Porcelain vs Sandstone vs Concrete Paving Slabs

At a glance

Porcelain

Outdoor porcelain is fired at very high temperatures, making it dense, hard and almost waterproof. It absorbs very little water, so it resists frost, stains, moss and algae, and it's easy to keep clean. The printed designs are consistent, giving a clean, modern look.

What's different about laying it: because porcelain absorbs so little water, ordinary mortar can't grip it on its own. Each slab needs a slurry primer brushed onto its underside, laid onto a full wet mortar bed – never dot-and-dab. It's also hard to cut: you need a diamond blade, ideally cutting wet. Joints are usually filled with a brush-in or resin jointing compound.

Buy all your porcelain in one order, as shades can vary between batches.

Indian sandstone

Natural stone with real variation from slab to slab. Riven slabs have a textured, split surface with good grip; sawn slabs have smooth, square edges for a contemporary look. Calibrated slabs are machined to a consistent thickness (often 22mm), which makes laying much easier than hand-cut stone.

Sandstone is more porous than porcelain, so it can stain and weather, and moss can grow in shady spots. Many people seal it to make cleaning easier. Lay it on a full mortar bed; a priming slurry is also commonly recommended.

Concrete slabs

The most affordable choice, available in many colours, textures and imitation-stone finishes. They're thicker and heavier, which makes them forgiving to lay. Colours can fade over time, and cheaper slabs can look less convincing up close than natural stone.

Whatever you choose: the base matters most

All three need the same foundations: around 100mm of compacted MOT Type 1, then a mortar bed of about 25–40mm, and a fall of about 1 in 60 so water runs away from the house. The Patio Planner works out every layer for your patio size.

Safety when cutting

Cutting concrete, stone and porcelain produces fine dust containing silica, which can seriously damage your lungs. Cut outdoors, use water suppression where possible, and wear a properly fitted FFP3 mask. Check with your local council if the work changes drainage or affects planning restrictions.