When it comes to choosing the right material for your indoor or outdoor space, porcelain tiles are a popular choice. However, you might have questions about their, maintenance, pros and cons, and how good they are for your project. In this article, we’ll answer the most common questions our customers ask about porcelain tiles, from whether they’re slippery when wet to whether they’re good for a driveway. This post will help you make an informed decision and understand if porcelain tiles are the right choice for your needs.

Here is the full list of questions we will be answering. You can click on them to get straight to the answer:

1. Are porcelain tiles slippery when wet?
2. What is non-slip porcelain paving, and how effective is it?
3. What are the most common problems with porcelain paving?
4. Can you use 20mm porcelain tiles on a driveway?
5. Should you seal porcelain patio tiles?
6. What are the key benefits of using porcelain paving for outdoor spaces?
7. Are porcelain tiles porous, and how does that affect their performance?
8. How do you maintain and clean porcelain paving?
9. How durable is porcelain paving compared to other materials?
10. Does porcelain paving fade over time when exposed to sunlight?
11. How can you prevent stains on porcelain paving?
12. Is porcelain paving suitable for all weather conditions?

Are porcelain tiles slippery when wet?

Porcelain tiles can be slippery when wet, but this depends on the type of finish they have. Polished porcelain tiles, for example, have a smooth surface that can be more slippery, especially in areas like bathrooms or kitchens. This means that you should look for porcelain tiles with a slip rating of R11 or higher. The R11 rating means the tiles are slip-resistant and suitable for places where the floor may get wet, like patios, pool decks, or bathrooms. If you’re using porcelain tiles around a pool or in constantly wet areas, you might even consider R12 for extra slip resistance.

Always check the product specifications to ensure the tiles meet your space’s slip resistance requirements.

What is non-slip porcelain paving, and how effective is it?

Non-slip porcelain paving is made to provide more grip and reduce the risk of slipping, even when the surface is wet. These tiles have a textured surface that increases traction, making them suitable for outdoor areas like patios, walkways, or pool decks.

Non-slip porcelain paving is highly effective for areas where you need extra safety. The key feature to look for is the slip rating. For outdoor use, you should choose tiles with a slip rating of R11 or higher, as these are ideal for wet environments and reduce the chance of slipping. Additionally, non-slip porcelain paving requires little maintenance, which helps keep the surface clean and safe over time.

What are the most common problems with porcelain paving?

While porcelain paving is known for its durability and low maintenance, there are a few common problems you might encounter:

1. Cutting. Porcelain is a very dense and hard material, which makes it difficult to cut. You’ll need a special diamond blade and wet saw to cut the tiles without cracking or chipping them. This can make installation more challenging if you’re doing it yourself.
2. Requires slurry primer. Because porcelain has a low porosity, it doesn’t naturally adhere well to surfaces. When installing porcelain paving, you need to apply a slurry primer to the back of each tile. Without this primer, the tiles may not bond properly to the base.
3. Marking from debris. Leaves or other organic debris left on the surface for too long can leave temporary marks due to tannins. Although these marks usually fade over time or can be cleaned off, it’s important to regularly remove debris to avoid them.
4. Batch colour variations. Porcelain tiles are produced in batches, and there can be slight variations in colour between batches. If you need to buy more tiles later, it can be difficult to match the exact colour, so it’s important to buy a little extra during the initial purchase.

These problems are usually manageable with proper preparation and care. If you take the necessary steps during installation and maintenance, porcelain paving can still be a reliable and long-lasting option.

Can you use 20mm porcelain tiles on a driveway?

Yes, you can use 20mm porcelain tiles on a driveway, but they must be installed properly to handle the weight of vehicles. The 20mm thickness is suitable for areas where heavy loads are expected, such as driveways. However, it’s essential to prepare the base correctly to ensure the tiles can support the weight.

A solid sub-base is critical for this type of installation. Typically, a 100mm to 150mm compacted sub-base made from MOT Type 1 is recommended, followed by a bed of mortar. Additionally, it’s important to use a slurry primer on the back of each tile to ensure they bond securely to the base.

When installed correctly, 20mm porcelain tiles are strong and durable enough for driveway use. Make sure to choose tiles that are rated for outdoor and heavy-load applications to avoid cracking under pressure.

Should you seal porcelain patio tiles?

No, you generally do not need to seal porcelain patio tiles. Porcelain tiles have very low water absorption, which means they don’t allow moisture or stains to penetrate the surface. Sealing them is unnecessary and may even cause issues, as some sealers can leave marks or patches on the surface.

However, if you have darker, black, or very light-coloured porcelain tiles, sealing can be beneficial. These colours tend to show dirt and stains more prominently, and applying a sealant can help reduce this. A good sealant can make cleaning easier and help maintain the pristine look of your tiles. For regular maintenance, simply focus on cleaning and removing debris like leaves and dirt, while considering a sealant for high-maintenance colors.  

What are the key benefits of using porcelain paving for outdoor spaces?

