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The Ultimate Guide to Porcelain Pavers in Sydney
Choosing, installing and caring for 20mm outdoor porcelain pavers for Sydney patios, pool surrounds, courtyards and paths.
600×600×20mm • $49/m2 • Delivery To You Available.
Quick answer
What are porcelain pavers?
20mm porcelain pavers are thick outdoor tiles designed for suitable exterior paving applications. They combine the appearance of stone with consistent sizing, very low water absorption and straightforward maintenance. They can be used for Sydney patios, pool surrounds, courtyards, garden paths and other outdoor areas when the selected paver and installation system are suitable for the location.
Why choose porcelain pavers for Sydney outdoor areas?
Porcelain pavers are a practical choice for outdoor areas because they offer the appearance of natural stone with controlled colour variation, consistent dimensions and low maintenance.
Their very low water absorption makes them well suited to exposed outdoor environments. They generally do not require the routine sealing commonly recommended for porous natural stone. Correct installation, suitable drainage and the product’s intended use remain essential.
Strong and durable
A quality 20mm porcelain paver provides a solid outdoor surface when installed over an appropriate base using an approved installation method.
Very low water absorption
Porcelain absorbs very little water compared with many natural paving materials, helping make it a practical option for exposed patios, courtyards and pool areas.
Easy to maintain
Routine dirt can generally be removed with clean water, a pH-neutral cleaner and a suitable outdoor brush. Porcelain pavers do not generally require routine sealing.
Consistent size and thickness
Manufactured dimensions help create clean joints and a more uniform finished surface than products with significant natural size or thickness variation.
Where can porcelain pavers be used?
Depending on product suitability, site conditions and installation method, 20mm porcelain pavers may be used for:
– Outdoor entertaining areas
– Patios and courtyards
– Pool surrounds
– Garden paths and stepping areas
– Balconies and terraces
– Alfresco areas
– Pedestrian walkways
– Outdoor kitchens
– Residential landscaping
For pool surrounds, wet areas and sloping surfaces, confirm the individual product’s published slip rating and intended application before purchasing.
Porcelain pavers around swimming pools
Porcelain pool pavers are popular in Sydney because they can provide a contemporary finish with very low water absorption and manageable maintenance.
Before choosing a paver for a pool surround, consider:
– Published slip rating
– Surface texture under bare feet
– Heat exposure and paver colour
– Drainage and surface falls
– Pool chemicals and cleaning products
– Matching bullnose or finished-edge pieces
– Suitability of the proposed installation system
Lighter paving colours will generally be more comfortable than very dark colours in strong direct sunlight, although actual surface temperature depends on the product and site conditions.
Porcelain Or Natural Travertine?
Material
Manufactured Porcelain
Natural Travertine
Appearance
Controlled Range Of Finishes
Natural Colour And Pattern Variation
Sealing
Generally Not Required For The Paver
Often Advised; Follow Supplier Guidance
Choosing
Match The Product To The Location
Check Finish, Care And Installation Needs
| Material | Manufactured Porcelain | Natural Travertine |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Controlled Range Of Finishes | Natural Colour And Pattern Variation |
| Sealing | Generally Not Required For The Paver | Often Advised; Follow Supplier Guidance |
| Choosing | Match The Product To The Location | Check Finish, Care And Installation Needs |
Porcelain is particularly attractive when consistent sizing, low maintenance and a contemporary finish are priorities. Natural stone may be preferred when unique natural character is the main objective.
Porcelain also does not require sealing in the same way as natural stone, saving you time and ongoing maintenance costs.
How are 20mm porcelain pavers installed?
The correct installation method depends on the site, substrate, intended use and paver manufacturer’s instructions.
Bonded over a concrete slab
Suitable porcelain pavers can be installed over a sound, stable and correctly prepared concrete slab using an appropriate external porcelain adhesive. Falls, drainage, movement joints and waterproofing requirements must be addressed before installation.
Installed over a prepared base
Some 20mm porcelain pavers can be installed using a system designed for a properly constructed and compacted base. The supporting surface must remain stable, provide adequate drainage and include edge restraint where required.
Installed on pedestals
Suitable pavers may be used with an approved pedestal system for balconies, terraces and raised outdoor areas. Confirm the paver, pedestal spacing and supporting structure are suitable for the intended application.
Used as stepping pavers
Individual porcelain pavers may be used in landscaped stepping areas when each unit is supported by a stable, level and properly prepared base.
Installation note:- Follow the paver and installation-product manufacturers’ directions, relevant Australian requirements and advice from a suitably qualified installer.
Drainage and falls
Outdoor paving must direct water away from buildings and toward suitable drainage points. Water should not pond against walls, thresholds or other structures.
Falls should be planned before the slab or base is completed. Trying to correct inadequate drainage during the final laying stage can affect the appearance and performance of the finished area.
Adhesive, joints and movement joints
When bonding pavers to concrete, use an adhesive specified for external porcelain, the selected substrate and the paver size and weight. Large pavers may require adhesive application to both the substrate and paver back to achieve the coverage required by the adhesive manufacturer.
Do not tightly butt porcelain pavers together unless the manufacturer expressly permits the proposed system. Appropriate joints allow for installation tolerances, drainage and movement.
