How To Lay Porcelain Paving

Porcelain paving is a stylish, durable and low-maintenance choice for patios and outdoor spaces. Correct preparation and installation are essential to achieve a professional finish that will stand the test of time. Follow our step-by-step guide below, and don’t forget to browse our recommended products at the end of this article to help you complete your project with confidence

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

Step 1: Check Your Paving

Before you begin, inspect your porcelain paving slabs for colour and pattern variation.

Lay a selection of slabs from multiple packs or pallets on the ground to check you’re happy with the overall appearance before installation.

While working, always rest the slabs on wooden battens to help prevent edge chipping.

Top Tip: Always mix slabs from different pallets during installation to create a natural, blended finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

A solid foundation is essential for a long-lasting patio.

Install a well-compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base between 50mm and 100mm deep, ensuring it has a fall of approximately 1:60 to allow water to drain away from the property.

Take your time compacting the base thoroughly before moving on.

Step 3: Prime Each Slab

Before laying every slab, apply a slurry primer to the back of the porcelain.

You can either use a ready-made primer or make your own by mixing:

  • Cement powder
  • Water
  • Outdoor SBR bonding agent

Mix to a smooth, creamy consistency.

Only prime each slab immediately before laying, ensuring the primer is still wet when it is placed onto the mortar bed. If any primer gets onto the face of the slab, wash it off immediately with clean water.

Step 4: Lay a Full Mortar Bed

Unlike some paving products, porcelain must always be laid on a full wet bed of mortar.

We recommend a mortar mix of approximately 4 parts sharp sand to 1 part cement, mixed to a firm, workable consistency rather than being overly wet.

A full mortar bed provides maximum support and helps prevent future movement or cracking.

Step 5: Lay the Porcelain Slabs

Carefully place each slab onto the mortar bed and gently tap it into position using a rubber mallet.

As you work:

  • Mix slabs from different packs.
  • Rotate slabs by 90° or 180° if repeating patterns become noticeable.
  • Regularly check levels with a spirit level.
  • Ensure every slab is fully supported by the mortar beneath.

Step 6: Cut the Slabs

Where cuts are required, use a water-fed bridge saw fitted with a diamond blade suitable for porcelain to achieve the cleanest finish.

A petrol disc cutter with a water-fed diamond blade can also be used if necessary.

Always wear appropriate PPE, including eye protection and gloves, when cutting porcelain

Step 7: Joint the Paving

Leave joints approximately 10–12mm wide between each slab.

Once the paving has been laid, fill the joints using a jointing compound specifically designed for porcelain paving.

Porcelain slabs should never be butt-jointed, as adequate spacing is required for correct installation and long-term performance.

Step 8: Clean the Finished Patio

Keeping the paving clean throughout installation is essential.

Once the jointing compound has fully cured, remove any remaining residue using a cleaner suitable for porcelain paving.

If your project also includes natural stone, make sure the cleaner you choose is acid-free, as acidic products can permanently damage natural stone.

Clean away any mortar or jointing residue as soon as possible to avoid staining.

Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general information purposes only. Buildland accepts no responsibility for any injury, loss or damage resulting from the use of this information. Always follow relevant manufacturer instructions, building regulations and health and safety guidelines. All work is carried out at your own risk.

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