Sienna Ocean Mist Paving for Your Garden

With its soft light grey tones and sleek, contemporary finish, Sienna Ocean Mist Porcelain Paving has become a favourite for homeowners and designers seeking a minimalist yet sophisticated aesthetic. Its subtle, understated elegance lends itself perfectly to creating modern, calming outdoor spaces, whether used for patios, pathways, or poolside areas. The gentle grey shade complements a wide range of colour palettes and landscaping styles, allowing for seamless integration into both classic and contemporary garden designs.

Beyond its outdoor appeal, Sienna Paving is highly versatile and equally suitable for indoor applications. Its smooth, durable surface makes it an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms, or utility spaces, offering a stylish yet practical flooring solution. Easy to install and low-maintenance, Sienna Paving combines beauty with functionality, delivering a long-lasting finish that retains its chic appearance over time. Whether used inside or outside, it creates a sense of continuity and harmony across living and outdoor areas.

What is the Difference Between Porcelain and Sandstone?

Porcelain and Sandstone paving slabs each offer unique qualities suited to different outdoor spaces.

Porcelain Paving is a manufactured stone designed to replicate the look of natural stone while offering superior performance. These slabs are vitrified, meaning they are made from high-quality clays and minerals such as quartz and fired at 1200°C. This process produces a dense, “glass-like” finish that is highly durable, non-porous, and waterproof. Vitrified porcelain is resistant to mould, moss, and frost, and maintains its R11 skid rating, making it safe for pool-sides and areas used by children. Porcelain requires minimal maintenance, retains its colour over time, and does not deteriorate with use.

Sandstone Paving, on the other hand, is a naturally formed stone quarried in India. Its porous nature allows water to drain through, making it an environmentally friendly option that can help with flood prevention. Sandstone develops a unique, weathered character over time, gradually lightening to create a classic, vintage look. However, it does require more upkeep than porcelain, including regular sealing to preserve its natural colours.

In summary, Porcelain Paving is ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance, long-lasting, and colourfast surface, while Sandstone offers a natural, permeable, and environmentally conscious choice with timeless charm.

How to Install Sienna™ Ocean Mist Tiles

Achieving a durable, attractive porcelain paved area requires careful planning and attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure a professional, long-lasting finish:

1. Plan and Design

Measure the Area: Start by accurately measuring your space, factoring in patterns, borders, or any special features.
Select Your Pavers: Choose porcelain pavers that meet your aesthetic and practical requirements, considering colour, size, thickness, and finish.

2. Prepare the Site

Mark the Layout: Outline your design using stakes and string, keeping lines straight and corners precise.
Excavate the Ground: Dig down 150–200mm (6–8 inches) to accommodate the sub-base, bedding layer, and pavers. Ensure a slight slope away from buildings for proper drainage.

3. Create a Stable Sub-Base

Lay the Sub-Base: Spread 100–150mm (4–6 inches) of MOT Type 1 crushed stone or hardcore evenly across the area.
Compact the Sub-Base: Use a plate compactor to create a firm, level foundation that will minimise future movement.

4. Prepare the Bedding Layer

Mix Mortar: Prepare a semi-dry mortar using a 4:1 ratio of sharp sand to cement.
Apply Mortar: Spread the mortar over the compacted sub-base to a depth of about 30mm (1–1.5 inches), maintaining the same slope as the sub-base for effective drainage.

5. Prime the Porcelain Pavers

Apply Slurry Primer: Coat the back of each paver with a slurry primer such as UltraScape Premprime Paving Slurry Primer to ensure strong adhesion to the mortar bed.

6. Lay the Porcelain Pavers

Position the Pavers: Begin at one corner, pressing each paver firmly into place.
Use Spacers: Maintain 3–5mm gaps between pavers for jointing material.
Level Each Paver: Check alignment with a spirit level and adjust gently using a rubber mallet.

7. Cutting Pavers (if required)

Cut with Precision: Use a wet tile saw with a diamond blade for clean cuts. Always wear protective goggles and gloves.

8. Jointing the Paving

Fill the Joints: Once the mortar has set (typically 24 hours), fill the gaps with a jointing compound like EASYJoint, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Activate the Compound: If required, add water to fully secure the joints.

9. Final Finishing

Clean the Surface: Use a soft brush and water to remove excess jointing compound from the pavers.
Allow to Set: Let the paving cure for 24–48 hours before walking on it or placing heavy furniture.

10. Optional: Sealing

While porcelain is naturally non-porous, sealing the joints can provide extra protection against stains. Ensure the jointing compound is fully cured before applying any sealant.

11. Maintenance Tips

Routine Cleaning: Sweep regularly and rinse occasionally with a hose or pressure washer to keep the surface fresh.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stick to mild detergents and avoid abrasive cleaners to maintain the integrity and appearance of the pavers and joints.

By carefully following these steps, your porcelain paving will not only look stunning but also remain durable and low-maintenance for years to come.