There’s no denying that rivalry and competition can often make for a better outcome, particularly when two rivals are seeking the same end goal.

When there’s an equally appealing Ying to the opposition’s Yang, the game of one-upmanship makes for a mutually beneficial environment where the ultimate winner is you – the consumer!

Sonic had Mario; Muhammad Ali had Joe Frazier; even Bill Gates had Steve Jobs! In keeping with the theme, the outdoor flooring industry is no different.

Paving vs. decking

Patio vs decking has long been the ultimate showdown between garden gunslingers. Find out which side of the duel you reside on, as we run down the pros and cons of paving and decking.

Benefits of porcelain paving

Providing all the aesthetic allure of natural stone, porcelain paving provides a modern twist on the classic stony façade, with heightened durability, hard-wearing properties and extremely low-maintenance.

Built to not only withstand elemental demands like fades and frost, these tiles are also slip, stain and scratch-resistant, leaving you with a new-look tile long after their introduction to your property.

They also come in a wide range of sizes and style, providing you with a huge selection in terms of outdoor design and patio finish.

Meanwhile, the low porosity of the pavers also makes them ideal for a variety of purposes and surfaces, from outdoor dining spots and hot tub areas to pool-sides and driveways.

Benefits of composite decking

Much like porcelain paving, composite decking also mimics its natural counterpart, this time providing a remarkably uncanny aesthetic of real wood.

However, unlike natural wood, composite decking won’t rot, fade, chip or splinter, nor will warp, bow or crack. Better still, it’ll never need to be sealed, stained or painted either.

Also built for slip-resistance, it’s extremely resistant to liquids and frost, particularly the capped composite range, which comes with protective polymer sleeve for enhanced moisture resistance.

Composite decking also boasts an eco-friendly design, made of reclaimed wood and polymer resin for a top-quality end product with a minimal carbon footprint for sustainability.

Porcelain paving or composite decking?

When it comes to choosing one of the other, it’s difficult to identify a clear-cut winner between pavers and decking.

Both offer similar advantages, providing long-lasting durability and weather-resistant stability. Meanwhile, both also offer low-maintenance properties for minimal upkeep.

However, while both porcelain pavers and composite decking are available in a variety of designs, the sheer variety of pavers give them the edge in terms of design freedom.

That being said, composite decking is available in a range of deck types and brands, offering additional diversity in terms of the materials.

The verdict

With porcelain tiles and composite decking boards acting as the Coke to the other’s Pepsi – ultimately, it all comes down to a matter of taste.

Both provide a feast for the eyes and either one would make a fantastic addition to any property, providing an instant upgrade for any property they reside on.

Whether you prefer an authentic stone-look space or a natural wood-look finish, you won’t be disappointed with either one!

For more information on our paving and decking options, feel free to get in touch today on 0800 028 8756 or drop us an email using the button below.

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The term “vitrified tiles” is one you may have seen in your quest for tiling perfection and is a phrase that has seen increasing regularity in recent years – but what does it actually mean?

Grab a Stanley knife and wonder no more, as we unbox this tiling enigma once and for all with this guide to vitrified tiles.

What are vitrified tiles?

In the case of tile making, the term actually refers to the vitrification process of the tile (which makes a lot of sense when you think about it).

During this vitrification process, extremely high temperatures are used to bake tiles into a glass-like material, providing the new substance with a high water-resistance that’s essentially impermeable.

The resulting product boasts an extremely low porosity, making them ideal for outdoor use and areas that see regular exposure to water, such as the surroundings of pools, hot tubs and jacuzzies.

Are vitrified tiles the same as porcelain tiles?

If that last paragraph sounded familiar, it’s probably because it very much is. Porcelain tiles fall under the vitrified tiles banner and are classed as “fully vitrified” with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%.

Due to this, porcelain tiles are often referred to simply as “vitrified tiles”, leaving their true identity to sometimes go under the radar. However, to add to the confusion, porcelain tiles are also considered to be a form of ceramic tile.

Nevertheless, the true label of “fully vitrified” is perhaps the best indicator to go by. While many tiles can fall under the banner of vitrified tiles and ceramic tiles, only porcelain tiles can be categorised as “fully vitrified”.

