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1. Elevate a Wooden Deck or Patio with Rovere Impero Porcelain Pavers

If you love the look of a wooden surface but don’t want to deal with all the extra maintenance that comes with taking care of actual wood, consider elevating your design with Rovere Impero Porcelain Pavers. Designed to look like classic wood slabs, these pavers can be custom cut and used for everything from pool decks and patios to rooftops, steps, fireplaces, and more. They’re resistant to frost, thermal shocks, swimming pool chemicals, stains, and skids, making them an ideal option for outdoor use.

2. Create an Elegant Dining or Lounge Space with Dark Grey Porcelain Pavers

If you’re looking to create an elegant outdoor space for lounging or dining, consider Dark Grey Porcelain Pavers for a simplistic, classic appeal. These anti-slip pavers are also resistant to stains, frost, thermal shocks, and swimming pool chemicals, so they can be used to design a range of spaces in your backyard. The dark grey color can help you create a chic, magazine-worthy space that will stay looking brand-new with minimal maintenance for a long time to come.

3. Give Your Pool Deck a Classic Makeover with Smokey Porcelain Pavers

Use Smokey Porcelain Pavers to create a simple, classic pool deck. These anti-slip, stain-, frost-, and thermal shock-resistant pavers are perfect for use around a pool. They’re also resistant to pool chemicals, so you never have to worry about them fading or staining from pool water, even after years of use. Designed to mimic the look of a traditional concrete deck, these pavers are much more durable and easy to maintain – not to mention glossier and textured for enhanced aesthetic appeal.

4. Add Dimension to a Space with Light Grey Porcelain Pavers

Create the illusion of more space by adding dimension to your backyard design with Light Grey Porcelain Pavers. Create a wide walkway by spacing large slabs a few inches apart and letting the grass grow around them. If you have a pool in your backyard, design the walkway leading to the pool and line the pool in matching pavers. You can also use them to create a rectangular seating area next to the pool. Their anti-slip and pool chemical resistant properties make them ideal for any backyard application, including patio, façade, steps, treads, and even fireplaces.

5. Get an Effortlessly Elegant Look with Milk Porcelain Pavers

Create a space that exudes a level of elegance on par with marble using Milk Porcelain Pavers. Whether you’re designing a pool deck or patio space, the elegant look of these pavers will elevate your backyard’s level of class and style. Start out by laying down walkways that pop in the striking white color of these pavers. The walkways can lead from the house and driveway to the pool deck or patio, which will be made of meticulously positioned and laid tiles in milky white. They create the perfect look for summer, and their stain-proof property means you can use them in any high-traffic area without worrying about them getting damaged or stained.

6. Elevate Your Earth Tones with Sand Porcelain Pavers and Travertine Copings

Combine Sand Porcelain Pavers with a variety of textured earth-toned materials and furniture to elevate your pool deck and entertainment area. Build the deck with these perfectly cut and laid pavers and line the pool’s border with travertine copings for a chic and shiny look. Line the outside of the deck with a thin grass border and fill the space beyond it with loose stones to add to the earthy appeal of the space. Use pavers in a darker shade to construct an elevated seating area in one corner and a covered pavilion in the center. Sand Porcelain Pavers can help you elevate your entertainment area and create a relaxing atmosphere for hosting friends and family throughout the spring and summer and even into the fall.

7. Create a Textured Surface with Metal Porcelain Pavers

Use Metal Porcelain Pavers to create a textured surface for a pool deck, patio, walkway, steps, and treads. The marbled appearance of these elegant 24″ x 24″ pavers makes them ideal for covering a large surface area as they create a textured look that adds depth and personality to the space. Use them to create a matching pool deck, patio, and surrounding walkways. They’re precision cut to cover steps and surrounding walkways as well. These porcelain pavers have anti-slip and frost-resistant properties that make them durable enough to maintain year-round in harsh climate conditions with little to no maintenance. They’re also skid- and stain-resistant, making them perfect for laying out in high-traffic areas where you want to do a lot of entertaining.

8. Mimic the Look of Marble with White Porcelain Pavers

Get the look of marble without breaking the bank or worrying about the extensive maintenance it requires with White Porcelain Pavers. Affordability is only one of the qualities that makes these pavers more desirable than marble for most homeowners. It’s designed to mimic the look of marble perfectly, but unlike marble, it’s incredibly durable, stain- and slip-resistant, and super easy to maintain. Use it to lay out a pool deck and line the pool’s border with marble copings for enhanced elegance. It’s also great for creating a patio, steps, treads, walkways, fireplaces, and even rooftops.

