Everything You Need to Know About Porcelain Patio Pavers
If you're planning to pave your pool deck, patio, or walkway, you may be wondering what type of material to use. There are a variety of options available, but porcelain patio pavers are a great choice for many homeowners. That's why we wanted to discuss the benefits of porcelain pavers and why they may be the best option for your outdoor paradise.
What are porcelain patio pavers?
Porcelain patio pavers are a luxurious type of paving material that is made from porcelain clay. They offer a number of benefits over other types of paving materials, such as concrete or asphalt. They’re a popular choice for patios and walkways because they are durable and easy to maintain.
Porcelain pavers come in a variety of colors and styles, making it easy for you to create a unique look for your home. At AquaBlu we are proud to offer top-of-the-line, luxurious porcelain pavers from US Porcelain Pavers.
Porcelain pavers for your pool deck
There are many different types of materials that can be used for a pool deck. However, porcelain pavers are becoming increasingly popular because of the many benefits they offer. Here are some reasons why porcelain is a great material for pool decks:
1. Porcelain is very strong. In fact, porcelain patio pavers are by far the most durable compared to other materials. Unlike natural stone options, it is resistant to scratches, chipping, and staining.
2. Porcelain is also a low-maintenance material. It does not require sealing or regular cleanings like other materials such as concrete or stone. You read that right, NO MORE SEALING! That means less work for you and more time enjoying your elegant outdoor space!
3. Every selection in our collection from US Porcelain Pavers has matching modern edge coping available, allowing for a stylish, seamless transition between the edge of your pool to your patio area. The Pillar Series is a great example of this. Popular for its angular pattern, this paver is a great choice when wanting to match your pavers to your coping. You can choose to lay them in the same direction or create a unique border around your pool by flipping it when installing your coping.
4. Porcelain pavers are slip-resistant, making them a safe option for pool decks. In fact, all of our pavers are approved for commercial grade application. Now you never have to compromise the safety of your loved ones for a stylish space!
A popular choice for a pool deck is the Arkham collection. These beautiful pavers come in a range of colors including white, tan, gray and black, and come in a versatile square shape making it easy to design with.
Stylish Design for Your Patio
Porcelain patio pavers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Our collection offers two different thickness sizes; 2CM and 3CM, allowing for even more design options to meet your desired aesthetic.
Square pavers are the most common type of paver used for patios. They are available in many sizes, from small to large. Rectangular pavers are also popular for pool decks and patios. They are available in a variety of sizes and can be used to create different patterns.
There are many pattern arrangements that can be made when installing pavers, but they should only be attempted by experienced professionals. We encourage you to speak with your installer and plan out any intricate design ideas you may have.
Porcelain Patio Paver Installation Methods
The following information is intended as a basic guideline. If you have any questions regarding supplies, installation, site circumstances, or anything else beyond what is mentioned here, please contact a specialist contractor for assistance. Porcelain pavers should only be installed by someone with experience in working with this type of material.
Before you begin the installation process, there are a few things you need to consider. First, porcelain pavers are much heavier than traditional concrete or brick pavers, so you'll need to make sure your sub-base is up for the task.
If you're starting from scratch, you'll need to prepare the ground for your new patio or deck. If you're installing them on bare ground, you'll need to excavate the area to a depth of at least eight inches and compact the soil before adding a gravel base. Once the gravel is in place, you can level it with sand and then install the porcelain pavers.
There are various ways to install porcelain pavers. These include:
- Mortar installation
- Dry installation on gravel
- Dry installation on grass
- Raised pedestal installation
Each of these installation methods requires proper planning and we always recommend discussing all your options with a professional to help you decide the best one for your home. Each has its benefits, however, when planning to install porcelain pavers on a pool deck, we recommend going with a mortar installation.
This method of installation is trusted by many of the top luxury home builders in the US for its security and additional upkeep benefits. For instance, mortar installations can help prevent any pesky weeds or grass from popping up in between slabs. Furthermore, using an epoxy product like the Litoelastic EVO will ensure the upmost water resistance in a wet area.
Once you've prepared the surface and chosen the right adhesive, you're ready to start installing porcelain patio pavers. Begin by spreading a layer of adhesive on the surface using a notched trowel. Then, starting at one corner of the patio, begin laying the porcelain pavers in place. Be sure to use a level to check that each paver is level as you go. Once all of the porcelain pavers are in place, allow the adhesive to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Tools and other considerations
Though it may be tempting to rush out and try to DIY your paver installation, there are a number of reasons why we would caution you against it. One of them being tools. Porcelain patio pavers, specifically those made by US Porcelain Pavers are built strong, so strong, in fact, that normal tools just won’t do to cut them down if needed. There is an arsenal of specialized tools needed to complete this type of installation.
In addition to the right tools, the right know-how is required. Depending on your geographical location and climate conditions, certain specifications must be adhered to when installing pavers to ensure their longevity and durability. Only a qualified professional would be familiar with the appropriately sized spacers, slopes, and other technical considerations for your specific area.
Other benefits of porcelain pavers
One of the most important things to consider when choosing patio pavers is porosity. This refers to how much water the material can absorb. Pavers made from natural stone, like travertine or limestone, are substantially more porous than porcelain.
That might not seem like a big deal, but it can actually be quite important. If you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow, you’ll want to choose pavers that won’t absorb too much water. Otherwise, the pavers could crack or crumble over time. Porcelain patio pavers, on the other hand, are practically 100% waterproof. You need not worry about harsh weather or heavily used wet areas deteriorating your gorgeous deck!
This is also a benefit for those worried about upkeep and maintenance. A non-porous material like porcelain means there’s no tiny holes or crevices for dirt and grime to build up. Your deck or patio area will maintain its fresh and clean look with minimal effort.
Another benefit of choosing porcelain pavers by US Porcelain Pavers is that they are made 100% in the USA. Why is this important? Well, outside of supporting another local American business, it means the materials are already here in the states waiting to be shipped directly to your home.
You don’t need to worry about long lead times and the potential hiccups that arise from importing stone products into the US. In some cases, after shipping, import fees, distributors cuts and any other additional price considerations are added in, porcelain pavers are actually more affordable than traditional natural materials.
Porcelain pavers are a great choice for anyone looking to create a beautiful and durable outdoor space. With the help of a qualified professional, porcelain pavers will add value to your home and create an outdoor living space that you can enjoy for years to come.
Contact our AquaPro’s today for more information and order a sample today! Reach out to us via email, chat or phone.
Author: Cristi Oramas
Date: August 12, 2022
