Porcelain Plank Paving

Give your garden a contemporary, timber-look finish with the performance of porcelain. Porcelain Plank Paving (often called plank paving) at Patio Paving combines long, narrow plank formats with porcelain’s low-maintenance, weather-proof properties — ideal for patios, terraces, pathways and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions across UK homes.

Why choose Porcelain Plank Paving?

  1. Real wood look, zero rot: get plank/timber aesthetics without the maintenance or rot issues of real wood.

  2. Purpose-built 20 mm outdoor thickness: most porcelain planks for external use are supplied at ~20 mm thickness

  3. High slip resistance for safety: outdoor porcelain ranges are typically tested to an R11 slip rating.

  4. Low maintenance & weatherproof: non-porous, frost-resistant and stain-resistant.

Product styles & common sizes

Plank paving comes in multiple looks and formats to suit your design:

  • Wood-effect planks — realistic oak/grey oak tones for a decking look without upkeep.

  • Stone / concrete plank finishes — linear, modern aesthetics for minimalist schemes.

  • Popular plank sizes: 1200×300mm, 1195×395mm, 1000×160mm, 900×145mm and 1200×400mm — most ranges are rectified for tight joints. Confirm exact SKU sizes before ordering.


Where to use porcelain planks

  1. Patios and terraces for a decking look without maintenance.
  2. Pathways and stepped routes — long planks visually lengthen a garden.
  3. Indoor-outdoor continuity — matching indoor tiles create seamless thresholds.
  4. Commercial terraces and hotel terraces where durable, low-maintenance surfaces are required.

Key buyer questions — fast answers

Is porcelain plank paving suitable for UK weather?
Yes — properly manufactured porcelain is vitrified (low water absorption), frost resistant and UV stable, making it suitable for UK external use.

Can I use porcelain planks on a driveway?
Some 20 mm porcelain can be used for light-vehicle driveways when laid on a reinforced, engineered base — always confirm the manufacturer’s driveway rating and follow base specification.

How much waste should I allow?
Allow ~5–8% waste for straight lays; increase to 8–12% for diagonal patterns or complex cuts. We can provide a bespoke waste calculation with your quote.

Are porcelain planks slippery?
No — outdoor planks usually carry anti-slip finishes and are commonly R11 rated for wet conditions. Use textured finishes for poolside or steep areas.


Installation snapshot (what a buyer needs to know)

  • Sub-base: compacted Type 1 aggregate is typically used for patios; for driveways a deeper reinforced base is required. Confirm with your installer.

  • Bedding & fixing: porcelain planks are commonly bedded on mortar or laid on a flexible adhesive bed; some projects use pedestal systems for raised terraces. Follow manufacturer fixing guidance.

  • Jointing: rectified edges allow tight joints; use recommended jointing compounds or polymeric jointing depending on the range and exposure.

  • Professional vs DIY: planks are straightforward for experienced DIYers, but large formats and threshold details are best handled by a professional tiler/landscaper.


Care & maintenance

  • Routine: sweep or rinse with a hose; occasional mop with warm soapy water.

  • Stains: porcelain’s non-porous surface resists most stains; use manufacturer-approved cleaners for persistent marks.

  • Avoid: heavy impact on edges during install to prevent chips; when possible order extra tile from the same batch to avoid shade variation if reordering later.


Why buy from Patio Paving (trust signals)

  • UK specialists: we supply curated plank ranges chosen for UK conditions and design trends.

  • Free samples & trade support: order samples to check colour in your light; trade accounts and bulk pricing for landscapers.

  • Technical help: we provide laying guidance, waste calculators and delivery across the UK.

  • Sourced from trusted manufacturers used by UK suppliers such as Marshalls and London Stone (we partner with comparable quality ranges).


FAQ

Q: Do porcelain planks need sealing? — No, porcelain is non-porous and usually doesn’t require sealing. 
Q: Can I mix plank sizes in one patio? — Yes — mixed plank widths can create a random, natural layout; check pack coverage and edge finishing.
Q: Will colour vary between batches? — Minor batch variation is possible — order all material at once or reserve extra tiles from the same batch.

Plank Paving