BERKSHIRE
SPECIALIST INSTALLERS
Porcelain Paving Installation
Clean, contemporary, virtually maintenance-free. Transform your outdoor space with premium porcelain paving installed to the highest technical standards.
25+
YEARS EXPERIENCE
3-7
DAYS INSTALLATION
<30mm
SLAB THICKNESS
<0.5%
WATER ABSORPTION
FREE
QUOTES & SURVEYS
CUSTOMER STORY
“We chose porcelain because we wanted something low-maintenance, but our first installer laid it without primer and half the slabs lifted within a year. Urban Stone relaid the entire patio properly. Two years on, not a single slab has moved. The difference is night and day.”
— Mark and Sarah L., Surrey
WHY SPECIALIST INSTALLATION
Why Porcelain Needs Specialist Installation
Porcelain is a vitrified material—fired at extremely high temperatures until the clay body becomes glass-like and essentially non-absorbent. Water absorption is typically below 0.5%, compared with 3–6% for most sandstones. A standard mortar bed has nothing to grip.
The intervention is a slurry primer: a polymer-modified bonding coat applied to the back of every porcelain slab immediately before laying. This creates a chemical adhesion between the non-porous porcelain and the mortar bed. Skipping this step is the single most common cause of porcelain patio failure.
We apply slurry primer to every slab on every installation. It is not optional.
THE MATERIAL
Porcelain Finishes & Colours
Modern porcelain ranges replicate the look of natural stone, slate, timber, and concrete with remarkable accuracy. We source from established UK-stocked suppliers to ensure batch consistency and availability.
Mid-Grey & Silver
Weather visually well and suit most property styles. Clean, contemporary appearance.
Sandstone & Buff
Warm tones perfect for traditional and period properties. Creates a welcoming appearance.
Dark Slate & Anthracite
Bold, contemporary dark tones. Perfect for creating a striking, modern outdoor space.
Timber-Plank Effect
Decking-style appearance without the maintenance. Perfect for outdoor entertaining areas.
BENEFITS
Benefits of Porcelain Paving
Virtually Zero Maintenance
No sealing required. Does not support moss or algae. Cleans with just water and mild detergent.
Stain Resistant
Non-porous surface resists oil, wine, and food stains. Perfect for outdoor entertaining areas.
UV Stable
Holds its colour for decades. No fading in direct sunlight like some natural stones.
Frost Proof
Vitrified material is completely frost-proof. Survives UK winters without cracking or spalling.
Consistent Appearance
Uniform colour and texture across the entire patio. Modern, contemporary aesthetic.
Scratch Resistant
Extremely hard surface. Resists scratches from furniture, pets, and everyday use.
Slip Resistant
R11-rated finishes provide reliable grip in wet conditions for patios, paths, and steps.
Property Value
A properly installed porcelain patio enhances your property’s look and market appeal.
OUR PROCESS
How We Install Porcelain Paving
Technical standards the material demands—full mortar bed, slurry primer on every slab, correct sub-base preparation, proper drainage falls, and specialist jointing.
01
Excavation & Groundworks
Area excavated to accommodate full build-up. Patio surface sits at least 150mm below the damp proof course.
02
Sub-Base Installation
Minimum 100mm of MOT Type 1 crushed aggregate, compacted in layers to form a stable, load-bearing foundation.
03
Mortar Bed & Primer
Full mortar bed with SBR additive. Slurry primer applied to entire back face of every slab before laying.
04
Slab Laying
Slabs placed onto wet mortar bed, tamped into position, checked with spirit level for both level and fall.
05
Specialist Jointing
Resin-based or flexible exterior grout for narrow 3-5mm joints. Durable, weed-resistant finish.
06
Drainage & Finishing
Patios laid to fall of 1:60 to 1:80, directing water away from the building. Channel drains where needed.
WHY CHOOSE US
Specialist Porcelain Installers Since 2008
Urban Stone Developments is a specialist porcelain paving installer working across London, Berkshire, Essex, Kent, Surrey and Hertfordshire. We install outdoor porcelain to the technical standards the material demands.
The result is a patio that performs as well as porcelain promises—flat, even, and seamless. Five years after installation, it will look substantially the same as the day it was laid.
Family-Run Business
Porcelain Specialists
Premium Materials
Clear Guarantees
SERVICE AREAS
We Cover the South East & Beyond
We install porcelain paving across a wide service area. Contact us to arrange a free site survey.
London
Berkshire
Essex
Kent
Surrey
Hertfordshire
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does porcelain need specialist installation?
Porcelain is a vitrified, non-porous material. Traditional mortar beds cannot bond to its surface. Without a slurry primer applied to every slab, porcelain debonds, lifts, cracks, and pools water—often within 2-3 years. We apply slurry primer to every slab on every installation.
How long does a porcelain patio installation take?
Most domestic patio installations take 3-7 working days depending on size and complexity. We’ll confirm timings in your free site survey.
What sizes of porcelain slabs do you install?
Common slab sizes include 600×600mm, 900×600mm, and 1200×600mm. Larger formats create a more contemporary appearance with fewer joints, while mixed-size layouts offer a more traditional feel. We source from established UK-stocked suppliers.
Porcelain vs natural stone—which is better?
Porcelain offers consistency, negligible maintenance, and a contemporary aesthetic. Natural stone offers unique character and a warmer, more traditional appearance. Many of our projects combine both—porcelain for the main entertaining area, with natural stone paths or borders.
How do I maintain a porcelain patio?
A properly installed porcelain patio needs nothing more than an occasional sweep and a wash with warm soapy water. No sealing required. Does not support moss or algae.
Request A Free Quote
“The grey porcelain patio looks incredible—clean, modern, and it ties in perfectly with the bifold doors. The team explained every step of the process and the site was spotless when they left.”
James W.
Berkshire
Clean, Contemporary, Low-Maintenance Porcelain Patios
Transform your outdoor space with specialist porcelain installation from Urban Stone Developments—serving the South East since 2008.