Choosing materials
Porcelain or natural stone paving: how to choose
5 min read
Should I choose porcelain or natural stone paving?
Porcelain is dense, colour-consistent and low maintenance but needs diamond cutting and a primer or slurry bond when laid. Natural stone varies in colour and thickness, which many people prefer visually, and is usually more forgiving to lay but more porous, so sealing may be worthwhile.
Appearance
Porcelain is manufactured, so shade and size are highly consistent and the surface finish is uniform. Natural stone is quarried, so colour, veining and thickness vary between slabs — that variation is the point for many gardens, but it does mean you should mix slabs from several packs as you lay.
Maintenance
Porcelain absorbs very little water, so it resists staining and is generally easy to keep clean. Natural stone is more porous; sandstone and limestone in particular can stain from spills and may benefit from a sealant. Both need occasional cleaning to stop algae building up in shaded, damp areas.
Cutting and laying
Porcelain must be cut with a suitable diamond blade, ideally wet, and the underside is usually primed with a slurry so it bonds to the bed. Natural stone is more tolerant of cutting methods but the thickness variation means you will be adjusting the bed as you go.
Slip resistance and frost
Both materials are available in finishes suited to UK outdoor conditions. Check the manufacturer's slip rating for anything sloping, around a pool, or on a route used year round. Always confirm a product is intended for external use before you buy it.
Cost and total project
Compare like with like: the slab price alone is not the project cost. Bedding material, primer, jointing compound, edge restraints and cutting all count. We can price the full material list for either option so you can compare properly.
Not sure what to order? Send your measurements through our quote form and we will work the quantities out with you, or call the yard on 01483359553.