Sandstone Vs Porcelain Paving - The One Stop Guide

Are you thinking about revamping your outdoor space with some new paving slabs? You’ve probably been faced with the inevitable choice between porcelain and sandstone paving. The problem is that it can be difficult to pick between the two!

We’re going to list the pros and cons of both porcelain and sandstone paving, so you can choose the perfect paving for your garden!

 

 

Pros of Porcelain Paving

Porcelain paving is created from a mixture of sand and many other minerals, which are baked in a high-temperature kiln. It’s this process that makes this type of paving a popular choice for a number of reasons, some of which we’ve outlined below:

Durability: The materials used to create porcelain paving make it one of the toughest patio options you can find. With each paver built to last, it’s suitable for high-traffic areas because it’s resistant to heavy impact.

Low Maintenance: Each porcelain paving stone is naturally stain-resistant. They require very little in the way of upkeep and have the ability to retain their vibrancy for years.

Moisture resistance: This paving is less porous than other materials, making moisture almost impossible to seep through. This also means that it’s slip-resistant when wet - perfect for those rainy and damp weather conditions.

Fireproof: Porcelain paving doesn’t catch fire and it can also help limit the spread of fires. This offers that extra bit of reassurance for those who enjoy a BBQ or two in the summer! 

 

We have a great selection of porcelain paving head over to our porcelain paving section to see all of our porcelain products.

 

Cons of Porcelain Paving

Like many paving products, porcelain pavers have their limitations too.

Installation: Due to the porous nature of porcelain, it is dense and hard to cut making it difficult to install if you’re not an expert.

Weight: Porcelain is a heavy material, so before deciding on this type of paving it’s important to check that your deck or other outdoor space can support the extra weight.

 

 

 

Pros of Sandstone Paving 

Sandstone paving is a popular choice among many homeowners due to its beauty and distinctive style. Available in a range of multicoloured stones, they’re a great way of adding character to any outdoor space. With that said, there are many other advantages of choosing to install sandstone pavers.

Long-lasting: Even if sandstone doesn’t match the durability of porcelain, it’s still very strong when properly maintained and cared for. This means it can last decades once it’s installed.

It’s eco-friendly: If you’re worried about using environmentally-friendly products, sandstone ticks all the boxes. It can be recycled and is biodegradable. What’s more, its manufacturing process has less damaging effects on the environment because it’s not processed with harmful chemicals.

Unique finish: Sandstone is an entirely organic product which means it delivers an authentically natural look. In a range of patterns, each individual piece is unique. This offers a wealth of design possibilities.

Easy to maintain: Sandstone is extremely low maintenance. Cleaning sandstone couldn’t be easier as you can pressure wash the stone paving without damaging its colour or finish.

 

We have a wide range of sandstone paving available to purchase online, including our bestselling Delamere Paving, Sienna Natural Paving and Silver Birch Paving. You can also view the full collection.

 

Cons of Sandstone Paving 

The drawbacks of sandstone are a consequence of the material it’s made from. For example:

Water absorption: Sandstone is known for being porous and therefore has a high absorption rate which makes it vulnerable to damage. In extreme cases, liquid, moulds and bacteria can cause permanent stains deep into the stone.

Scratches: As mentioned above, sandstone is softer than other types of rock. This means it can be more prone to dents and scratches over time. However, if properly cared for this shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

 

Landscape World can help

We hope this has given you some insight into the pros and cons of both porcelain and sandstone paving, and helped you determine which type is best for you.

If you’d like to hear more from our team of experts, then head down to our paving centre in Widnes for more advice. Here, you’ll be able to discover our large paving display area where you can pick the perfect outdoor flooring for your garden!

We offer local delivery in the North West to areas including Liverpool, Widnes, Warrington and Runcorn. We offer a click & collect service when ordering online too, and aim to have all orders picked and ready within two hours.

We also offer national delivery across the UK.