Pavers are one of the most famous and well acclaimed elements in hardscape. And for good reason. Pavers are one of the best flooring options out there. Porcelain pavers are even better. But what exactly are porcelain pavers, and what are their cost per square foot?
We can safely say that porcelain pavers can compete head-to-head with what is, perhaps, the most famous type of paver: concrete pavers. Whatever concrete pavers do, porcelain pavers can do even better.
So what exactly makes porcelain pavers so special? Where can they be used? How much do they cost? Let’s tackle that in this article and hopefully clarify why porcelain pavers are quickly growing to be the favorites on the market.
Cost of Porcelain Pavers Per Square Foot
A value per square foot is the most common form of talking about paver prices. That way, you can quickly know how much you will be paying according to the area of your project.
While the price of pavers are very straightforward, their value is not as much. Let us explain.
Price is related to how much you pay upfront, while value is related to the cost-benefit of pavers. Some pavers can be very expensive from a short-term perspective, but deliver tremendously in the long run.
On the other hand, cheaper pavers don’t last as long and require more maintenance, which ends up compensating the prices in the long run.
Understanding that is crucial to understanding the true value of porcelain pavers. The long term benefit is where they shine. And they shine miles ahead of any other option.
Porcelain pavers come in two variations: the standard size (between 8 mm-10 mm thick) and the outside paver variation (20 mm thick).
On average, porcelain pavers of the standard size cost between $7 and $10 per square foot. The 20 mm variety can reach up to $15 per square foot. That does not account for shipping and installation, of course.
And speaking of installation, here is an important piece of information: do not try to install porcelain pavers by yourself.
Porcelain pavers are extremely heavy and complex to work with, especially in their 20 mm variation. With proper techniques, tools and materials, they can be installed virtually anywhere, but that installation needs to be done by professionals.
So keep that in mind when deciding to go for porcelain pavers. Labor costs are usually between $4 and $25 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the installation. So be prepared to add that on top of the pavers themselves.
Advantages of Porcelain Pavers
So we’ve been praising porcelain pavers without exactly explaining their advantages, so let’s clarify that.
In case you didn’t know, sealing plays a big part in paver installation and maintenance. In fact, sealing is the centerpiece of paver maintenance.
First, you have to seal the pavers to protect them from stains and spills in the long run. Sealing also prevents weeds from growing between the grout lines.
Most pavers are porous and require sealing to be 100% effective. This sealing needs to be applied every two years or so, and that’s where a huge chunk of resources goes to in the long term effect of pacer maintenance.
Porcelain pavers, however, are not porous. Therefore, they don’t require any sealing at all. That saves you an incredible amount of money.
Because of that, maintenance is much more simple with porcelain pavers. Cleaning is so much easier, requiring less time and specific products. In just a year, porcelain pavers pay for themselves just on the amount of resources they save on maintenance.
Another very special characteristic of porcelain pavers is that they can be made to mimic almost any other paver option available in the market. So thy can simulate the look of many of the sought after natural stones,costing only a fraction of the price.
While the standard size is recommended for indoor use, the 20 mm variation is virtually indestructible. They are so resistant that they have been the flooring option for factories and heavy traffic areas.
So if you’re looking for pavers for a driveway, the 20 mm porcelain pavers are, by far, the best option available in the market.
Professional Installation
Let’s once again bring attention to that topic.
Paver installations are not exactly complicated, but they do have a lot of elements to it. A mistake in even one of those elements can be catastrophic.
So if you’re not 100% sure of what you’re doing, it is best to leave the installation for professionals. Mistakes can cost you a great amount of money, and that is something you want to avoid at all costs.
We here at JS Brick have been in the hardscape business for 22 years. We have seen countless installations that could have been wonderful, but that were not properly planned and executed. In the end, they costed more than they should.
That’s why we always recommend you look for professional hardscape contractors in your area to help you with your project.
In fact, if you’re around the Sarasota or Manatee Counties, in FL, don’t hesitate to call us to help you with your project!
Get in contact for a free estimate on our services. We would be happy to help you in any way we can.