9. Combine Classic and Contemporary Aesthetics with Rustic Grigio Porcelain Pavers

Use Rustic Grigio Porcelain Pavers with classic and contemporary design elements to create a chic space and a relaxing atmosphere. The appearance of these pavers combines shades of grey and tan, making them ideal for pairing with other materials like wood and stone for a contemporary twist on a classic, earthy aesthetic. Lay these 24″ x 24″ pavers side-by-side to create a flooring that adds texture and dimension to any space. Use them to lay out a patio, line the side of the house, and make a pool deck that can be enhanced even further with silver travertine coping around the pool’s border. They’re resistant to thermal shocks and frost, making them perfect for creating a long-lasting surface in areas that experience extreme climate changes throughout the year. They’re also anti-slip and skid-resistant, which makes them ideal for use in high-traffic entertainment areas.

10. Mimic the Look of Bluestone with Bluestone Grey 3cm Porcelain Pavers

Bluestone is one of the most sought-after natural stones for hardscaping. Not only is it highly desirable, it only comes from a few regions, making it costly and difficult to obtain. Bluestone Grey 3cm Porcelain Pavers provide a much more reasonable alternative to natural bluestone, not only in terms of cost but also in terms of availability and ease of maintenance. These beautiful pavers are made to mimic the look of bluestone perfectly. They will elevate and enhance any backyard area, whether it be a pool deck, patio, walkway, steps, treads, and even rooftops. Like other porcelain pavers, they’re resistant to frost, thermal shocks, swimming pool chemicals, stains, and skids for minimal maintenance and long-lasting use.

Whether you’re planning a complete backyard makeover or simply want to restore an existing surface, contact us to discuss your vision and learn more about the exciting ways that porcelain pavers can bring your vision to life.

Whether you’re looking to remodel an existing pool or patio or are getting ready to hardscape your backyard for the first time, you might be overwhelmed at the number of surface options there are to choose from. While more traditional materials like concrete and natural stone products used to be the most popular options, porcelain pavers are quickly gaining the lead as people realize all the benefits they have to offer for outdoor use.

Porcelain Pavers – Unmatched Beauty and Durability

Porcelain pavers are unmatched in their combination of beauty and durability. These unique paving slabs are made from the highest grade of porcelain, offering an ideal alternative to natural stone and concrete pavers. Made with kiln-filtered clay and recycled materials, these paving stones have been used in some of the world’s most climatically challenging environments. Along with their superior density, porcelain pavers undergo a patented, proprietary process to achieve uniformity throughout each slab, which lends to their beautiful aesthetic appeal.

Benefits of Hardscaping with Porcelain Pavers

Porcelain pavers are quickly growing in popularity as more people realize the vast number of benefits of using them for hardscaping:

• In contrast to their natural stone and concrete counterparts, porcelain pavers are naturally stain- and chemical-resistant without requiring sealing.
• They’re incredibly easy to clean and maintain and have no efflorescence, which means their stunning appearance outlasts most other materials for outdoor use.
• They’re also highly scratch- and abrasion-resistant and have a non-slip surface.
• For those residing in areas where the weather gets cold, porcelain pavers are not only impermeable – meaning you can use all de-icing salts and similar materials without damaging them – they’re also 100 percent frost-free.
• As far as aesthetic appeal is concerned, the color in porcelain pavers is fused into the surface through a vitrification process, so it’s not affected by the elements and will never become discolored. Their stain-resistant properties combined with their ultra-low moisture absorption and resistance to mold and moss growth allow them to retain a beautiful appearance with very little maintenance involved.

Applications and Installation

Porcelain pavers can be made to mimic the appearance and texture of a wide range of natural stones. They’re often made to look like quartz and travertine and come so close to the real thing that it’s not easy to tell them apart. Their ability to be made in a vast range of sizes and colors allows for creativity in patterning and hardscape design. Porcelain pavers are used for everything from patios and pool decks to gardens, walkways, entranceways, and more.

Porcelain pavers are easy to install over various bases, including grass, concrete, compacted sand, and gravel. Their lightweight design and precision sizing for uniformity also lend to their ease of installation.

Now that you know all about this versatile material, let’s take a look at some of the most exciting and appealing ways porcelain pavers can be used to enhance and elevate your backyard.

Whether you want to build a gazebo, lay out a patio, or pave an entire driveway on your property, natural stone pavers offer versatility and aesthetic appeal. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one for your project? Vision, aesthetics, and budget each play a role in helping you determine which type of natural stone pavers to use for an exterior home project. To help you lay it all out, here’s the ultimate guide to choosing natural stone pavers.

What Are Natural Stone Pavers?

