TILE & STONE
ENJOYING THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Porcelain paver installations satisfy consumer demand for exceptional exterior spaces By Sean Smith
O
ver the last two years, demand for home renovations has reached an unprecedented level, as residents use household savings to tackle remodelling projects both inside and out. And with the rise in exterior upgrades has come the corresponding growth in the use of porcelain pavers. Porcelain pavers have gained in popularity as an alternative to conventional hardscape materials. Not only do they boast the beauty of their interior porcelain counterparts but at 20-millimetres thick, they’re extremely strong and durable. They also offer the look and feel of natural stone, concrete, wood and metal, but with the added benefits of being 16
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low maintenance and stain, salt, chemical and water-resistant, enabling them to handle even the harshest outdoor environments. This lends to porcelain pavers’ versatility — they can be utilized in a wide range of applications that include the use of a traditional mortar bed (wet-lay), granular or sand bed (dry-lay), interlocking base panels or pedestal systems. WET-LAY VERSUS DRY-LAY
Much like a flagstone installation where vehicular traffic is intended, or on a staircase, for walls and pool copings, porcelain pavers are best-suited to a wet-lay or mortar application. Using an exterior grade tile mor-
tar and a suitable structurally sound concrete base, the pavers can be installed with the knowledge that they will be permanently bonded and not move. As with a thinner tile installation, outdoor rated grout can be applied in the open spaces between pavers, giving the tiled area a clean, finished look. Since weather can affect the use of mortar and grout outdoors, it is recommended to follow manufacturer installation guidelines and ensure the conditions during installation are within the product’s tolerances to achieve best results. In certain areas, grout may not be the ideal choice. In this case, silicone can be used. Many manufacturers have developed colour
