Porcelain Pavers have been used for over 2000 years, and early usage can be traced back to ancient China. Minerals and clay are heated to very high temperatures to create this manufactured material.
Porcelain can range from incredibly delicate china tea sets to the non-porous, dense, durable and sustainable material used to make porcelain tiles used in kitchens and bathrooms.
Since the ancient origins of porcelain in China, the way we make porcelain today has evolved tremendously. These days, manufacturers are making porcelain pavers that look like natural stone or wood.
Increasingly popular among outdoor materials, porcelain has become more durable thanks to modern manufacturing techniques. Any building supply store today will have a wide selection of porcelain pavers styles available in their porcelain outdoor pavers line for contemporary patios.
Pool Surround Installation
Similar to indoor porcelain pavers, outdoor porcelain pavers are more durable and thicker. When creating a pool surround, they are the perfect choice. In addition to a variety of interpretations of natural stone and wood, porcelain pavers are available in a variety of sizes, styles, colors, and textures. It is possible to lay porcelain pavers outside on grass, gravel, dirt, and sand.
Image: hdgbuildingmaterials.com
Here are 8 reasons why porcelain pavers make an excellent option for a pool surround for a variety of reasons.
1. Porcelain Is Moisture-Resistant And Slip Resistant
Tiles made or porcelain are completely non-porous. As a result it is moisture-resistant and highly slip-resistant. The anti-slip surface is the perfect choice for walkways, pool surrounds, and heavily trafficked areas.
In comparison with natural stone or cement, it holds up much better to water. The use of porcelain in areas that are subject to heavy rains or irrigation systems is the perfect choice. The surfaces can be customized to be slip-resistant and beautiful.
2. Outdoor Porcelain Is One Of The Strongest Materials Available
Because it’s non-porous pavers don’t absorb moisture which means in times of extreme cold, they’re frost resistant, and in the hot sun, porcelain pavers stay cool on your feet. Since porcelain doesn’t fluctuate with extreme temperatures, it avoids damage from expansion and contraction.
Because it’s non-porous, it’s far denser than other materials of comparable dimensions. That makes it tougher and far more resistant to erosion, scratching, and chipping. The durability of outdoor porcelain tiles has increased as a result of modern manufacturing techniques.
3. Porcelain Is A Mold Resistant, Anti-Microbial Material
Porcelain does not have pores, so it’s antimicrobial, making it perfect for use around a swimming pool because it resists mold and bacteria.
4. The Porcelain Has An Attractive Style And Is Versatile
Porcelain pavers have the benefit of being composite materials that are not harvested, so they can be made to look like almost any other hard surface like stone or wood. Its versatility is incredible.
To create a stylish walkway, you can use oversized tiles surrounded by grass, sand, or gravel. For a classic pool deck, you can use a mix of marble-looking tiles of various sizes. There are endless options when it comes to color, style, finish and size!
5. Pavers Made Of Porcelain Are Easy To Clean
Other surfaces collect dirt more readily than porcelain. Tiles can be cleaned easily by hosing them off. Unlike concrete or stone pavers, porcelain does not harbor dirt or bacteria.
6. Pavers Made From Porcelain Are Aesthetically Appealing
Stunning, subtle, and elegant are some of the ways to describe porcelain. Despite the fact that this material is man-made, it can have the looks and feel of any natural material. The advantages of this have made it extremely popular with homeowners, and perfect for transforming your outdoor living space into something spectacular.
7. Porcelain Does Not Fade In The Sun
Porcelain tiles can resist the sun’s rays as well as fading. Ten years from now, they will still look as good as the day they were installed. In addition to being extremely hard due to the glaze’s high temperature, the color will remain stable for decades of sun exposure due to its high temperature.
8. Porcelain Pavers Are Available In A Wide Price Range
In comparison with natural materials such as marble, granite, slate, and travertine, porcelain pavers are a cost-effective option. At a much lower price point, you can achieve the look of these natural materials.
Pavers made of porcelain are a great alternative to natural materials. You can choose from different colors, styles, and characteristics, and they’re all affordable options. Take a look at outdoor porcelain pavers if you’re considering hardscaping around your pool!
Other things to consider…
Paver Appearance
Which look and style would you like to achieve with your outdoor paver project? A natural and rustic look? Modern and sleek? The man-made nature of porcelain pavers will prevent them from providing the same earthy look as natural stone.
Despite some products coming close, many porcelain options appear very uniform. The porcelain pavers have straight lines instead of a rugged rock look, which gives a more contemporary feel. There are some cases where this works … but not all. Determine if porcelain will complement your surroundings by examining the landscape and architecture.
Paver Layout
How would you like your design and layout to look? In general, square layouts are easiest to install with porcelain. Your cuts and waste will be minimized if you use a square or rectangular layout. Porcelain is hard to work with when cutting curves. When it comes time to make the cuts on your layout that wind, bend, or feature circular patterns, porcelain may present some challenges!
Pavers Installed On A Slope
Do your pavers need to be installed on a sloped surface? Considering porcelain pavers, here are two things you should know: 1. Their size is typically large, and 2. They cannot be bent or contoured. Therefore, it is best to install porcelain on a flat surface with no slopes.
Is Your Location Hot?
The temperature of porcelain tile is generally higher than that of concrete pavers and natural stone. You should choose a lighter color tile if your surface gets much direct sunlight, so that your feet won’t get burned! You will have less trouble absorbing heat if you use a cream, beige, or light gray porcelain.
If you’re planning a hardscape project, why not give the experts at Patio Paver Pros a call at 561-464-5482 and schedule a free consultation and we’ll discuss your project. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about creating the outdoor living space of your dreams.
Be sure to check out our post about Patio Paver Ideas and Choices as well as our Guide to Outdoor Living Space Ideas & Outdoor Kitchens.