Looking back, Indian Sandstones used to be a fan favourite amongst UK homeowners. However, with the advancement in technology, vitrified porcelain paving slabs are giving tough competition due to their functionality and modern looks.
So, which one should you choose for your patio: Natural Kandla Grey Sandstone or Kandla Grey Porcelain? We will discuss their significant differences, and then you can decide which one better suits your needs and wants.
Kandla Grey Porcelain Vs Natural Kandla Grey
Physical Features:
Kandla Grey is basically a type of Indian Sandstone with a medium grey colour with slight blue, beige, and brown undertones. It has a riven or smooth but uneven surface, giving a natural rustic charm. It looks great whether wet or dry.
While Kandla Grey Porcelain mimics the natural look of Kandla Grey Indian Sandstone, it looks exactly like natural stone but has more uniform slabs. Porcelain adds textures in its Kandla Grey, making it safer for patio use, even when it's wet.
Weather Resistance:
Like others, Kandla Grey Indian Sandstone has a porous surface. Thus, it is more prone to water absorption, leading to algae and moss growth. It is also vulnerable to frost accumulation and fading. It needs constant sealing from time to time to retain its natural colour and protect it from the sun’s UV rays and moss and algae growth. However, it will still fade beautifully.
Kandla Grey Porcelain, on the other hand, is a vitrified tile and has a non-porous surface. Its water absorption is <0.5%, making it highly resistant to frost, algae, moss growth, and staining.
Patios in the UK take a lot from the elements like rain, frost, and muddy foot traffic. Outdoor Porcelain tiles are fade-proof; the sun’s UV rays and frequent rain do not affect them whatsoever, which is perfect for the British outdoors.
Weather-Resistance Winner: Kandla Grey Porcelain Paving
Maintenance:
Natural Kandla Grey has high porosity and needs sealing from time to time. If not, they absorb water, which can disturb their structural stability, and become a victim of moss and algae growth. They also stain easily if not properly cared for.
Want a patio that looks modern yet requires the least to keep up? Porcelain paving Kandla Grey is known as one of the most low-maintenance paving options. They do not need sealing, but only the grout. A basic soapy water wash or pressure wash will do a great job of keeping them new.
Low-Maintenance Winner: Kandla Grey Porcelain Paving
Slip Resistance:
Kandla Grey is naturally textured and provides great safety to walking on it. However, if not properly cared for and sealed, algae and moss build-up can make them slippery during the wet seasons. This is specifically common in the UK, where you receive frequent rainfalls and the climate is moist most of the time.
You can absolutely count on Porcelain pavers for slip resistance. They are rated R11 for slip-proofing. Kandla Grey, mirroring the natural sandstone, has a textured surface, and they do not have any algae and frost accumulation issues, giving an extra excellent foot grip.
Slip-Resistance Winner: Kandla Grey Porcelain Paving
Durability and Longevity:
Natural stones are subject to chipping and cracking over time. They cannot tolerate extremely harsh weather conditions and foot traffic. Even if you install them professionally, you should expect them to crack if they receive constant massive traffic.
On the contrary, Porcelain, especially Kandla Grey Porcelain 900 x 600, deals amazingly with heavy traffic as it goes through the process of vitrification and is denser in nature. These slabs have the capabilities to handle what your patio goes through, i.e., furniture, BBQs, mud, and even frost, without cracking, staining, and fading. You can live a carefree life for decades without the fear of the wear and tear of these paving slabs.
Durability Winner: Kandla Grey Porcelain Paving
Installation Ease:
When it comes to installation, Kandla Grey sandstone takes the crown. They are easier to install and more forgiving than Porcelain. You can cut them easily and install them yourself if you have the basic knowledge and experience.
Kandla Grey Porcelain, being denser, needs special equipment to cut it and needs a lot of care to handle. They need professionals to install them, adding to the cost of the slab, but having the best results at the end of the day.
Installation Ease Winner: Kandla Grey Indian Sandstone
Cost:
When it comes to porcelain vs Indian sandstone cost, Indian sandstones, including Kandla Grey, have a low upfront cost. They are very budget-friendly, and you can also DIY it, making it even cheaper to install.
Because Porcelain pavings are very hard and take a lot of time to manufacture, they have a high upfront cost. However, it is all worth it because it requires no sealing and a lot of upkeep in the future, making it cheaper in the long run.
Low-Cost Winner: Kandla Grey Indian Sandstone (Upfront)
Long-term Value: Kandla Grey Porcelain Paving
Conclusion:
To sum up, both of the tile options create beautiful patios, but it all depends on your priority.
The Kandla Grey Porcelain patio pack offers greater functionality. It excellently mimics natural Kandla Grey sandstone and provides numerous benefits, such as slip resistance, water resistance, strength, durability, and easy maintenance- crucial factors considering the UK’s unpredictable weather.
That said, if you are working with a tight budget and want to experience a fun DIY, Kandla Grey Indian sandstone is also a great option. At the end of the day, it is all up to you.
Pave Direct is your trusted provider of the best Kandla Grey Porcelain Paving and Kandla Grey Indian Sandstone slabs at great prices with free delivery across the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions (Kandla Grey Porcelain vs Kandla Grey Indian Sandstone)
Which is better, porcelain or natural stone?
Porcelain is better in most aspects due to its near-zero water absorption and high density, like:
- Durability
- Slip resistance
- Frost resistance
- Stain-proof
- Fade-proof
However, natural stones are:
- Easy to cut
- Easy to install
- Have lower upfront costs
Even then, porcelain has a higher long-term value than natural sandstone.
How to clean Kandla Grey porcelain?
You can find the detailed version of cleaning porcelain tiles. But here is the shorter version of how to clean Kandla Grey Porcelain tiles:
- Brush off the debris and dirt
- Mix water and a mild detergent
- Apply the solution and use a gentle brush over the surface
- For tough stains, use a porcelain-friendly brush or a slight pressure wash
What is Kandla Grey porcelain vs natural Kandla Grey price?
Kandla Grey Porcelain Paving has a high upfront cost but is more valuable in the long run due to its low maintenance and sturdiness. But natural Kandla Grey is low-cost and easy to install.
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