
If you’re looking to transform your outside space, extend your kitchen or dining area, or if you just want an easy-to-maintain garden -
porcelain paving will create the perfect area for entertaining, relaxing and alfresco dining.
More people are investing in this type of paving slab because of its exceptional strength - making it very hard wearing and long lasting.
Carry on reading for our step-by-step guide to laying outdoor porcelain tiles.
Why should you choose porcelain tiles? The key benefits:
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Scratch, stain and abrasion resistant
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Long lasting
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Absorption resistant
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Slip resistant (due to reduced moss growth)
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Fade resistant
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Highly resistant to heat, frost and cold temperatures
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Low maintenance and easy to clean
Let’s get started!
It’s a good idea to make sure you have all of the tools and materials you need before you get started - your local Travis Perkins branch will be able to give you some good advice if you need help. Here’s a list of suggested items:
Materials:
Paving Slabs | Sub base | Sand | Cement | Priming slurry
Tools:
Tape measure | String line and stakes | Spade/shovel | Wheelbarrow | Rake | Trowel | Rubber mallet |
Spirit level | Cement mixer (optional) | Plate compactor (optional)/rammer | Broom

You’ve got all of your materials and tools at the ready, now on with the dirty work:
- Measure the length and width of the area you want to pave. Multiply your measurements together to give you your square meterage - this will give you a good indication of how many tiles you’ll need.
- Mark out the patio area - you could use stakes and string.
- Dig approx. 150mm-200mm deep in the area you’re laying your patio. It might be a good idea at this point to create a slight slope to allow for drainage.
- Fill with a sub-base, such as gravel or sharp sand, 100mm-1500mm (depending on how deep you dug down) and evenly compress with a plate compactor or rammer to ensure there are no gaps and loose material.
- Add a layer of mortar on top of your sub-base, approx 40mm-50mm. A suggested cement mix is 4 parts sand 1 part cement.
- It’s recommended that a layer of priming slurry is used on top of the mortar. This is because porcelain tiles are low-porous and may not adhere to the mortar.
- Before laying your first tile coat the underside with the priming slurry, to aid adhesion. Then, starting from a corner, place the tile and use the rubber mallet so it’s fixed in place and check that it’s level.
- Once you’re happy the first tile is in place, continue laying the rest leaving a gap of approx. 3mm between each slab - use spacers if you need to. Make sure to clean up any excess mortar or slurry from the top of the tile as you go, so it doesn’t stick.
- Leave to set for a minimum of 24 hours.
- You can fill in any gaps with the same mortar mix or you could use sand if you prefer. Press down with a trowel to pack down and sweep over with a broom any loose mix to refill and joints.
- If you want a neat and tidy finish you can use a jointing compound to complete the job.
So, now you’re ready to start shopping for the perfect Porcelain Tiles and create a show-stopping garden feature!

Please note: this is a guide only, so please always read the manufacturer’s instructions first.