Sienna Starlight Paving for Your Garden

Sienna Black Porcelain Paving offers a sleek, dark tone with a modern, stylish finish—perfect for creating a sophisticated garden patio. Ideal for relaxing outdoors, it brings a touch of elegance to any exterior space.

Its durable, easy-to-install design also makes Sienna Paving a popular choice indoors. Frequently used for kitchens and bathrooms, it provides a practical, contemporary flooring solution that enhances any interior with style and functionality.

What is the Difference Between Porcelain and Sandstone?

Porcelain and sandstone paving stones differ in composition, properties, and maintenance needs, each offering unique benefits depending on your project requirements.

Porcelain Paving

Manufactured to Perfection: Porcelain is a carefully engineered material designed to replicate the beauty of natural stone while offering superior performance. Through a vitrification process, high-purity clays and minerals—such as quartz—are fired at temperatures up to 1200°C, producing a dense, strong, and water-resistant surface with a “glass-like” finish.

Waterproof & Resilient: Vitrified porcelain is completely non-porous, resisting water, frost, mould, and moss, making it perfect for wet or cold climates.

Low Maintenance: It maintains its original appearance without sealing or special treatments, and its colour stays consistent over time.

Slip-Resistant: With an R11 skid rating, porcelain provides a safe, non-slip surface—ideal for poolsides, patios, and other wet areas.

Sandstone Paving

Sourced from Nature: Sandstone is a natural stone, often quarried in India, celebrated for its unique textures and earthy tones.

Porosity & Water Management: Naturally porous, sandstone allows water to drain through, supporting sustainable rainwater absorption and reducing surface runoff.

Eco-Friendly Benefits: Its permeability helps manage localized flooding and contributes to environmentally conscious landscaping.

Aging Gracefully: Over time, sandstone develops a weathered look, with colours subtly fading under sunlight—a natural charm many homeowners appreciate.

Higher Maintenance: To maintain its rich tones and prevent moss or staining, sandstone requires regular sealing and care.

Key Considerations

Durability: Porcelain paving is stronger and more resistant to weathering than sandstone, making it ideal for long-lasting surfaces.

Maintenance: Porcelain is virtually maintenance-free, while sandstone requires regular care to preserve its appearance.

Aesthetic Appeal: Sandstone delivers natural, earthy tones and textures, whereas porcelain offers a sleek, consistent, and contemporary finish.

Ultimately, choosing between porcelain and sandstone depends on your project’s desired look, environmental considerations, and the level of upkeep you’re prepared to manage.

How to Install Sienna™ Starlight Tiles

Achieving a durable and attractive porcelain paving installation requires careful planning and attention to detail. Follow these steps for a professional finish:

1. Plan and Design

Measure the Area: Take accurate measurements, including any patterns or borders you plan to incorporate.

Choose Your Pavers: Select porcelain pavers that match your aesthetic and practical requirements, considering colour, size, and thickness.

2. Prepare the Site

Mark the Layout: Use stakes and string to outline your design with straight lines and precise corners.

Excavate the Ground: Dig 150–200mm (6–8 inches) to accommodate the sub-base, bedding layer, and pavers, ensuring a slight slope for 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.

Compact the Sub-Base: Use a plate compactor to create a firm, level foundation that prevents movement over time.

4. Prepare the Bedding Layer

Mix Mortar: Combine sharp sand and cement in a 4:1 ratio to create a semi-dry mortar.

Apply Mortar: Spread a 30mm (1–1.5 inches) layer over the compacted sub-base, maintaining the slope for drainage.

5. Prime the Porcelain Pavers

Apply Slurry Primer: Coat the back of each paver with a primer (e.g., Azpects EASYPrime) to ensure strong adhesion.

6. Lay the Porcelain Pavers

Position Pavers: Start from one corner, pressing each firmly into the mortar.

Use Spacers: Maintain a 3–5mm gap between pavers for jointing material.

Level Each Paver: Check alignment with a spirit level and adjust with a rubber mallet as needed.

7. Cutting Pavers (If Necessary)

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

8. Jointing the Paving

Fill the Joints: Once the mortar sets (usually 24 hours), fill gaps with a jointing compound like EASYJoint.

Activate if Required: Follow manufacturer instructions to secure the joints fully.

9. Final Finishing

Clean the Surface: Remove excess jointing compound with a soft brush and water.

Cure Time: Allow 24–48 hours before walking on or placing heavy furniture.

10. Optional: Sealing

Seal the Joints: While porcelain itself is non-porous, sealing the joints adds extra protection against stains. Ensure the jointing compound is fully cured before sealing.

11. Maintenance Tips

Routine Cleaning: Sweep regularly and rinse occasionally with a hose or pressure washer.

Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Use mild detergents to maintain the pavers’ appearance and integrity.

Following these steps will ensure a long-lasting, visually stunning porcelain paving installation that enhances your outdoor space for years to come.