Kandla Grey Porcelain Paving combines the natural beauty of Kandla Grey Indian Sandstone with advanced porcelain technology of vitrification. The prominent characteristics of porcelain make it a popular choice among UK homeowners.
Porcelain paving slabs are known for their beauty, durability, low maintenance, and slip resistance. That is why Kandla Grey Porcelain Paving is a go-to choice for patios and driveways.
Having said that, even the best Kandla Grey Porcelain Paving will only perform at its best when installed correctly. Because porcelain is denser and less porous than natural stone, the installation process requires careful preparation and the right techniques to avoid issues like cracking or poor drainage.
To get the most value from your investment, it is important to understand all the installation requirements of Kandla Grey Porcelain paving slabs. In this blog, we will guide you through everything you need to know before laying Kandla Grey Porcelain paving slabs.
Why Proper Installation Matters for Porcelain Paving?
Porcelain paving slabs differ from natural paving slabs. They are:
- Denser
- Less porous
- Heavier
That’s why they need precision and professional techniques for installation. Otherwise, you will see cracking, instability, and water absorption leading to damage over time, which is not so rare in the UK due to the unpredictable weather.
Tools and Materials Required
- Mortar mix (4:1 sand to cement)
- Slurry Primer
- MOT Type 1 Hardcore
- Tile Spacers
- Wet Saw
- Rubber Mallet
- Spirit Level
- Grout (or Jointing Compound)
- Safety Gloves and Goggles
Installation Requirements of Kandla Grey Porcelain
Preparing Sub-base
- Laying MOT Type 1 ensures that your slabs do not move, shift, or sink with time.
- The sub-base should be strong and well-compacted.
- The depth requirement is 150-200mm.
Applying the Bedding Layer
- The bedding layer helps in stability and adhesion of the slabs on the area.
- Evenly spreading the mortar mix is important. Refrain from spot-bedding.
- To avoid premature setting, apply mortar for one slab at a time.
Priming Slabs
- Apply slurry primer to the back of Kandla Grey Porcelain 16mm.
- Slurry primer helps in adhesion of the non-porous porcelain surface with the mortar mix.
- Use a brush or roller for proper coverage.
Cutting Kandla Grey Porcelain Slabs
- Use a wet saw or diamond blade cutter for clean and precise cutting.
- Measure twice before cutting the slab for corners and edges.
- Always wear safety gear.
Laying Porcelain Slabs
- Handle carefully while laying the slab on the mortar bed.
- Use spacers for perfect alignment of the slabs beside each other.
- Tap with a rubber mallet for a professional and levelled finish.
- Check the levels with a spirit level.
Pave Direct provides some of the best Kandla Grey Porcelain paving slabs at a reasonable cost with free delivery across the UK.
Grouting
- Allow the slabs to sit and heal for 24-48 hours before grouting.
- Use a jointing compound designed for porcelain, preferably a resin-based type, to ensure a durable and clean finish.
- Push the grout into joints with a rubber squeegee.
- Remove the excess grout immediately to avoid staining and ruining the slabs.
Mistakes to Avoid while Installing Kandla Grey Porcelain Paving
You do all of your research and invest an excessive amount of time and money in laying your porcelain pavings. So, it is crucial to know the mistakes that you must avoid during the installation process.
- Do not skip priming your outdoor Porcelain tiles. They are non-porous, and skipping this step leads to movement and lifting of your slab after some time.
- Avoid spot-bedding your slabs. Doing so will result in cracking of your slab if it receives constant traffic.
- Not compacting your sub-base properly can lead to instability, poor drainage, and cracking of your pavers.
- Not using a wet saw or diamond cutter. Porcelain is dense, and not using the specific cutting tools will damage your tile and the overall look of your space.
- Not using spacers for the perfect alignment. The alignment and the grout help in slight movements with the seasons, and will look perfect visually.
- Not cleaning the slabs immediately after healing the grout. It can result in staining of your paving.
DIY or Hiring a Professional
If you have experience in laying porcelain tiles and you have all the knowledge and the right tools, you can easily install your Kandla Grey Porcelain tiles.
But if the process seems a bit too complicated and you want larger slabs for your patio or driveway, like Kandla Grey Porcelain 1200 x 600, Kandla Grey Porcelain 900 x 600, or Kandla Grey Porcelain patio packs, we highly recommend you hire a professional installer for laying your Kandla Grey porcelain paving slabs.
Conclusion
Kandla Grey Porcelain is a great choice for achieving any modern or traditional garden, patio, or driveway in the UK. But for unlocking their full potential, you must invest the same energy and interest in installing them carefully.
With the right steps, knowing all the requirements in the overall Kandla Grey Porcelain installation process, and avoiding the common mistakes, you can enjoy your paving for decades without worrying about its maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you install porcelain paving?
Steps for laying a professional porcelain paving:
- Preparing your base
- Lay a sub-base of MOT Type 1 Hardcore
- Pour mortar mix in the space
- Prime your porcelain paving slab with a brush or roller
- Lay the slabs, leaving equal space between each slab
- Check levels with a spirit level
- Add grout after 24-48 hours
- Clean your slabs immediately for excess grout
What should porcelain slabs be laid on?
Porcelain paving slabs are laid on a solid sub-base of mortar mix. The mortar mix consists of 4:1 parts of sharp sand and cement. Apply slurry primer on the back of your paving slab for better adhesion and longevity of your pavements.
How do you prepare ground for porcelain slabs?
For preparing porcelain paving ground:
- Excavate 150-200mm depth of the ground
- Lay and compact MOT Type 1 hardcore sub-base
- Ensure proper drainage of 1mm to 80mm surface
- Add wet mortar mix over sub-base
How much per m² to lay porcelain slabs?
The average cost of porcelain paving slabs depends on the manufacturing, labour, and tax regulations of your region. For the latest Kandla Grey Porcelain Paving slabs price per m², visit our website.
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Grey Porcelain Paving Slabs Suitable For UK Weather?
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