Vitrified tiles vs ceramic tiles

Ultimately, the benefits of vitrified tiles over traditional ceramic tiles are durability, porosity and traction. The low absorption rate increases grip, making them ideal for bathrooms and poolside, as well as outdoor use.

The dense durability makes them extremely hardwearing and resistant against the elements, keeping them protected from a variety of outdoor issues, from fading and staining to scratches and abrasions.

Meanwhile, in the unlikely event you do happen to chip a tile, you may not even be able to notice. Vitrified tiles contain a dye that is added to the tile mix prior to the vitrification process; this provides them with a consistent colouration all the way through, unlike ceramic tiles.

As such, vitrified tiles boast a consistent colour right the way through, making chips largely unnoticeable. Conversely, ceramic tiles are coated post-bake, making chips far more obvious and conspicuous.

Overall, vitrified tiles are a great choice for a long-term tiling solution, providing long-lasting aesthetic quality with little maintenance required. For a durable tile that won’t crack under the pressure, look no further!

For more information on vitrified tiles and the power of vitrified porcelain paving, why not get in touch? Call now on 0800 028 8756 or drop us an email using the link below.

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Porcelain tiles can provide the ultimate flooring solution for your home, both inside and out.

Beautifully designed, steeped in personality and extremely hard-wearing, they truly make for the perfect base for your homely space.

If you’ve really fallen in love with an indoor tile, why should you be forced to choose a different design for your exterior space?

Luckily, PrimaPorcelain has you covered for just that with our comprehensive range of indoor/outdoor transition tiles.

Benefits of an indoor outdoor transition

For many properties, space can be at a premium and any inside tricks to increase that space is a welcome blessing.

Using the same tile/paver design both inside and outside can create a seamless transition from your interior design to your outdoor space. It’s also a fantastic way of creating space and instantly opens up each room.

Alternating flooring designs stop the aesthetic flow of an interior design. By continuing the same floor pattern from one room to the next, you can effectively make each room seem bigger by allowing them to flow seamlessly into the adjoining space.

Best of all, this ethos can just as easily be applied to the outside, making your interior design flow effortlessly into the outside and vice versa.

How to create an indoor outdoor transition

The first port of call for anyone looking to create a seamless indoor outdoor transition is the subject of tile design. Naturally, you’ll need to pick the same tile design for both your indoor tile (10mm) and outdoor paver (20mm), so be sure your chosen design is available in both formats.

Once you’ve settled on a design, your next area of focus should be the adjoining border between interior and exterior. For the most effective use of indoor/outdoor transition pavers, it’s well worth investing in sliding or foldable patio doors. This can be utilised to particularly notable effect if you have a level patio.

That way, when you open up the doors, you effectively merge your outdoor space with your interior, creating a continuous pattern with an unbroken design flow that spills out into the outdoors.

Blurring the lines between where the interior ends and the exterior begins provides space on both sides of the coin, regardless of which side you find yourself.

The garden will feel bigger from the outside, while the indoors will seem more spacious from the inside, truly creating the best of both worlds in terms of space.

Things to consider when creating an indoor outdoor transition

It’s important to remember that indoor tiles are more often than not just that – designed for the indoors. As such, indoor tiles are typically not suitable for outdoor use.

In order to create continuity with the same design inside and out, you must first find an indoor tile design that is also available as an outdoor paver.

Sadly, this isn’t always the case and, as a result, not all indoor tiles will be available in outdoor form, effectively putting the kibosh on your indoor/outdoor design dreams.

To avoid disappointment, be sure to check your tile of choice is stocked in both indoor and outdoor forms before you let your imagination run wild. It could help prevent porcelain heartbreak down the line.

Hints & Tips: indoor/outdoor transition

Light pavers have a knack for opening up a space, creating the illusion that your property is bigger than it actually is. For the ultimate space saving solution, combine bright tiles with a level patio and foldable doors to bring your outdoor space and interior design together as one.

Additionally, be sure to keep an eye on the slip rating. If you intend to use your outdoor space for watery fun and games – whether it’s a kid’s pool, a jacuzzi or anything else – a tile with a low grip rating could become a hazard when wet.