Movement joints may be required around perimeters, against structures, over existing movement joints, where materials meet and across larger paved areas. A qualified installer should determine their location and spacing.
How much extra should customers order?
Allow additional material for cuts, breakages and future repairs.
– Simple open areas: approximately 10% extra may be suitable.
– Diagonal layouts or areas with numerous cuts: allow more.
– Detailed pool surrounds, steps and complex landscaping: approximately 15% or more may be required.
The final allowance should be confirmed with the installer. Keeping spare pavers from the original batch is strongly recommended because later batches can vary and the same range may not always remain available.
Shade and pattern variation
Stone-look porcelain may include multiple faces to create a more natural result. Before laying, open several boxes, mix pavers between boxes, rotate individual pieces and check the overall distribution. Designed variation is part of the appearance and is not automatically a fault.
Cutting 20mm porcelain pavers
20mm porcelain is considerably thicker than a standard indoor tile and requires appropriate professional cutting equipment. Depending on the cut, installers may use a suitable wet saw, bridge saw, diamond blade or specialist drilling equipment.
Use appropriate personal protection and dust-control methods. Complicated pool-edge cuts, penetrations and visible finished edges are best handled by an experienced installer.
How Do I Care For The Surface?
Sweep regularly, use a suitable mild cleaner and rinse. Follow the supplier’s guidance for the selected product.
Do porcelain pavers need sealing?
Generally the porcelain surface does not. Grout, joints and adjacent materials may have different care requirements.
Choosing a colour for Sydney conditions
Light grey, beige and pale stone tones create an open appearance and will generally be more comfortable than very dark paving in strong direct sunlight. Mid-grey and natural stone tones are versatile and can help disguise everyday dust. Charcoal and deeper colours create strong contemporary contrast but require careful consideration of heat exposure and maintenance expectations.
Customers should view physical samples in natural light where possible. Photography, lighting and screen settings may not show the exact physical colour.
Matching rounded bullnose and pencil edge pieces
Matching 400x600x20mm rounded bullnose and pencil edge pieces are available in all nine porcelain-paver colours for $49 per piece, while stocks last. Both profiles have one finished 600mm edge.
Rounded bullnose provides a rounded finished edge. Pencil edge provides a straighter appearance with a lightly eased edge. Choose the profile to suit the design and confirm the product and installation system are suitable for the planned pool surround, step or exposed edge. Availability can vary, so customers should confirm the required colour and quantity before finalising their project.
Porcelain paver buying checklist
– Measure the complete area.
– Confirm the intended installation method.
– Check suitability for the location.
– Confirm slip resistance for wet or exposed areas.
– Plan drainage and falls.
– Allow sufficient material for cuts and wastage.
– Retain matching spares for future repairs.
– Confirm rounded bullnose or pencil edge requirements.
– Select compatible adhesive, grout and joint products.
– Inspect and mix several boxes before installation.
– Use an installer experienced with 20mm porcelain.
Frequently asked questions ?
Are porcelain pavers suitable for Sydney pool areas?
Many porcelain pavers are intended for outdoor wet areas, but the individual product’s published slip rating, surface finish and intended use must be checked before purchase.
Are porcelain pavers slippery when wet?
Slip resistance varies between products and finishes. Confirm the selected paver’s published slip rating and suitability, particularly around pools and on exposed surfaces.
Can porcelain pavers be laid over concrete?
Suitable porcelain pavers can be bonded over a correctly constructed and prepared concrete substrate using an appropriate external porcelain adhesive.
Can 20mm porcelain pavers be laid on a prepared base?
Some 20mm porcelain pavers may be installed using an approved system over a suitably constructed and compacted base. Confirm the paver, site and proposed installation method are compatible.
Can porcelain pavers be installed on pedestals?
Some 20mm porcelain pavers are suitable for approved pedestal systems. Confirm product suitability, pedestal spacing and structural requirements with the relevant suppliers.
Are 20mm porcelain pavers difficult to cut?
They are harder and thicker than standard tiles, so appropriate professional cutting equipment is required. Complicated or highly visible cuts should be completed by an experienced installer.
Do porcelain pavers need sealing?
Porcelain pavers generally do not require sealing because of their very low water absorption. Joints and adjacent materials may have different requirements.
Where can I buy porcelain pavers in Sydney?
Bargain Factory Tile Outlet sells a nine-colour range of 600×600×20mm porcelain pavers through its online outlet for $49/m2. Delivery to you is available.
Are matching rounded bullnose and pencil edge pieces available?
Yes. Matching 400x600x20mm rounded bullnose and pencil edge pieces are available in all nine colours for $49 per piece, while stocks last. Confirm profile, colour and quantity availability before ordering.
How much extra should I order?
Approximately 10% extra may suit a simple open area, while layouts with numerous cuts, steps or detailed pool surrounds may require approximately 15% or more. Confirm the final allowance with the installer.
Explore Related Ranges
Explore our complete porcelain paver range
Create a stylish, durable and straightforward-to-maintain Sydney outdoor area with our 20mm porcelain paver collection.
– Nine colours available
– $49/m2
– Matching 400x600x20mm rounded bullnose and pencil edge pieces available
– Rounded bullnose and pencil edge $49 per piece while stocks last
– Delivery to you available