Natural stone pavers are slabs comprised of natural stone. They come in a variety of types, including:

• Granite
• Bluestone
• Flagstone
• Limestone
• Travertine
• Marble
• Sandstone
• Slate

Natural stone paving is a process that uses slabs of these stones to pave outdoor areas like patios, walkways, and driveways. Natural stone provides character and a high level of visual interest to an outdoor space. It has various features that make it appealing. It’s eco-friendly because it comes from a natural source and can be processed using low-energy machinery. It has a timeless look with elegant finishing. It’s also more durable than processed material like concrete and has proven that it can stand the test of time. Installing natural stone can also add value to your property and make it more marketable if you want to sell it.

Natural Stone Pavers vs. Manmade Pavers

Types of Manmade Pavers

Manmade stone pavers come in two types: concrete and porcelain. Thanks to modern technology and manufacturing techniques, both are available in various sizes, colors, and surface textures. They can even be made to mimic the look of natural stone. While one may resemble the other, natural stone and manmade stone have very different characteristics.

Manufacturing

Concrete and porcelain are manufactured tiles made by compressing a combination of raw materials and then exposing them to extreme heat. Unlike natural stone, in which each piece has a unique charm, manmade stone tends to lack character due to its uniformity. For concrete or porcelain to bear an actual resemblance to natural stone, it needs to be put through further processing. If you’re big on using eco-friendly materials, natural stone is the way to go.

Coloration

For concrete or porcelain to resemble certain types of natural stone, it needs to have pigments or dye added to it. On the other hand, natural stone comes in a vast array of colors and textures that each have its own natural properties and characteristics. It has proven its ability to withstand weathering over time, but the coloring added to manmade stone will fade at a much faster rate. While dyed manmade stones will fade over time, natural stone often looks better as it ages, and keeping up with proper maintenance will help it look even better.

Installation and Lifespan

Manmade stone requires less preparation to install, which leads to lower installation costs than natural stone. They also require less maintenance. While natural stone requires a bit more work overall, its adored for its unique qualities and characteristics. It’s also highly durable as it was already formed over thousands of years, withstanding nature’s harshest elements.

Reasons to Choose Natural Stone Pavers

There are many reasons to choose natural stone pavers for your home exterior. Here are some of the best ones.

Long Lifespan

One of the best features of natural stone is that it has already aged for hundreds or thousands of years, so you know you’re getting a paver that can stand the test of time. While the hue may change slightly with time, most people agree that natural stones look even more appealing as they age.

An Array of Style Choices

Unlike manmade stones, which are manufactured uniformly, natural stones offer a wide array of style choices. You can choose from flat or irregular surfaces as well as varying shapes and natural colors. These choices provide much more versatility in designing your home’s exterior, whether you’re looking to build a unique wall or want to add a pattern to your patio floor or even create a timeless, natural-looking walkway in your garden.

Eco-Friendly

Natural stone is a much more sustainable option than manmade pavers. They’re naturally sourced, require much less processing, last longer, and are recyclable.

Worthwhile Investment

While some natural stone types will add more value than others, all of them will add some value to your home and property. Using natural stone pavers is a worthwhile investment as it won’t only add value to your home but also increase its marketability. Natural stones are regarded as being high-quality, elegant, and sophisticated materials that will add a level of distinction to your home.

How to Choose the Right Natural Stone Pavers

Since there is a range of natural stones that each come with their own set of distinguishing features and characteristics, it can be challenging to decide which one to choose for your design. Here are some of the biggest things to consider when choosing a natural stone paver.

Consider the Space

Different types of stonework better than others for various surface areas. Here’s a general guide to help you narrow your options based on the area you’ll be using natural stone pavers:

• For walkways, pool decks, driveways, and other high-traffic areas, granite, travertine, and slate are excellent options
• For architectural elements like trims, posts, stacked walls, and stone-based furniture, look at bluestone, sandstone, and limestone
• For exterior wall cladding, headers, and window sills, marble makes a beautiful choice
• For patio paving, any natural stone makes a good option

Select the Hue

Natural stones come in a spectrum of stunning hues and colors. Which ones are best for your project? Use the guide below for some style ideas.

Dark Shades

Choose a darker shade of your favorite stone if you’ll use it where there are chances of staining, such as countertops and tabletops or flooring where children will be playing.

Dark Colors

Dark colors are perfect for hiding fingerprints, dust, and watermarks. Choose dark colors for outdoor areas where you might be hosting many parties or where there’s an outdoor barbeque area.

Light and Bright Colors

Light and bright colors are great for creating an illusion of a larger space. They also give a sense of calm and elegance to an area, especially in spaces containing natural greenery. Use light and bright colors in places like swimming pools and patios.

