Porcelain and natural stone are the two finishes we are asked about most for patios. Both look superb laid properly. The right one for you depends on how much maintenance you want and the look you are after. See our patios in South Dublin for both finishes as we lay them.
At a glance
- Porcelain: colour-stable, frost-proof, almost no upkeep
- Natural stone: character that lasts a lifetime, with a seal and a wash now and then
- Either way, a full bound mortar bed under every slab
Porcelain: low-maintenance and colour-stable
Porcelain is fired hard, colour-stable and frost-proof, so it does not fade in the sun or stain from wine, oil or leaves. It looks the same in ten years as the day it was laid, and a wash keeps it fresh. Outdoor porcelain is a textured, slip-rated grade, so it stays grippy in the wet.
If you want a patio that looks sharp with almost no upkeep, porcelain is hard to beat.
Natural stone: character that lasts a lifetime
Granite and limestone give a patio a depth and character that man-made surfaces cannot match, with every slab a little different. Sealed and looked after, natural stone lasts a lifetime and only gets better with age.
It needs a little more care than porcelain, a seal and the occasional wash, but for many gardens the natural look is worth it.
Torn between the two? Send James a photo of the garden and he will tell you straight which suits it.
Send a photoThe bed under the slabs is what matters
Whichever you choose, the patio is only as good as the bed underneath. We lay every slab on a full bound mortar bed, not on spots of mortar, with falls set so water runs clear of the house. Spot-fixed slabs crack and rock, and that is where most failed patios go wrong.
Egyptian limestone patio & new lawn
Which is right for your garden?
Porcelain for low maintenance and a crisp, modern look. Natural stone for warmth, character and a finish that lasts a lifetime. We bring samples to the site visit so you can see both against your house and garden before you decide.
