Have you found a gorgeous porcelain tile for your driveway, but are worried it won’t be sturdy enough?
Many people fear porcelain tiles will be too delicate for driveways because they immediately think of homeware, which is notoriously fragile.
However, thanks to the vitrification process, porcelain tiles are suitable for high-traffic areas such as driveways, if the correct tile is chosen and laid correctly.
So, how do you choose the right porcelain paving for your driveway?
Choose vitrified porcelain
To make porcelain strong and stable enough for driveways, it undergoes the vitrification process.
Pure kaolin clay is mixed with minerals like quartz, silica, and feldspar and fired at around 1,200 degrees Celsius.
The minerals form a glass substrate within the tile, giving it a texture similar to glass and making it stronger, more durable and water resistant.
Firing it at such high temperatures helps increase the strength of each porcelain tile, making it perfect for patios and driveways in busy family homes.
When choosing a porcelain tile for your driveway, it is important to ensure that you are ordering vitrified porcelain.
Check porcelain tile thickness
Porcelain tiles come in a range of thicknesses, generally ranging from 10-30mm.
10mm tiles are most often reserved for indoor use, patios, and decorative edging.
These thinner tiles struggle to handle the impact and weight of vehicles and could break. They would then need to be replaced, which would be an unnecessary expense.
It’s safer to use tiles either 20mm or 30mm thick for the perfect driveway tile.
This gives the necessary strength and stability needed for a long-lasting, busy driveway that could last 40-50 years.
Lay the correct base
Before laying your 20-30mm vitrified porcelain tile, it’s important to ensure the groundwork, or base, below your tile will adequately support the vehicles parking on it.
If not, no matter how thick and durable your tile is, it will likely be damaged or uneven over time.
You may need to replace your existing base, as porcelain tiles are best laid on either MOT type 1 sub-base, which is commonly used in construction, or onto a concrete base.
It’s best to check this with your contractor if you’re unsure.
Choose your porcelain tile: contrast or compliment
Now you’ve sorted the less exciting jobs, you can finalise the colour and style of your porcelain tile.
Renowned for being consistent in pattern and colour, and retaining this colour for many years, porcelain tiles are an excellent choice for contrasting with or complimenting your house and existing décor.
Whatever your style, you’re now limited only by your imagination.
Monochromes or grey tones can work well for a modern-looking home, while classic brown and golden-toned tiles work well for traditional houses.
Similarly, you could choose to add an edging stone to your new patio, to really make a feature of your driveway and help it stand out from your neighbours.
Ask us about our porcelain tiles today
Whatever your preference, Stone and Porcelain has a vitrified porcelain tile that is perfect for your new driveway.
For more information, or for help choosing the tile that is just right, call us today on 01744 304 545 or fill in our contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
You could also order online for fast and free shipping on all our products.