Choose a Texture and Pattern

Each natural stone forms its distinct textures and patterns based on the geological process it went through. Decide whether you want a stone with grains or veins or a stone that’s foliated vs. non-foliated. Granite is an excellent example of a grainy stone, while marble is certainly veiny. Foliated rocks will have a straight striped pattern, while non-foliated ones appear to be colored in shades that blend together.

Consider the Stone’s Effects

You can use various combinations of natural stones to give your space a specific effect. Here are some examples:

• Give your space a rustic effect by using stones in earthy colors with prominent textures on the surface
• Create a casual effect by using natural stones for walls, pillars, floors, steps, and other structural features
• Give your space a warm effect by outfitting it entirely in a combination of natural stones
• Create an inviting effect by decorating a space with travertine flooring, granite wall claddings, and pillars or columns made with stacked stones
• Give your space an elegant effect by using fine-textured marble flooring, countertops, or tables

Select a Finishing Treatment

All types of natural stones require a finishing treatment and sealing. There are different types of finishing treatments you can choose from depending on its application:

• Natural finishing is ideal for patio and path paving as it leaves the stone with a matte, natural look
• Tumbled stone finishing is ideal for rustic areas as it gives the stone an aged look
• Bush hammered stone finishing is ideal for creating non-slip surfaces as it generates craters of different sizes in uniform patterns
• Sandblasted stone finishing is similar to bush-hammered, but its craters are comparatively smaller to highlight the color of the stone
• Mushroom stone finishing gives the stone a rustic appearance
• Flamed stone is ideal for outdoor applications as it adds a slight roughness to the top layers of the stone’s surface
• Sawn stone is perfect for external paving as it gives the stone a matte finish with small furrows
• Honed stone finishing is ideal for staircases and stepping stones as it can provide a flat, matte, or satin appearance

Check the Hardness, Durability, Strength, and Stain-Resistance

There are ways to check the hardness, durability, strength, and stain resistance of natural stones before making a final decision. Checking these aspects on a sample of the stone can be a huge help when you’re trying to determine which type to place where.

Checking the Hardness

The hardness of a stone refers to its capacity to be scratched. Since a more rigid material will always make a scratch on a softer material and not vice-versa, you can check a stone for scratch resistance with a simple test. Use glass or steel to try to scratch the surface of the stone. Never use a softer stone where there will be a high amount of foot traffic or activity.

Examining the Durability

Check the stone for splitting, crumbling, or cracking. Some types of natural stones are more prone to splitting and crumbling than others. Check the durability of the stone before deciding to use it for specific applications.

Naturally-occurring cracks called fissures can happen to any rock, but if there’s a break that originated from a human, that’s a crack. Check ready-to-install stones for cracks and fissures before having them installed. While fissures generally won’t be an issue unless they run through the stone’s entire surface, either will affect the stone’s appearance and should be replaced before installation.

Measuring Strength Properties

There are two types of strength properties for which natural stones are tested. Make sure you check the strength properties of a natural stone paver before choosing it for an application.

Compressive strength measures the crushing load of a stone. A high compressive strength means that the rocks can’t be crushed easily, even under high pressure. Granite and slate are among the natural stone types with the highest compressive strength, while sandstone, limestone, and marble are lower on the scale.

Flexural strength tests the capacity of a rock to rupture against bending. A high flexural strength value indicates that it’s not easy to bend and break the stone. Again, slate and granite have the highest flexural strengths. Marble, limestone, and sandstone follow, with sandstone having the lowest flexural strength.

Checking the Level of Stain-Resistance

Many natural stones are prone to stains, which can ruin their appearance. Be sure to select stone types for different spaces according to their stain resistance. You can do this by understanding the three main aspects that fix a natural stone’s stain resistance:

• The stone’s composition
• The stone’s appearance
• The stone’s water absorption level

Avoid using stone types that are sensitive to acid in areas that are highly prone to stains, such as barbeques and kitchens. It’s best to choose a highly granular stone of a darker shade in these areas, which is easier to maintain and does a better job at hiding minor stains.

For help choosing the ideal natural stone pavers for your outdoor project, contact EleganceUs. We can provide you with the guidance, services, and materials you need to create the perfect outdoor atmosphere.

Whether you’re doing it to add to your home’s aesthetic or to make room for more cars to park at your house, there are plenty of reasons why someone would want to pave their garden or yard. However, it isn’t as easy as just throwing down some tile and being done with it. There are several things to consider and rules to abide by if you want to avoid fines or potential problems trying to sell your home in the future. If you’re thinking about doing any paving work on your yard or garden, this is your ultimate guide of Rules for Paving, you need to follow and the best type of material to use for the job.

