Outdoor porcelain pavers are similar to indoor porcelain tiles, but they are thicker and more durable. They are also frost-resistant, skid-resistant, stain-resistant, and very easy to clean. Porcelain pavers can be perfect for patios, terraces, and high-traffic outdoor areas. But, how to install porcelain pavers?
In today’s article, we’re gonna talk about the process of installing porcelain pavers and the benefits of having them in your home. Read more below!
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How to install porcelain pavers?
Before you start installing porcelain pavers, you’ll need tools and material to be fully prepared and have everything on your hand.
- Rubber mallet
- A shovel
- Porcelain pavers of your choice
- Spirit level
- Pointing trowel
- Paver clamps
- Mortar
- Sharp sand
- Gloves
All set with the materials? Now you can start the installation of your porcelain pavers.
Step 1: Outline the area
Outline or mark the area, for that task, you can use string or garden hose to outline your project allowing an extra 6 to 12 inches for the working room.
Step 2: Scope your slope
This step is important to avoid water pooling on your porcelain pavers. Create a slope of one inch to every 4 feet of length. Make sure that the slopes are only in the direction you want the water to flow.
Step 3: Excavation
The depth of excavation will depend on factors like the anticipated loading, the drainage capacity of the soil, and the soil conditions in general.
If you’re not sure about how much excavate, you can go with 6 inches, allowing for 4 inches of sub-base, 1 ½ inch of mortar, and ½ inch for the pavers. Don’t forget to pack down the soil with the plate compactor after excavating. After compacting the soil, lay geotextile fabric to allow the water to pass without disturbing the particles underneath.
Step 4: Prepare the base
Prepare the mortar mixture, they should bind together without being sloppy or runny. Using a shovel or trowel, apply the mortar to the sub-base, leveling it out.
Ripple or roughen up the surface of the bed so there will be some leeway once the paving unit is placed. Spread only enough mortar for one flag at a time, ensuring the bed is larger than the porcelain pavers. After that, add a slurry primer will help the paving adhere to the bed.
Step 5: Installing
Once primed, the porcelain pavers can be placed carefully lower each one onto the bed. In this step, be aware of any drips or splashes from the primer and use spacers to guide your joint widths. If necessary, cut the pavers to fit, for that, you can use a top-quality diamond blade.
Step 6: Compact the pavers
Use a rubber mallet to tap the pavers down to the correct level. This is the chance to check if there are high spots or hollows and to check against the string lines to make sure each flag is level and aligned. If there is any, make the adjustments before the mortar dries.
Step 7: Jointing
Apply the jointing using an outdoor grade jointing material suitable for porcelain. Then cordon off the freshly-paved area, avoiding any foot traffic for at least 24 hours.
Why should I choose porcelain pavers?
Porcelain pavers can be a good choice for many reasons, there are some advantages to having them in indoor and outdoor areas.
- They look good everywhere: Porcelain pavers can be installed in a variety of spaces and using several different techniques.
- Easy to Clean: Porcelain pavers are very easy to clean and maintain, because of the texture. So, most stains can be wiped up with a damp cloth.
- Water-Resistant: Porcelain repels any water penetration, so rains and snow won’t be a problem.
- Fireproof: Did you know that porcelain is a very resistant material to high temperatures? Porcelain does not burn, which can help minimize fires from grills or fire pits.
- Repairs: After being installed, porcelain pavers are very resistant to cracking and breaking, but, if eventually a paver gets damaged, the individual piece can be easily replaced.
Can I install porcelain pavers myself?
We highly recommend you not to. Installing porcelain pavers is not easy work. Porcelain pavers are super durable when they are placed into the ground, but before that, they can easily break. So it’s better for you to trust the work to a professional because the price and time of doing the project yourself are just not worth all the risks.
At JS Brick we have more than 20 years of experience providing paver installation, supply, and maintenance services in Sarasota and surrounding cities. For a free estimate on your porcelain pavers project, don’t hesitate and contact us!
