How To Lay Porcelain Paving Slabs (Guide)

Porcelain paving is becoming increasingly popular for outdoor spaces due to its durability, low maintenance, and attractive appearance. However, laying porcelain paving can be a challenging task, especially if you don't have the right tools and knowledge. In this article, we'll provide you with a step-by-step guide to laying porcelain paving, including the tools you'll need, how to mix up the mortar, and each step of the laying process. We'll also cover how to cut porcelain paving to fit your space.

Tools required

Before you start laying your porcelain paving, you'll need to gather the necessary tools. Here are the tools you'll need:

  • Tape measure
  • Spirit level
  • Rubber mallet
  • Trowel
  • Bucket
  • Mixer
  • Disc cutter or table saw with porcelain blade
  • Dust mask
  • Safety goggles
  • Ear defenders
  • Wheelbarrow
  • Shovel
  • Plate compactor

Materials required

How to prepare the area

  1. Measure the area where you want to lay the porcelain paving and mark out the edges with string and stakes.

  2. Use a spade or excavator to dig down to a depth of approximately 150mm (6 inches).

  3. Spread a layer of MOT Type 1 sub-base to a depth of approximately 100mm (4 inches).

  4. Compact the sub-base using a plate compactor, making sure it's level and firm.

How to mix the wet mortar bed

  1. In a wheelbarrow, cement mixer or large bucket, mix 4 parts sharp sand to 1 part cement.

  2. Gradually add water, mixing the mortar until it has a wet but workable consistency.

  3. The mixture is the right consistency when it squeezes into a ball in your hand without crumbling or oozing water.

  4. Mix the mortar regularly throughout the day to ensure it doesn't dry out.

How to use the priming slurry

  1. Take your first porcelain paving slab and flip it over so the reverse is upwards.

  2. Apply the slurry to the back of the paving slab with a paintbrush or roller.

  3. Take care not to allow the slurry primer to mark the face of the slab as it will not be possible to remove it once dried. 

How to lay the porcelain paving

  1. Starting from a corner, spread a layer of mortar to a depth of approximately 50mm (2 inches) on top of the sub-base - enough for one slab at a time.

  2. Ensure the bed covers the entire area to prevent voids under the paving once laid.

  3. Paste the slurry primer on the reverse of your first paving slab as described above. 

  4. Place the first porcelain tile on the wet mortar, pressing it down gently and tapping it with a rubber mallet to ensure it's level.

  5. Ensure the paving is slightly sloped away from your property to enable rainwater to run away. Usually a 1 in 80 slope gradient is sufficient. 

  6. Repeat the process, laying the tiles in a straight line along one edge of the area.

  7. Use spacers to help ensure the gaps between the tiles are even.

  8. Continue laying the tiles, making sure they are level and evenly spaced.

  9. When you reach the end of a row, measure the gap between the last tile and the edge of the area and cut the slab if required. 

  10. Lay the cut tile in place and tap it gently into position with a rubber mallet.

  11. Continue laying the tiles until you have covered the entire area.

  12. Leave the tiles to dry for at least 24 hours before walking on them.

How to finish the job

  1. Fill the gaps between the tiles with a jointing compound or jointing slurry. Ensure you follow the manufacturer's installation instructions. 

  2. Most jointing compounds require water to prevent the material from setting, so once the area is clean from surplus compound, allow to dry.

  3. Read our article on how to grout paving slabs for more information of which product to choose. 

Tips for success

  • Take your time when laying the tiles to ensure they are level and evenly spaced.

  • Use spacers to ensure the gaps between the tiles are even.

  • Check the level of the tiles regularly using a spirit level or straight edge.

  • Make sure the mortar is wet but workable, and mix it regularly throughout the day or better still, create in smaller batches. 

  • Wear the appropriate safety gear when working with tools, including a dust mask, safety goggles, and ear defenders.

How to cut porcelain paving

Cutting porcelain paving is an important step in any paving project as it allows you to fit tiles into tight spaces, around corners, or create custom shapes. There are a few different tools you can use for cutting porcelain paving slabs, but the most common options are:

  • A bench cutter with a porcelain blade and a water hose attachement
  • A disc cutter with a porcelain blade and a water hose attachment
  • A 4" angle grinder with a bucket of water for ensure the paving slab remains wet. 

Whichever tool you choose to use, it's important to ensure that you make a wet cut and take your time to avoid damaging the tiles. If using a disc cutter or an angle grinder, it's best practice to cut the paving on a bed of sand as this will absorb the vibration. Keep the paving wet at all times as it is the heat and vibration from cutting porcelain that often causes it to break. 

The steps to follow for a disc cutter or angle grinder:

  1. Put on safety gear, including a dust mask, safety goggles, and ear defenders.

  2. Fill a bucket with water and place it next to the area where you will be cutting the porcelain paving.

  3. Mark the area where you need to make the cut using a pencil or chalk.

  4. Position the porcelain tile on a vibration absorbing surface such as a bed of sand.

  5. Attach the porcelain blade to the disc cutter, following the manufacturer's instructions.

  6. Wet the paving slabs and ensure it remains wet and cool throughout. 

  7. Switch on the disc cutter and slowly lower the blade onto the tile, making sure it's lined up with the marked line.

  8. Slowly move the blade along the marked line, applying gentle pressure to the tile.

  9. If the paving becomes hot, cool it down with water and pause the cutting to allow it to cool down.

  10. Once you have made the cut, switch off the disc cutter and carefully remove the tile from the work surface.

The steps to follow for a bench cutter:

  1. Put on safety gear, including a dust mask, safety goggles, and ear defenders.

  2. Fill the table saw's reservoir with water.

  3. Adjust the saw's blade height to the thickness of the porcelain tile.

  4. Position the tile on the saw's table, making sure it's lined up with the blade.

  5. Switch on the saw and slowly push the tile towards the blade.

  6. Keep the blade wet by using the saw's water reservoir to wet the tile and blade.

  7. Once you have made the cut, switch off the saw and carefully remove the tile from the table.

Tips for success

  • Always wear the appropriate safety gear when cutting porcelain tiles.

  • Take your time and work slowly to avoid damaging the tiles.

  • Keep the porcelain paving slab wet to prevent it from overheating and damaging the tiles.

  • Avoid vibration and heat to prevent the paving from breaking.

  • Check the blade regularly for signs of wear and replace it if necessary.

  • Use a straight edge or guide to ensure a straight and even cut.

Conclusion

By following our step-by-step guide and using the right tools and materials, you'll be able to create a beautiful and durable porcelain paving surface that you can enjoy for years to come. Remember to take your time, plan carefully, and always wear the appropriate safety gear when working with tools. With a little patience and effort, you'll be able to create a stunning outdoor space that you can be proud of. If you would like to see more, please see our video of how to lay porcelain paving.