Laying Porcelain Paving

How to Lay Porcelain Paving Correctly

Porcelain paving is the perfect way to transform both indoor and outdoor areas with high quality and durable tiles. For many, porcelain paving is the upgrade which really transforms the entire look and adds prestige to your living space. 

However, for porcelain paving to have the desired aesthetic, it needs to be laid correctly so it looks professional and tidy. Not only can incorrectly laid porcelain have a negative impact on the visual side of your new paving, but it can also lead to some problems further down the line.

In this guide, we’re going to take you through how to correctly lay porcelain tiles. 

What tools are needed to lay porcelain paving slabs?

To properly lay porcelain slabs, you’ll need the following tools: 

• Water-fed diamond-tipped cutting disc 
• Tape measure
• Spirit level
• Shovel
• Wheelbarrow
• Rubber mallet
• Plate compactor
• Trowel
• Bucket
• Mixer
• Safety equipment (dust mask, safety goggles)

On top of this equipment, there’s also some specific materials you’ll need to get the job done.

What materials are needed to lay porcelain paving slabs?

Obviously, you need to choose your porcelain slabs first. Check out our range of coloured porcelain slabs. Alternatively, browse our effect paving selection. Our guide to ordering porcelain paving can help you with this!

Now you’ve got your slabs, these are the base materials you’re going to need to lay porcelain paving slabs. 

• VillaFix™ Rapid Base Mix
• VillaFix™ Porcelain & Stone Primer
• VillaFix™ Porcelain & Stone Adhesive 
• Sub-base material
• Grout
• Water
• Spacers
• String line

It’s very important to use suitable slurry tile primer such as VillaFix™ Porcelain & Stone Primer, applying it to the reverse of each tile before laying to achieve full adhesion.

Make Sure to Get Your Porcelain Paving Accessories!

What should porcelain paving be laid on?

Porcelain paving should be laid on a solid mortar bed, built on either a concrete or sand base. We’d recommend a full mortar bed, to ensure full support and adhesion. 

You’ll need to lay a sub-base and a full base in order for the slabs to be properly supported and even. 

Preparing the ground for laying porcelain slabs

There are a couple of steps for preparing the ground for laying porcelain slabs:

1. Prepare the base - Measure your intended location and mark with pegs. Remove any debris, vegetation, roots, or anything else that might be in the way. Then you need to rake the surface and compact the whole area with a roller.
   
   
2. Lay sub-base - A sub-base offers a level foundation which is sturdy. This decreases the risk of cracking, which is caused by movement underneath the completed tiles. Your sub-base should typically be 100mm for patios, or 200mm for driveways. 
   
   
3. Lay full base - Using a spirit level to ensure the base is level, lay a full bed of your mortar mix with a 4:1 sand/cement ratio. It is often a good idea to lay the base one slab at a time, so it doesn’t dry before you’re finished. 

Our guide to preparing for laying porcelain paving goes into more detail.

How to correctly cut porcelain paving

To correctly cut porcelain paving, you need to use a water-fed diamond-tipped cutting disc, as well as wearing appropriate safety equipment such as gloves, goggles and a dust mask.  

1. Measure and mark your cutting line using pencil or marker, before using your tile cutting tool to score along this line. 
   
   
2. Once the score line has been cut, slowly and carefully cut all the way through the tile, starting from one end of the tile and methodically working your way up. Slowly cutting using low pressure helps to avoid cracking. 
   
   
3. After the cut is complete, you can use a file or grinder to smooth any rough edges.
   

Order Your Desired Porcelain Paving Tiles Today

How to lay porcelain paving slabs

Having already prepared your sub and full base, and correctly cut your porcelain paving slabs to size, you’re ready to lay your paving:

1. Prime slabs - One at a time, brush the underside of your slabs with primer. This adhesive ensures that each of your tiles attaches strongly to your base. 
   
   
2. Place slabs in position - Carefully place each slab in position, using a spirit level to ensure that each slab is flat and aligned. Using your rubber mallet, lightly tap the tiles into position, making sure they are fully in contact with the mortar in all areas. This guarantees a strong bond and means your tiles will last longer. 
   
   
3. Place spacers between slabs - Using spacers to create a gap of roughly 5mm between each slab ensures uniformity. These spacers should be left in whilst everything dries and becomes permanently stuck, but make sure you take the time and caution to ensure each slab is well aligned. 
   
   
4. Leave to dry before grouting - Give at least 24 hours for the area to dry, without walking on or putting any heavy pressure on the tiles. This prevents them from moving or shifting before fully dry. Then, you can grout the area in between tiles.  

Watch our handy video to see how this is done:

Grouting porcelain paving tiles

The final step to transforming your living space with porcelain tiles is grouting:

1. Ensure slabs are dry, and free of debris - Any dust or debris could weaken the grout, and dampness can cause discolouration. 
   
   
2. Mix grout powder - Using the instructions on your specific porcelain and stone grout, mix and prepare the grout. 
   
   
3. Apply grout - Using a grout float, evenly apply grout into each joint gap. Ensure that it fully fills each joint cavity and is smooth. 
   
   
4. Clean excess - Initially, whilst still wet, clear as much grout as you can with a damp sponge without taking any out of the joints. Then, once the grout has partially dried, wipe away any grout which remains outside of the joint.
   

For more help, check out our helpful video: