Natural Stone vs. Porcelain Pavers: Here’s How to Choose
Ready to get started on your outdoor living project? Projects both big and small come with a host of decisions—from budget and design to materials and add-on features. And when it comes to pavers, the variety of options can be endless. But that’s where we come in! Understanding the pros and cons of each can give you the confidence you need to make the right choice.
Although there are scores of options, each with their own benefits, there are a few main factors to consider when choosing pavers for your hardscaping, patio, or decking. You want pavers that go well with your home's architectural design and color scheme and be sure that the product you select is the one best suited for your project’s specs.
Whether you decide on natural stone or porcelain pavers you will have a durable, strong, and beautiful finish. The decision between porcelain and genuine stone pavers will ultimately be determined by your style, budget, and needs.
Here are some suggestions for choosing the right pavers to make your outdoor living space the go-to gathering spot for year-round good times!
Porcelain Pavers: Everything You Need to Know
For outdoor patios and pathways, porcelain pavers are a flexible and cost-effective option. Porcelain pavers don't require sealing and are fade-resistant, unlike natural stone pavers. They can also withstand practically anything that nature can dish out.
Porcelain tile offers durability and usability in a luxurious, attractive form.
They are exceptionally strong, non-porous, fade- and moisture-resistant, and made of solid clay.
Extreme weather won't cause porcelain to break, and it can easily resist harsh freeze-thaw cycles. Porcelain pavers are excellent for active locations like patios and outdoor kitchens since they are impact- and fire-resistant. Beautiful pool decks or walks can be created using porcelain pavers that have non-slip surfaces. They require extremely little work to clean and won't stain or grow mold or mildew.
They are a fantastic option for overlay applications as well. Porcelain tiles, which are less than an inch thick, can be used over concrete or wood decking in places where other paving stones might be too heavy or thick.
Porcelain pavers can also be used to lend an elegant look to a driveway. Porcelain tiles with a 30 mm thickness, which are additionally fortified and completely technically suitable for driveways, provide your home's entrance a perfect sense of style and a modern appearance.
Because they are created at exceptionally high temperatures throughout the production process, 3 cm porcelain tiles are tougher, more resilient, and denser than natural stones. They are perfect for business spaces, foot-heavy patios, and driveways thanks to their increased strength.
As porcelain is also an environmentally-friendly material, you can also feel confident that you are doing your part to support the planet as you design your perfect outdoor environment.
At Flōridian, our porcelain pavers are popular options for families who need flexibility without sacrificing beauty and functionality. Here’s what you can expect from our porcelain pavers:
Skid Resistance: Porcelain pavers are naturally skid-resistant, which is why they are such a popular option for decks, pools, and terraces.
Naturally Cooling: Porcelain does not heat up like other materials, which is excellent if you want to enjoy your outdoor space barefoot. Porcelain pavers will withstand heat and offer year-round comfort.
Durability: Porcelain pavers are incredibly tough. These pavers can withstand up to 2,000 pounds, which makes them perfect for driveways, terraces, gardens, or other high-traffic areas.
Certified Installer: As a certified porcelain installer, Flōridian has redefined installation methods for large format pavers that are sure to withstand not only inclement weather but also regular wear & tear through the years.
Low Maintenance: Porcelain tile is incredibly low maintenance. It does not fade, is not easily cracked, and is resistant to mold, mildew, and moisture damage.
Large Format: One of the most popular reasons for the increase in demand for porcelain pavers is the large format sizes that actually make porcelain pavers competitive when compared with large format natural stone pavers. Some examples are 24” x 24”, 16” x 32”, and even 48” x 48”.
Natural Stone Pavers: Travertine, Marble, and more
Natural stone pavers have a distinct, organic beauty. Slate, marble, and travertine can all be used to make striking and unique floors and patios. In any outdoor environment, their varied sizes and patterns and deep earth tones lend a rustic appeal. Low water absorption, outstanding freeze-thaw resistance, and flexural strength are all benefits of natural stone. These premium stones only need the occasional cleaning, rinsing, and maintenance. The natural makeup of stone pavers prevents fading over time. In fact, as they become older, their beauty only deepens.
Real stone, however, has some drawbacks. Some materials, like slate, for example, can heat up in the summer sun and can make your patio uncomfortably hot. Additionally, they need to be periodically sealed, which will occasionally prevent the use of your entertainment space for at least a day or two.
Here we break down the benefits of two of our most popular natural stone options:
Travertine
Travertine pavers are natural stone that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures. When using travertine, you have the flexibility to choose from countless designs and customize exactly how you want your patio or walkway to look. Travertine is not only beautiful, but functional, and has the following pluses:
Natural Beauty: Travertine is a natural stone, so each piece offers unique features. These pavers are excellent for a true one-of-a-kind outdoor space.
Non-Skid Surface: Travertine pavers increase traction when they are wet, which makes them ideal for a heavily-traveled outdoor surface. These pavers are perfect for use around pools, driveways, and walkways.
Easy-to-Clean: Unlike other materials, travertine pavers do not develop a chalky white appearance over time. Called efflorescence, this chalky appearance can detract from your outdoor space and lead you to clean more frequently. Travertine pavers are incredibly easy to clean, as they resist discoloration and debris.
Durability: Travertine pavers are super durable. They withstand freezing and thawing cycles and hold up under regular use. These pavers will not fade over time, meaning you get more years of enjoyment.
Naturally Cool: Travertine does not heat up like concrete or many other stones. Even on hot south Florida days, travertine will stay cool, which is perfect for areas you and your loved ones may walk barefoot.
Affordable: Travertine pavers are one of the more affordable options for pavers. You won’t sacrifice the durability and beauty of the pavers, however. With so much variety, there is no question that you can find travertine that fits your aesthetic and budget needs.
Marble
Marble is a natural stone known for its elegance and sophistication. Marble pavers can add a sense of luxury and boldness to your outdoor space that other stones just can’t do. Because of the natural veining patterns in marble, your pavers will each be unique and will enhance the beauty of your entire outdoor oasis.
In addition to their uniqueness and beauty, marble pavers are excellent options due to:
Skid Resistance: Marble has a tumbled finish, which makes it less slippery. This is ideal for outdoor use, particularly near pools, fountains, ponds, or walkways.
Naturally Cool: Marble naturally stays cool to the touch, even on hot South Florida days. This is ideal if you plan to walk barefoot or use the pavers in a high-traffic area.
Durability: Marble is a dense material, which means it can hold up to a lot of weight and use. It is also an option for driveways because it won’t break or crack under the weight of vehicles.
Low Maintenance: Marble is also a low-maintenance material. You do not have to seal marble, and it is resistant to moisture and mold.
Uniqueness: No two stones are the same: Experience the uniqueness of marble pavers as each piece is truly one-of-a-kind and will possess its own natural flair.
Flōridian for your All of Outdoor Design Needs
Whether you are looking to update your patio space, add a pool area, or create a truly unique outdoor experience – we can help.
Flōridian specializes in outdoor design, including planning and choosing the right materials for your space. We offer a variety of hardscape materials and will work together to find the perfect solutions to your paver needs.