Porcelain paving offers several key benefits for outdoor spaces:

1. Durability. Porcelain is highly resistant to wear, scratches, and weather conditions. It can handle heavy foot traffic and is resistant to fading from sun exposure.
2. Low maintenance. Porcelain paving doesn’t need sealing, and it’s easy to clean. A simple sweep or occasional wash will keep it looking good, and its low water absorption helps prevent stains and moss growth.
3. Slip resistance. Many outdoor porcelain tiles come with a textured surface and an R11 or higher slip rating, making them safer for areas that get wet, such as patios or around pools.
4. Frost resistance. Porcelain paving doesn’t crack or get damaged in freezing temperatures because it absorbs very little water, making it ideal for colder climates.
5. Wide range of styles. Porcelain paving comes in many colours, textures, and patterns. You can find options that mimic natural stone, wood, or concrete, allowing you to match almost any design style.

Are porcelain tiles porous, and how does that affect their performance?

No, porcelain tiles are not porous. They have a very low water absorption rate, typically less than 0.5%. This low porosity means that water and moisture cannot easily penetrate the surface, which makes porcelain tiles resistant to stains, mold, and algae growth. Because they don’t absorb much water, porcelain tiles are also frost-resistant, meaning they won’t crack or get damaged in freezing temperatures.

The low porosity of porcelain tiles is one of their key benefits, especially for outdoor spaces or areas prone to moisture (baths and kitchens for example). It reduces the need for sealing and makes them easy to maintain.

How do you maintain and clean porcelain paving?

Maintaining and cleaning porcelain paving is simple and low-effort. Here’s what you should do:

1. Regular sweeping. Sweep your porcelain paving regularly to remove debris like dirt, leaves, and dust. This helps prevent temporary marks from organic materials, such as leaf tannins.
2. Occasional washing. Use water and a mild detergent or a pH-neutral cleaner to wash the tiles occasionally. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that might damage the surface.
3. Rinse after cleaning. After using a cleaning solution, make sure to rinse the tiles with clean water to prevent any residue from sticking to the surface.
4. Remove stains. For specific stains, such as leaf marks or organic stains, use a cleaner designed for outdoor tiles.
5. Avoid harsh cleaners. Don’t use acidic or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the surface. Stick to products designed for porcelain or mild, pH-neutral cleaners.

Porcelain paving is highly resistant to stains and doesn’t require much maintenance beyond basic cleaning, making it easy to care for over time. 

How durable is porcelain paving compared to other materials?

Porcelain paving is extremely durable and often outperforms many other common paving materials. Here’s how it compares:

1. Scratch resistance. Porcelain is harder and more resistant to scratches compared to materials like natural stone or concrete. Its dense structure makes it less likely to get damaged by foot traffic, heavy furniture, or outdoor elements.
2. Weather resistance. Porcelain paving holds up well under harsh weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, and rain. Unlike natural stone, it’s frost-resistant because it absorbs very little water, so it won’t crack in freezing temperatures.
3. Stain resistance. Porcelain’s low porosity makes it highly resistant to staining. Materials like natural stone or concrete are more porous and prone to absorbing stains from spills or outdoor debris.
4. Fade resistance. Porcelain paving doesn’t fade when exposed to sunlight over time. Materials like concrete may lose colour or change appearance when exposed to UV light.
5. Impact resistance. Though porcelain is very hard, it can crack if hit with a sharp, heavy object, but this is a very rare case. Other materials like concrete may crack more easily due to temperature changes or impact.

Overall, porcelain paving is one of the most durable options available, making it suitable for high-traffic outdoor areas and long-term use.

Does porcelain paving fade over time when exposed to sunlight?

No, porcelain paving does not fade over time when exposed to sunlight. Porcelain tiles are made with durable pigments that are fired at high temperatures during manufacturing, which makes the colour stable and resistant to UV rays. This means that even in areas with strong sunlight, the colour of porcelain paving will remain consistent and won’t fade like other materials, such as natural stone or concrete, which can lose colour over time due to UV exposure.

How can you prevent stains on porcelain paving?

Preventing stains on porcelain paving is straightforward due to its low porosity, but a few simple steps will help keep it in top condition:

1. Regular sweeping. Sweep your porcelain paving regularly to remove leaves, dirt, and debris. Organic materials, like leaves, can leave temporary marks if left on the surface for too long.
2. Clean spills quickly. If any liquids are spilled on the tiles, clean them up promptly to prevent them from drying and causing marks. While porcelain is stain-resistant, quick cleanup ensures the surface stays spotless.
3. Avoid abrasive tools. Don’t use abrasive brushes or cleaners that might scratch the surface of your tiles. Stick to soft tools like mops, brooms, or sponges.

These simple steps will help you prevent stains and keep your porcelain paving looking clean and fresh.

Is porcelain paving suitable for all weather conditions?

Yes, porcelain paving is suitable for all weather conditions. Its low water absorption rate (less than 0.5%) makes it resistant to water damage, so it won’t crack or become damaged in freezing temperatures. This makes it ideal for cold climates with frost and snow. Additionally, porcelain paving holds up well under extreme heat, so it won’t fade or warp in hot, sunny conditions.

Still have questions?

If you have any questions about porcelain tiles we didn’t cover in this article, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to provide answers and help you make the best choice for your project.