GARDEN DESIGN
WHAT ARE THE MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PORCELAIN AND
SANDSTONE PAVING?
CHECK OUT OUR HANDY TABLE BELOW FOR THE KEY COMPARISONS
Durability
Water resistance
Environmental impact
Maintenance
Installation
Porcelain
Less porous, scratch-resistant, and more durable
More water-resistant, with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5 %
Created from natural, raw materials with minimal waste and no harmful additional materials
Low-maintenance and naturally stain-resistant. Only a quick wipe is required to remove moisture
Slabs require special equipment for cutting, and the extra adhesive at the base requires specialist techniques for installation
Sandstone
Durable but softer than porcelain and more prone to scratches
More porous, with a water absorption rate of around 1.7 %
Natural, biodegradable, with no harmful additional materials
Easy to maintain, can handle being washed with a pressure washer Needs to be resealed every one or two years
Easy to cut and install. It can be used to make complex designs
Cost More pricey Cheaper
Design
Consistent, printed surface that emulates natural stone
Natural, each slab has a unique pattern and wears over time
Which paving option is more durable? If durability is your main concern, both porcelain and sandstone will serve you well, but porcelain does have an edge.
Porcelain paving is made from compressed clay with an image printed onto it to resemble natural stone. The slabs are fired at a high temperature, producing a tough, resilient material with low moisture absorption. Porcelain is a great option if you use your outdoor space heavily for entertaining.
Sandstone is created naturally over thousands of years. It’ s tough and
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