For those who are not in the hardscape business, talk about porcelain paver for a driveway may sound strange. The first thing that comes to mind when we say porcelain, after all, is the delicate tableware version of it. However, porcelain pavers are amongst the most efficient ones in the market.

Pavers are most known in its concrete version. And for good reason, as they are incredibly versatile and affordable. Porcelain pavers however are dominating the paver market with its unmatched resistance and easy maintenance.

In this article, we will talk about what makes porcelain such a good option for pavers, both for patios and driveways, and why you should consider it for your next project.

Why are Porcelain Pavers so Good?

Porcelain pavers are highly resistant and, virtually, maintenance free. This is due to their manufacturing process.

They are made using a unique combination of materials: feldspar, kaolin, high-quality clay, quartzitic sand and water.

These materials are mixed together and decreased to become indistinguishable. They essentially become a very fine and high quality form of mud.

This “mud” is left to dry and then, after pigments and patterns are added to it, is cooked in extreme pressure and high temperatures as high as 1,200 degrees Celsius.

And here is where the magic happens. The high temperatures make the kaolin undergo what we call a vitrification process. This process essentially turns the kaolin into a form of fine glass that surrounds the final porcelain material. This gives it incredible smoothness and resistance.

In fact, it makes porcelain a non-porous material. That means that porcelain pavers do not need to be sealed.

Being a non-porous material, aside from not requiring sealing, makes porcelain pavers incredibly easy to maintain. That in combination with its high resistance makes porcelain pavers a top choice.

Porcelain Paver Driveway: Applications

Porcelain paver driveways are amongst the most efficient ones you can find.

The resistant can easily withstand the heavy weight required for vehicular applications, and they easily be cleaned to always be in pristine form.

Porcelain pavers come in two variations of thickness: standard (between 8 and 10 mm) and outdoor (20 mm). For driveways, the outdoor variation is recommended.

The 20 mm variation is designed specifically with outdoor use in mind. It is a heavier and more sturdy material, capable of supporting even the heaviest objects. So much so that it is sometimes the paver of choice for industrial flooring.

Aside from driveways, porcelain pavers are also excellent choices for pool decks, due to their non porosity and non-slippery quality.

Porcelain Pavers Maintenance

The maintenance of porcelain pavers couldn’t be simpler.

Since they are non-porous, they are naturally protected against spill that would otherwise stain a regular paver. Those spills should still be cleaned as soon as possible, but they are way less dangerous on porcelain.

Simply sweeping porcelain every day to keep it free of any debris is enough to ensure its good looks. In the case of driveways, a wet can easily get rid of tire marks.

For a deeper cleaning, a mop with warm water and mild dish soap can be used once every 15 days or so. Make sure to always use pH-neutral cleaners with porcelain.

Not requiring sealing makes porcelain one of the most cost-effective materials for a paver. And, since we mentioned costs, let’s talk about the cost of porcelain pavers.

Porcelain Paver Cost

Porcelain might be a little more expensive than the most traditional choices of materials for paver. They usually cost around $7 – $9 per square foot, while concrete, for example, costs between $4 and $6 per square foot.

However, they simply last longer and lose less value over time. The higher initial investment easily pays itself out over a year or so. Dispensing the need for sealing and more expensive cleaning products puts porcelain ahead of other options.

Still using concrete as an example, as it is the most popular choice for paver material, like porcelain, it can last for years with proper care and maintenance. But unlike porcelain, it does require sealing, and it will fade and lose its aesthetic appeal over time.

Going for a porcelain paver driveway, you’re basically paying upfront for not having to worry about maintenance, with the certainty that the investment will add value that last a lifetime.

Acquiring Porcelain Pavers for a Driveway

Due to the growth in popularity over the last few years, most hardscape contractors nowadays work with porcelain pavers, so they are not at all hard to find.

It is important however to work with professionals you can trust and that can help you chose the best material and potentially help you with the installation itself.

Porcelain pavers are notoriously difficult to install, mainly due to their heavy weight. So if you don’t have experience, we highly recommend you ask for professional help.

Here at Eagle Pavers, we’ve been offering help in acquiring porcelain pavers, as well as many other hardscape products, for the past 15 years.

Give us a call anytime at +1 941-210-4192 or email us at sales@eaglepavers.us. We would be happy to hear from you and help you develop the porcelain paver driveway of your dreams.