Laying The Perfect Porcelain Patio

Posted on 21st February 2022

When installed properly, porcelain tiles can make a beautiful feature for a patio area. It’s actually the perfect time to be thinking about preparing your patio for summer, and at Stone & Surfaces Direct we’re about to tell you exactly how to do it.

No matter whether you are looking to create a brand new patio or refresh your existing one, here are some tips to help.

Start the planning process

Any DIY project requires planning because it’s not that simple just to jump straight into it. To achieve the perfect patio, it’s vital to start planning from scratch to avoid the risk of any unpleasant surprises once things are underway.

The plan you devise should be structured with enough detail so you can fully picture the end result you are striving to achieve.

A good plan should cover your budget, desired colour or effect of porcelain slabs and the sizes required, as well as who will be installing the patio.

Purchase the suitable materials

Now you have a plan in place, it’s time to purchase all of the materials the job requires. This will include adhesive, primer, base mix grout, and cleaner. Just be sure to purchase each in the relevant quantities so you can make a prompt start on your project.

Rest assured that porcelain paving tiles will all look identical in terms of markings and colour all because of their manufacturing process. Unlike natural stone, which often varies because of natural markings and colours, porcelain paving is manufactured with inkjet printing technology.

Mark the area out

Next, you’ll need to mark out the planned area of your patio on the ground using wooden pegs. Doing this will provide you with a guide for laying the porcelain tiles and allow you to see how much space will need to be used, which means you can be prepared for any potential problems before the paving has been installed.

Ensure there is a solid base and begin laying

To start paving, it is essential to ensure that the ground is completely flat, compact, and solid so that the bedding mortar can lay on top effectively.

The first porcelain slabs you lay must be fitted with precision if you want the rest of the tiles to follow in the same way. If there is one wrong move it could affect the appearance of the entire patio.

Grout the paving and let it dry

Once the paving is installed, you can decide whether or not you wish to grout the tiles. Porcelain paving is non-porous, therefore it doesn’t require grouting. However, if you wish to then we recommend purchasing a grout product specifically suited to porcelain paving.

It is important to allow the patio to dry fully before stepping on it because if not, this could result in wonky tiles. If you are installing your patio during the winter months, protect the paving with sheeting to prevent rain and frost from interfering with the drying process.

With over 25 years of experience distributing natural stone paving, porcelain paving, and aggregates worldwide; we are the people to help you achieve the perfect patio, garden, or home interior. Talk to one of our experienced stone professionals about your specific needs today.