Why Are There Rules for Paving?

You might be wondering why you can’t just lay down paving wherever you want to – after all, it’s your property, right? Well, there are rules in place to help you maintain your property and the environment around it when you want to pave.

Water management is the primary concern. Most porch and patio slabs, driveways, walks, and other paved surfaces are done with non-porous materials, which means that water flows freely across them without being absorbed. Surfaces paved without proper grading to allow for the natural flow of water away from the house are subject to many issues. The consequences of poor water management include:

• Potential water intrusion
• Structural integrity issues
• Increase in pests and insects
• Mold and indoor air quality issues
• Health and safety issues
• Issues with building durability

When you plan your paving, you need to have a comprehensive water management strategy in place. In addition to proper grading and site preparation, construction should be done carefully, allowing water to be directed away from the building. Porch and patio slabs, walkways, and driveways all need to be designed and built with a slope to direct water flow away from the building’s foundation.

Slope Planning for Water Management

Suppose you’re installing any impervious surfaces within 10 feet of the home or building. In that case, you must plan the construction with a slope of at least 0.25 inches per foot to the edge of the surface or for the first 10 feet from the building (whichever is less) for ENERGY STAR Certified homes. For all other houses, there’s a recommended slope of 2 percent.

If there are physical barriers like lot lines or walls or setback requirements that prevent the slope from being maintained for at least 6 inches within 10 feet of the foundation, you must plan to install drains or swales to carry water away from the building.

Additional Considerations for Climate

Some locations experience frequent heavy rainfall. In such areas, additional local codes sometimes need to be followed to maintain site storm water management. You can take additional measures to address water management and reduce erosion and ponding on your property, especially if you’ll be installing paving over your yard. Other water management measures include:

• Installation of adequately sized gutters, downspouts, kick-out diverters that direct water to a swale, dry well, or other approved location
• Construction of swales that drain to dry well or French drain
• Installation of cisterns or rain barrels that collect and store rainwater for use on the lawn and garden
• Choose porous pavers or use open brickwork when building a driveway or walkway as these materials allow for slow percolation of water into the surrounding soil and help reduce runoff
• Make a rain garden using native plants with deep roots that will soak up rainwater and improve filtration – design features of such gardens can allow up to 30 percent more water to soak into the ground as compared to a conventional lawn patch

What to Do if Your Property Has a Negative Slope

Suppose you’re renovating an existing driveway or trying to pave an area that has a negative slope. In that case, there are various retrofit options you can use to correct the issue instead of regrading the entire site. These include:

• Installing footing drains
• Installing damp proofing
• Installing a moisture barrier of dimples plastic on the exterior surface of below-grade walls
• Construct a drainage system or swales to carry water away from the building to a drainage location, dry well, or storm water sewer
• Installing drains at the base of patios or driveways that slope toward the house
• Replacing solid-surface walkways, driveways, or patios with previous surfaces (pavers, pebbles, gravel)

When is it Necessary to Obtain a Permit?

Now that you understand the rules to follow concerning water management for paving, it’s essential to understand which cases it’s necessary to obtain a paving permit. This question is a bit more complicated to answer as it depends significantly on your town or city’s ordinances. In many communities, you need to obtain a permit from the planning department to build paved areas on the house’s exterior.

Unincorporated towns are generally governed by a county permitting authority where codes aren’t as strict. In areas where there are environmental issues, protected aquifers, or special drainage restrictions, you’ll likely be required to submit a plan review, and a permit will need to be issued.

Although laws vary significantly throughout the United States, most municipalities deem it okay to pave without a permit as long as:

• The surface of a patio or walkway isn’t more than 30 inches above grade
• The surface of a concrete driveway or walk isn’t more than 18 inches above grade
• Width is restricted to 18 feet (turnarounds are an exception to this rule)
• The paved area isn’t being laid directly over a basement or other lower floor
• A wall or fence measures between 2.5 to 6 feet (other factors such as soil type, property line, and climate may affect the requirements in this case)
• A slab foundation for a shed, gazebo, greenhouse, or other outbuilding doesn’t exceed 120 square feet
• In many cases, parking pads are illegal, so check with your regional authority if you’re planning on making one

Even if you meet the criteria above, don’t skip out on looking into the process as every town’s local building authority has its own rules that apply. Suppose you go ahead and build without knowing that you’re violating a code. In that case, you could end up with fines, a citation, retroactive permit costs, and even have difficulty insuring, financing, or selling your home Rules for Paving.

