Edinburgh · Midlothian · The Lothians
Porcelain Patios in Edinburgh & the Lothians
Hard-wearing, low-maintenance porcelain paving, laid the way porcelain needs to be laid so it stays put.
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Our porcelain patios in Edinburgh give you a hard-wearing, low-maintenance finish – laid on a full bed with the right primer and jointing so the slabs stay put.
Porcelain has become the most popular patio material we lay, and for good reason in Edinburgh's climate. It absorbs almost no water, so it doesn't stain easily, resists algae and moss far better than concrete or sandstone, and isn't damaged by frost. But porcelain is also less forgiving to lay than stone, and laid the wrong way it comes loose.
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Porcelain patios in Edinburgh: what to expect
Why porcelain needs a different approach. Because porcelain is dense and non-porous, ordinary mortar doesn't grip the back of it the way it grips sandstone. Porcelain laid without a primer can sound hollow and work loose within a year or two. So we:
Lay on a compacted sub-base and a full mortar bed, not dabs
Coat the back of every slab with a slurry primer so the mortar bonds to it
Use a diamond blade for clean, chip-free cuts
Fill joints with a jointing compound or grout suited to porcelain, so they stay neat and weed-free
What you get. - A surface that's easy to keep clean with a brush and occasional wash
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Consistent colour and texture across the whole patio
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Good grip when you choose an outdoor-rated, textured finish
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A clean, modern look, or wood-effect and stone-effect options
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Choosing porcelain
| Choice | Options | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 600 x 600 mm, 900 x 600 mm, 1200 x 600 mm and larger | Larger slabs make small gardens feel bigger and need fewer joints |
| Finish | Matt, textured, stone-effect, wood-effect | Textured finishes give more grip in the wet |
| Colour | Light grey, mid grey, charcoal, buff, white | Light colours brighten shady gardens; dark colours hide marks |
| Thickness | Usually 20 mm for outdoor use | Outdoor porcelain is thicker and stronger than indoor tiles |
We can bring samples so you can see them in your garden's light.
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Porcelain in Edinburgh gardens
Shady tenement and terraced gardens
stay greener and slippier than sunny ones. Porcelain is the best answer to algae.
New-build homes
suit grey porcelain alongside modern brick and render.
Porcelain steps and copings
can match the patio exactly, giving a seamless finish.
Inside-outside flooring
If your kitchen floor tiles have an outdoor equivalent, the patio can continue the same look through patio doors.
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Looking after a porcelain patio
Sweep regularly and wash down with water and a mild detergent
Avoid harsh acid cleaners on the jointing
Keep joints topped up if any compound wears out over the years
Clear moss from the edges and joints once or twice a year
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Porcelain patios across the Lothians
We lay porcelain patios across Edinburgh and the Lothians, including patios in Livingston, Bonnyrigg, Dalkeith, Penicuik and Musselburgh.
Porcelain patio FAQs
Is porcelain slippery?
Outdoor porcelain is made with textured finishes for grip. It can be slippery if algae builds up in heavy shade, but it's far easier to keep clean than stone.
Does porcelain cost more than sandstone?
Porcelain slabs are often similar to good-quality sandstone, but laying takes a little longer because of the primer and cutting.
Can you lay porcelain over my old patio?
Not usually. Old patios rarely have the base porcelain needs, so we lift the old paving and rebuild the base.
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Get a quote for a porcelain patio
Send a photo of the area and a rough size. Call or text 07426 792387 or request a free quote. See all patio options.
Free quotes
Get a free, no-obligation quote
Call or text 07426 792387, or send photos through the quote form.