoid Staining
Clean spills promptly to prevent surface residues.
Sweep regularly to remove organic matter.
Use a pH-neutral cleaner for stubborn marks.
Porcelain paving slabs provide a stylish, durable, and low-maintenance surface that keeps its pristine appearance for decades with minimal effort.
No, porcelain pavers do not break easily. In fact, they are among the most durable outdoor paving materials available.
Porcelain paving slabs are dense, hard-wearing, and engineered to withstand heavy use in both residential and commercial settings.
Why Porcelain Paving Is Strong
High density strength: The vitrification process creates a slab that is far stronger and more impact-resistant than concrete or many natural stones.
Low porosity: With less than 0.5% water absorption, porcelain won’t weaken from freeze-thaw cycles like more porous paving materials.
Scratch & chip resistance: The surface of porcelain paving has a high hardness rating meaning it resists scratches and edge chipping from outdoor furniture, pets, foot traffic, etc.
When Breakage Can Occur
If pavers are not fully supported due to improper installation (e.g. laid on an uneven sub-base), concentrated loads could cause cracks. Like any paving material, a strong impact from a heavy object can also cause chips or breakage.
When installed correctly on a stable base, porcelain paving is exceptionally durable and far less prone to breaking than softer natural stones.
Yes, porcelain paving is fireproof, making it a safe choice for a wide range of outdoor applications.
Outdoor porcelain tiles achieve a Class A1 fire classification under EN 13501-1, meaning they provide the highest level of fire resistance available.
Manufactured from refined clays and minerals fired at extremely high temperatures (around 1200–1400°C), porcelain paving slabs are completely non-combustible and will not melt, burn or emit toxic fumes when exposed to flames.
Why Porcelain Paving Is Fire-Safe
Non-combustible composition: Porcelain paving is made entirely from inorganic materials such as clay, quartz, and feldspar, with no flammable binders or resins.
High-temperature manufacturing: The intense kiln-firing process vitrifies the material, creating a dense, fire-resistant structure.
No melting or warping: Unlike some composite or plastic-based materials, porcelain will not deform under high heat.
Practical Applications
Outdoor kitchens & BBQ areas – Safe for use near grills, pizza ovens, and fire pits.
Balconies & roof terraces – Meets fire safety requirements for many high-rise and commercial projects.
Public spaces – Ideal for areas with open flames or heaters, thanks to its durability and fire resistance.
Porcelain paving provides a low-maintenance, non-combustible surface that combines safety with long-term performance, making it a smart, future-proof choice for outdoor spaces.
Porcelain Paving Gallery & Inspiration
See how our porcelain paving brings outdoor spaces to life. From sleek roof terraces to modern patios, our gallery showcases real projects using a variety of colours, finishes, and layouts. Use our gallery to spark ideas, compare tile styles or simply get inspired before ordering samples or planning your layout.
Gallery section header
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus pharetra tincidunt tortor, sed accumsan ante ornare tincidunt. In mi orci, egestas et sollicitudin at, tincidunt sit amet nibh. Duis in luctus lorem. Suspendisse sollicitudin orci elit, quis fermentum ex euismod quis.
Light grey porcelain paving is used here to brighten up a greenhouse.
Beige porcelain paving gives a warm natural feel for this seating area..
Grey porcelain paving transforms this balcony into a clean, modern space.
Wood effect porcelain paving makes this conservatory feel natural and homely.
Plan Your Project With Our Paving Calculator
Take the guesswork out of ordering with our easy-to-use porcelain paving calculator. The calculator gives you a tailored estimate of how many tiles and accessories you’ll need. For a detailed and accurate quote we recommend getting in touch with our expert team on 020 8088 4888.
Choose your paving style
Start by selecting the porcelain tile you want to use. The calculator adjusts for tile size and coverage based on your choice.
Enter your dimensions
Input the length and width of your space, and the tool will calculate how many tiles you’ll need.
Estimate in minutes
Your results will include a full breakdown of required tiles and extras. From there you can email your results.
The Benefits Of Porcelain Paving
Porcelain paving delivers a premium look with none of the upkeep. It’s one of the most durable and low-maintenance paving options available.
Low maintenance, long-lasting finish
Porcelain tiles resist stains, moss and algae, so you can enjoy a consistent finish year after year.
High slip resistance for safer surfaces
The textured surface and low water absorption offer excellent grip underfoot, even in wet conditions.
Engineered to withstand the elements
Frost-proof, fade-resistant, and unaffected by moisture, porcelain paving stands up to the unpredictable UK climate without cracking or warping.
Support for builders with trade pricing
We value our trade partners and understand the importance of reliable pricing, product availability, and expert support
How To Care For Porcelain Paving
Porcelain paving resists staining, algae and weathering, meaning it stays looking great with very little effort.
Quick and easy to clean
Most marks can be removed with warm soapy water and a brush. There’s no need for pressure washing or harsh chemical cleaners.
Resists stains and surface damage
Porcelain’s non-porous surface makes it highly resistant to spills, grease and watermarks.
No sealing or treatments needed
Unlike natural stone, porcelain doesn’t require sealing or ongoing treatments. Once installed, it retains its colour, texture and performance for years with minimal upkeep.
Support for builders with trade pricing
We value our trade partners and understand the importance of reliable pricing, product availability, and expert support
Where To Use Porcelain Paving
Porcelain paving is a smart, stylish solution for almost any outdoor space, from small private patios to large commercial terraces.
Patios and garden seating areas
Create elegant spaces for outdoor living and dining with tiles that stay looking fresh year-round.
Roof terraces and balconies
Suitable for non-combustible construction projects where safety and regulation compliance are essential.
Pool surrounds and wet areas
With textured, slip-resistant finishes and low water absorption, porcelain is a safe and stylish choice around pools, spas and outdoor showers.
Support for builders with trade pricing
We value our trade partners and understand the importance of reliable pricing, product availability, and expert support
From the Blog
Popular articles from our blog with tips and ideas for getting the best from your project.
What is Vitrified Porcelain?
Discover vitrified porcelain paving, the strong, water-resistant surface ideal for patios, balconies and commercial areas. Enjoy frost-proof, low-maintenance and UV-stable paving and decking solutions from EnviroBuild.
Read Article
Wind-uplift Legislation
Discover essential wind uplift legislation updates and effective solutions to secure your floating paving systems against storm damage. Protect your project with expert advice and modern safety measures.
Read Article
Porcelain Paving Care Guide
Discover expert tips on maintaining porcelain paving. Learn simple cleaning routines and seasonal care to keep your patio looking pristine year-round with minimal effort and no sealing needed.
Read Article
Porcelain Paving vs Natural Stone
Discover the key differences between porcelain paving and natural stone for patios and terraces. Learn about durability, maintenance, weather resistance and design options to choose the perfect outdoor material.
Read Article
Order your free sample pack today
Not sure which composite decking is right for your garden project? Our free sample packs take the guesswork out of choosing. See the colours in natural light and feel the textures before making a decision - all from the comfort of your own home.
Delivered quickly and free of charge
Composite decking boards feature a hidden clip system that secures each board in place without visible screws on the surface.
Step-by-step installation guide
We provide a detailed installation guide to walk you through every stage of the process.
Find an installer with our installer network
Connect with our network of trusted and experienced composite decking installers across the UK
Support for builders with trade pricing
We value our trade partners and understand the importance of reliable pricing, product availability, and expert support
All wood materials we use are FSC® certified
Member of World Land Trust's Carbon Balanced Programme
We donate 10% of our profits to Rainforest Trust UK
