Porcelain Paving in Portsmouth

Why people choose porcelain

Porcelain is fired at high temperature until it vitrifies, leaving a slab with water absorption typically under 0.5 per cent. Practically, that means it does not soak up barbecue grease, red wine or leaf tannin; it does not need sealing; it resists frost damage; and the colour does not fade in sunlight. Algae has far less to grip.

Slabs are also calibrated to a consistent thickness with rectified edges, so a finished terrace has narrow, even joints and a very flat surface — the look most people are after when they show us a photograph of a modern extension with bi-fold doors opening onto a terrace.

Formats and finishes

The common sizes are 600 x 600mm, 600 x 900mm and 800 x 800mm, with plank formats around 400 x 1200mm for a timber-effect run. Larger slabs give a calmer surface with fewer joints but need a flatter bed and are heavier to handle in a garden with restricted access.

Finishes imitate stone, concrete and timber convincingly. Mid-greys suit contemporary rendered extensions; warm beiges and sand tones sit better against Portsmouth’s traditional red and yellow stock brick. Matching internal tiles are available in most ranges if you want the floor to run through the doors and out onto the terrace at the same level.

How we install it

A compacted sub-base first, then a full mortar bed — never spot dabs. Each slab has a cement-based slurry primer brushed across its back immediately before laying, and it is tapped down onto the bed while the primer is still wet so a full bond forms. Joints are set with spacers, generally 4–6mm, and pointed with a suitable brush-in or trowel-applied compound once the bed has gone off.

Because rectified porcelain is unforgiving, setting out matters: we start from the most visible edge, plan cuts to fall at the least conspicuous boundary, and keep the fall consistent at around 1:80 away from the house so no water sits on a surface that shows every puddle.

Living with a porcelain terrace

Upkeep is a sweep and an occasional wash with warm water and a mild detergent. No sealing, no re-sanding, no colour fade. Avoid strong acids, which can etch the grout, and take care with metal furniture feet that can leave scuff marks on a pale slab.

Not sure between porcelain and natural stone? Read the patio page or ask us to price both.