Besides checking your town’s ordinances, you must also check with your homeowner’s association if you’re part of one. Many homeowner’s associations have bylaws concerning such projects.

The Best Types of Pavers for Outdoors

Pavers come in slabs and blocks and are made from various materials, including concrete, brick (clay), travertine, marble, porcelain, flagstone, and even rubber. You can use them to create walkways, driveways, patios, pool decks, and other areas around a home’s exterior. You can choose to lay slabs or use interlocking pavers for an eye-catching design.

When choosing a type of paver for your project, you’ll want to consider factors such as color, sheen, price, availability, porousness, and others. Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular paver types and for which jobs they’re best suited.

Brick

Brick is made of molded clay. It’s been used as a popular surfacing material for centuries due to its durability and classic look. Bricks allow for a range of patterns and color combinations and are an ideal alternative to concrete. They’re also an eco-friendly alternative as they’re made from natural materials. They should be laid on a high-quality mortar or sand base during installation. Brick is a porous surface that absorbs moisture quickly.

Cobblestone

Cobblestone is most commonly made of basalt, sandstone, limestone, or granite. Like brick, cobblestone pavers have been used for centuries due to their durability and attractive aesthetic. These pavers require very little maintenance and can remain stable for decades as long as they’re correctly installed. Installation can be time-consuming, and cobblestone is one of the more expensive options. Still, many people find it worth the extra time and money for its low maintenance and excellent durability. When cobblestone is set in sand, it’s a highly porous paving option.

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are one of the most popular options for outdoor paving. One of the best things about concrete pavers is that they come in an array of sizes, colors, textures, and thicknesses, so you can customize them any way you want. It’s also a low-cost option that’s more durable than poured concrete, but it requires a lot of maintenance and is prone to cracking under extreme temperature changes. Concrete is a porous paving option.

Flagstone

Flagstone is a flat and smooth sedimentary rock. It comes in a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes, making it a versatile landscaping option. Each piece has a unique shape, and they fit together like a puzzle. Its non-slip texture and durability make it perfect for flooring, but it’s much thinner than brick and concrete, so it isn’t suitable for driveways or other areas that will have heavy traffic. It’s ideal for gardens and patios. As flagstone is mined and transported straight from its natural source, it tends to have a slightly higher cost than other pavers. Flagstone is a highly porous paving option.

Marble

Marble is classically known for its elegant and luxurious appeal. Their smooth polished finish provides a more sophisticated look than most other pavers can achieve. Each piece is unique, so it creates an eye-catching look. Marble also adds value to the home and makes it more marketable. While marble is a durable natural stone, it requires a lot of maintenance. It also conducts heat and is prone to scratches and stains. While marble is a porous stone, water and other liquid can cause it to darken or stain.

Travertine

Travertine pavers are similar to marble in many ways. They’re made of a unique natural stone that provides versatility and can make a space look more elegant and sophisticated. It’s more durable and easy to source than marble, and they’re a more environmentally-friendly option. Travertine pavers are also naturally insulated, so they don’t get as hot as marble and some other pavers. Travertine is a very heavy stone, and it’s highly susceptible to acids, so you need to take care not to clean it with acidic formulas or vinegar as it will leave a stain. Like marble, travertine is porous, but water and other liquids that cause the surface to darken or stain that are also included in Rules for Paving.

How to Lay Pavers

Pavers can be interlocked or laid in slabs. You can space slabs out to look like puzzle pieces or line them up perfectly like large pieces of marble. The best bet for walkways is to space them out so that water can runoff and into the ground. Interlocking pavers for driveways work well because the pattern looks nice, and the cracks between the pieces allow water to disperse faster. Laying large slabs of marble and other similar materials right next to one another should be reserved for spaces that don’t experience much traffic or rainfall. Although the stone is durable, these surfaces require a lot of maintenance and are prone to stains and scratches. If you choose to use them as flooring, you should do so in low-traffic areas where the area is more for show than utility.

For advice on planning and installing a paved area for your garden or lawn, contact the experts at EleganceUs. It’s also your one-stop shop for pavers and tiles in all types and sizes. Get in touch for Rules for Paving with EleganceUs to explore the range of products and services on offer and make your home exterior vision a reality.

Porcelain vs. Natural Stone: Which is the Better Choice for the Exterior of Your Home?

If you’re a home builder, you know the ideal material for the exterior of a house is one that can do everything. If you’re a homeowner, you want a material that looks great and requires very little maintenance. There is a material covering all of these factors, but it’s probably not one that you’d ever guess. Porcelain is very durable and can be used outside, even for the east coast’s harsh winters. Low maintenance and durability make porcelain one of the best materials for a patio or backyard.

