Porcelain pavers have taken the hardscape industry by assault in recent years. Their efficiency and functionality started to grab the attention of many homeowners looking for a different alternative for their paver installations. So what are the benefits of this material? Are porcelain outdoor pavers cool to the touch? Are they resistant? Let’s answer those and other questions.

So let’s explain why porcelain pavers are so good, which comes down to their composition and manufacturing process. Then let’s talk about the advantages and possible applications of this wonderful hardscape material. So let’s get right into it.

Are Porcelain Pavers Cool to the Touch?

The answer is yes, porcelain pavers are cool to the touch, even on the hottest sunny days.

To be fair, as all pavers do, it will get at least a little hot, but nothing so unbearable that you can’t walk on. Thanks to its manufacturing process, porcelain pavers are UV-resistant, which gives them excellent protection levels against weather conditions and fading from sun and heat.

This is what also makes it less absorbent of heat and keeps it cool to the touch. For this reason, porcelain pavers are considered to be a top choice for poolside installations, as it remains cool in the sun and does not absorb water and. With a non-slippery finish, it is one of the best pavers you can go for.

Other Advantages of Porcelain Pavers

As we quickly mentioned, porcelain pavers do not absorb water. That is because porcelain is a non-porous material. This is one of the main characteristics of porcelain pavers and what makes them so good.

Porous pavers can absorb water from spills, which means they can easily be stained, and even damaged in the long run if not properly cared for. Porcelain pavers do not have that problem.

Since they are non-porous, fluid cannot penetrate its surface. That alone helps immensely with maintenance costs, but, when paired with the high resistance and aesthetic appeal of porcelain, they create a killer combination that is hard to match by other materials in the market.

And the aesthetic appeal is another big advantage of porcelain pavers. They can perfectly simulate the look of the most expensive natural stone options, and costing a fraction of the price.

And speaking of price, with an astonishing cost of meager $7- $9 per square foot, porcelain pavers can rival even concrete pavers in cost benefit, considered to be one of the best cost-effective materials in the hardscape business.

However, as maintenance costs increase over time for concrete, with porcelain pavers is exactly the opposite. They keep adding value to your house with minimal maintenance efforts and investments.

How are Porcelain Pavers Made?

Porcelain pavers are fabricated using a combination of fine clays, feldspar, kaolin and quartzitic sand. This materials are mixed with under until they become a fine paste, which is then dried until almost no water remains in its composition

The material is stored and awaits for the blending process, where it gets its colors. Finally, the aggregate is pressed into a mold, where it gets the desired size, shape and color.

The porcelain is then cooked in temperatures as high as 2500°F. It is at this moment that it goes through a process called vitrification. Vitrification consists in the formation of a form of glass around the entire tile, which makes it non-porous.

Once cooked, the material becomes incredibly sturdy and resistant, as well as UV-resistant, which allows it to remain cool to the touch.

Applications of Porcelain Pavers

Porcelain pavers can be used just like any other paver would. The installation process itself might be more difficult than your traditional set of concrete pavers, since porcelain pavers tend to be larger and heavier.

Porcelain pavers come in two variations of thickness: standard size (between 8 and 10 mm), and the 20 mm variation.

While the standard size is recommended for interior installations and suspended decks, the 20 mm variations can be used outside.

Porcelain pavers are so resistant that they are often the choice for factory flooring and high traffic areas.

And, as we already mentioned, since porcelain outdoor pavers are cool to the touch, they are one of the best options for a poolside paver installation.

Porcelain Pavers are Cool to the Touch. Acquire Yours Right Now

As we mentioned, the installation of porcelain pavers is not exactly easy business.

Installing pavers can be a fun DIY project, as long as it is small and you’re working with more traditional choices of pavers.

A porcelain paver installation will rarely be small, and the pavers themselves can be a little too much to handle for an experienced person.

We here at Eagle Pavers have performed hundreds of porcelain paver installation across our years of experience, so we know the importance of working closely with qualified professionals.

We highly recommend you look for a hardscape contractor in your area to help you with your installation.

And if you happen to be around our area of activity, the Sarasota and Manatee counties, in FL, why not give us a call to help you?

You can contact us right now at +1 941-210-4192 or email us at sales@eaglepavers.us. We would be happy to hear from you and help you with your porcelain paver project.