Why porcelain works so well here
Porcelain slabs are fired at very high temperatures, which makes them dense and almost waterproof. On the coast that counts for a lot. Damp from sea frets and rain sits on the surface instead of soaking in, salt and grime rinse off, and moss and algae find it hard to take hold.
- Very little upkeep. No sealing, and a wash down brings it back.
- A tidy, even finish. Slabs match, so lines are straight and joints are tight. Stone, slate, concrete and wood-effect finishes are all common.
- Colour that stays put. It runs through the slab and does not fade.
- Grip in the wet. Outdoor porcelain has a textured face with a slip rating meant for outside use. Ask what rating your chosen slabs carry.
The downsides: porcelain costs more than most concrete slabs, it is harder to cut, and it does not forgive a sloppy fitter. The laying matters as much as the slab.
How it should go down
Porcelain is so dense that mortar will not grip it on its own. A proper job looks like this:
- A compacted crushed-stone sub-base, deep enough for the ground. On Hartlepool's heavier clay that often means digging a bit further.
- A full mortar bed under every slab, never a few dabs, so there are no hollows to crack a slab later.
- Slurry primer brushed onto the back of each slab just before it goes down, so it bonds to the bed.
- A fall away from the house, with the finished surface well below the damp-proof course.
- Clean diamond-blade cuts and joints filled with a compound made for porcelain.
Ask anyone quoting whether every slab gets primed and a full bed. If they hesitate, look elsewhere.
Is porcelain right for you?
It suits modern and executive homes, such as those at Middle Warren, Clavering and Wynyard, period houses where you want a clean contemporary contrast, and anyone who would rather not spend weekends scrubbing. It also copes better than natural stone in shady, north-facing gardens that never quite dry out. If you prefer the character of natural stone, see Indian sandstone; on a tighter budget, look at concrete patio slabs.
The same porcelain can carry on into a path or a set of steps so the whole garden matches.
Questions people ask
Is porcelain slippery when it is wet?
Proper outdoor porcelain has a textured, anti-slip surface and is fine in the wet. Indoor or polished tiles should never be used outside. Check the slip rating with us.
Does porcelain need sealing?
No. It takes in so little water that sealing is not needed. A brush and a rinse now and then is enough.
Will salty sea air affect a porcelain patio?
Porcelain itself is not harmed by salt air. The joints are the part to watch, which is why a good jointing compound and a full mortar bed matter.
What does a porcelain patio cost?
That depends on the size, the slab range, the groundwork and any steps or walls. See what affects the price or ask for a free quote.