With modern manufacturing processes and equipment, today’s porcelain can match the likes of natural stones like marble and travertine in elegance and class. It can provide a luxe look with optimal durability and very little maintenance. Let’s take a closer look at what makes porcelain an ideal choice for the exterior of your home, along with the pros and cons of using natural stone.

What is Porcelain?

The term porcelain refers to a series of ceramics made from a selection of materials, including kaolin and a wide range of minerals. The combination of materials is baked at high temperatures, which gives the porcelain its signature glassy quality. It comes in both unglazed and glazed varieties.

Porcelain is known for its versatility, durability, and visual appeal. Due to its many varied characteristics, porcelain is regarded as “the superior ceramic.” It’s strong yet delicate. Its translucent or white coloration takes pigments and glazes well so that you can decorate it in any way imaginable. It also has an impermeable surface that’s highly resistant to chemical and thermal shocks.

The Difference Between Porcelain and Natural Stone

Granite, sandstone, and slate are three of the most popular natural stones for a home exterior. Marble and travertine have been gaining a lot of popularity amongst homeowners who are looking for more luxurious options. Natural stone is durable and hard-wearing. It can withstand harsh climates for a long-lasting option.

Unlike natural stone, porcelain is a manufactured material that’s making its way into the spotlight for home exterior design thanks to its many positive characteristics. Its affordability and ability to mimic the look of many types of natural stone well while requiring much less maintenance make it appealing to many people. It’s also non-porous and extremely tough. In addition to its ability to withstand harsh weather, it can also withstand extreme temperatures and won’t become too hot in the sun.

While the two share many similar characteristics, the main difference is that natural stone is naturally derived from the earth, where it’s formed naturally. On the other hand, porcelain is a manufactured combination of clays, minerals, and other materials. There are benefits and downsides to both. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of each.

Porcelain vs. Natural Stone: Pros and Cons

Porcelain and natural stone are both popular options for decorating a home exterior. However, each one comes with some upsides and downsides. It would help you to consider the pros and cons of each while keeping your vision in mind.

Pros and Cons of Using Porcelain for Home Exterior

Favored for its versatility and affordability, here are some of the main pros and cons of choosing porcelain for your home’s exterior.

Pros:

• High-quality porcelain tiles can look and feel just like natural stone
• Available in a wider variety of colors than natural stone
• Virtually impervious to moisture
• Extremely resilient
• Requires very little maintenance

Cons:

• Due to its lack of pores, installation can become complicated because it can be hard to get adhesives to bond to the tile
• Installation of porcelain requires the use of grout, which requires more maintenance than the porcelain itself

Pros and Cons of Using Natural Stone for Home Exterior

Favored for its timeless style and high level of elegance and luxuriousness, here are some of the main pros and cons of choosing porcelain for your home’s exterior.

Pros:

• Every piece is unique
• Provides a level of elegance and luxury that’s hard to match
• Raises the value of a home
• It helps make a home more marketable

Cons:

• Among the most expensive materials available
• Due to the natural irregularities in the surface, installation requires thicker adhesives
• It needs to be installed by an experienced professional. Some types of natural stone, especially marble, will warp if used with the wrong adhesive
• Restrictions in color palettes based on the variation of stone
• Stone is porous and sensitive to moisture, making it prone to staining
• Require regular sealing to stay moisture-resistant

How to Care for Porcelain Outdoors

Porcelain is gaining popularity as an ideal low-cost, low-maintenance alternative to natural stone for home exterior. While it’s easy to care for, it does require some maintenance. Here’s how to care for porcelain to keep it looking fresh.

How to Clean Porcelain

One of the most appealing things about using porcelain for a home exterior is that it’s easy to maintain. If hard water deposits or mildew cover the surface, you can remove them with a simple multipurpose spray cleaner. While porcelain itself can withstand harsh chemicals, acids, and ammonia, it’s not recommended to clean with these agents as they can damage the glazed surfaces and grout surrounding the tiles. The grout is actually more delicate than the porcelain, so you should choose cleaning products compatible with the grout you used. If you use unglazed porcelain for your home exterior, it should be cleaned regularly with neutral-pH concentrated tile cleaners. Whether glazed or unglazed, you should always dry porcelain after washing it.

How to Prevent Scratches and Stains

Porcelain is scratch- and stain-resistant, but it isn’t wholly damage-proof. Try not to expose the surface to permanent dyes or inks, and if the surface is exposed to either, rinse it immediately and clean well with an approved cleaning product. To resist scratching the surface, don’t use abrasive cleaning tools. It’s best to sweep or wipe the surface to remove dust and debris before you clean it.