Where possible, opt for a tile with a high grip rating for outdoor use. This will provide firmer traction underfoot, limit potential slips and make for a safer surface, particularly after heavy rainfall.

For additional information on outdoor to indoor tile design and transition tiles, call now on 0800 028 8756 or get in touch online using the link below.

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So, you’ve chosen your design from a wide range of porcelain paving options, you’ve ordered the necessary amount and you’re now well and truly excited about your impending paving.

All that’s left is the small matter of installation.

When it comes to laying porcelain paving, there are two primary routes to go down: the DIY option or the professional path.

If you’re planning on installing porcelain paving in your garden, this isn’t a decision that should be made lightly. Naturally, there are pros and cons attached to each, ultimately coming down to cost vs. quality.

To help guide you through the process to ensure you make an informed decision, here’s a quick rundown of what to expect from each.

DIY Paving Installation

If you have prior experience of manual labour, garden maintenance or tiling in general, DIY installation of garden paving can be a worthwhile endeavour.

Even if you don’t have history in any of the above, that’s not to say that the DIY route is completely out of the question – provided you don’t mind taking the risk and jumping in at the deep end.

AlfrescoPlus tiles are designed for easy installation. While traditional tiles and pavers require mortar and cement, our revolutionary pedestal support system totally by-passes this antiquated approach in favour of our simple, new-school technology.

This allows for dry installation, without the use of any kind of adhesive whatsoever. Not only does this keep the mess to a minimum, it also makes them user-friendly and far easier for a novice would-be paver to handle.

Best of all, the absence of adhesive mean there are no drying periods to wait around for once your pavers are laid. Since there’s no cement or mortar involved, you can simply lay your pavers and begin using straight away.

Tips for Laying Porcelain Paving

If you do plan on installing porcelain paving tiles yourself, there are a few things that are well worth keeping in mind.

Coverage Area

Before you start, calculate the area you will be required to cover by measuring the dimensions of the space. We recommend allowing for 10% waste as it’s inherently common for paving jobs to require slabs to be cut and trimmed along the way for the perfect fit. Meanwhile, it can also be good to have some slabs in reserve, should you run into any breakages along the way.

Paving Gaps

Our tiles and pavers are designed with a very close dimensional tolerance with very clean-cut edges. While this does allow for a tight “architectural” finish, we strongly advise against jointless installation with no gaps as the slightest alteration in settlement can affect the overall aesthetic. Instead, opt for at least a 2mm grout gap between pavers.

Colour Variation

Pavers with an intrinsic colour variation between tiles (such as the Sandstone Grey and the Travertine Grey ranges) are designed to naturally differ from one slab to the next. As such, when you are laying your tiles, it’s worth alternating which pavers you use. Choosing paving tiles from different boxes or varying sections of delivery pallet can help ensure a randomised pattern for a heightened authenticity.

Cutting Tiles

While installation is designed to be as simple as possible, it’s unlikely a paving job will fit perfectly from edge to edge. As such, you may be required to cut certain tiles to make them fit snug from left to right. Be sure to prepare for this eventuality by sourcing the relevant cutting equipment before your start the job.

Professional Paving Installation

While our indoor tiles and outdoor pavers are specifically engineered for simple self-installation, we understand that laying porcelain paving in your property can be a daunting task and won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.

Home improvement can be quite the investment and the prospect of that investment going to waste with a sub-par DIY job can be one that many will want to avoid. If that sounds like you, fear not – that’s where we come in.

At AlfrescoPlus, we pride ourselves on our customer service and providing complete, comprehensive assistance from start to finish is something that we thrive upon. Our expert team of professional fitters are more than happy to help you achieve the paving design you paid to see.

Available in most areas nationwide, our experienced staff are fully capable of tackling a variety of tasks and projects, from straightforward patio installation to complex designs involving additional features, like steps and levels.

From gardens patios and poolside surroundings to balconies and roof terraces, we can handle the hard work so you don’t have to. Simply make the call, sit back and enjoy the results!

For more information on our installation services, why not drop us a line today? Call now on 0800 028 8756 to speak with one of our helpful customer service staff or use the button below to send us an enquiry online.

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