Preventative Maintenance

While porcelain doesn’t require sealing, if you have grout or joints installed with the porcelain, you’ll need to seal those areas. If wax, sealer, or any other floor finishes get on the porcelain surface, you can remove them using an undiluted sealer and adhesive remover. Just apply a liberal amount to the surface and let it sit until the residue on the surface softens. Then, you can wipe it away with a sponge or cotton towel. For stubborn spots, use a non-scratch nylon scrub pad.

Grout is an integral component of porcelain installation, but it requires more maintenance and care than the porcelain itself. Be sure to follow the appropriate installation, upkeep, sealing, and cleaning measures to keep the grout clean and well-maintained.

How to Care for Natural Stone Outdoors

Natural stone provides a durable and elegant option for a home exterior, but one of the downsides is the amount of maintenance it requires. Here are the care and maintenance basics for natural stone on your home’s exterior.

How to Clean Natural Stone

Finer-finished natural stones like marble, travertine, sandstone, and granite require regular and gentle care to stay looking their best. Keep dirt and water off the surface by sweeping, wiping, and dusting regularly. It’s helpful for you to clean it with a specially formulated outdoor stone cleaner. Highly porous stone requires regular surface sealing. If mold and mildew penetrate through the stone’s pores, you can clean them out with a 50/50 solution of water and bleach. You can prevent this from happening by keeping the stone free of moisture, debris, and dirt.

How to Prevent Hazing

The color of natural stone can fade and change after prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. You should always shade the stone wherever possible. Use awnings over walls and a patio roof or umbrella over a deck or patio. Using these protective covers will also make the surface easier to clean as they’ll shield it from debris and dirt as well.

How to Prevent Stains (You can also use Drytreat Sealer)

One of the downfalls of using natural stone to decorate your home’s exterior is that it stains easily. Even wet leaves can leave stains on the surface. If you have a countertop where you keep candles, use a tray under them to prevent oil stains and wax residue. Don’t leave garden tools or any other metal materials prone to rust on the surface because the rust will stain the stone. To clean off stains and rust, spray a 3- to 4-percent hydrogen peroxide mixture on the stain and rub lightly with a granite cleaning pad or soft nylon brush. Let it sit for 24 hours, rinse with water, and dry immediately.

Style Ideas for Your Home Exterior

From stone wall cladding to porcelain pavers and tiles for outdoor patios, there are so many options for styling your home exterior with porcelain, natural stone, or a combination of surface types. One of the most significant features of porcelain is that it can be made to mimic the look of several natural stones, so you can even save money and time on maintenance by using a combination of porcelain and natural stone. Here are some popular style ideas for your home exterior.

Flooring

Porcelain tiles are an ideal choice for flooring and pavers. They can be made to look like any natural stone but are much more versatile and easy to maintain. They also don’t get as hot in the sun like some natural tiles do, which will keep your space (and feet) feeling cooler on the hottest summer days.

Walls

Stonewall cladding provides a chic and rustic touch to an outdoor space. Natural stones like slate, granite, and sandstone offer classic options for outdoor walls, while marble and travertine can be used in areas where you might want a more sophisticated finish. The style options are virtually endless, with many sizes and colors of natural stone to choose from. You can opt for a mix of smooth, large-cut stone pieces for a unique effect or use small stone slabs to give the wall a textured 3-D design.

Countertops

Due to its high stain-and scratch-resistance level, porcelain is an ideal choice for outdoor tabletops and countertops. Smooth, finished porcelain tiles can create just as elegant a surface for patio spaces as natural stones like marble can. If you choose a natural stone like marble, you’ll have to be very careful about spills, stains, and rust spots as natural stone is prone to stains. It also needs to be sealed regularly, which is time-consuming and will require you to shut the entertainment area down for a couple of days when needed.

Additional Considerations

There are so many ways to use porcelain and natural stone for your home’s exterior. You can decorate the entire exterior of your home in stone, install an entire patio space with flooring, walls, and countertops in various types of porcelain and stone, or add some elements of porcelain or stone to a garden. Before you consider which kind of material to use, consider factors like budget, how much time and effort you’re willing to invest into maintenance, what the climate is like where you live, and your overall vision for the exterior of your home. You can find both porcelain and natural stone in a wide range of colors and sizes, but natural stone is generally more expensive and can be more difficult to source. If you’re looking for a versatile, low-budget, low-maintenance material that’s easy to find, porcelain is your go-to.

For more information on porcelain vs. natural stone or to get advice on which type of material is best for your home’s exterior, contact us at EleganceUs.