Choosing the correct porcelain paver size

britishboy7 · 8 Jul 2020

ive finally decided on porcelain pavers for our raised patio, will be approx 70m2 in total. I’ve fallen in love with some 60cm x 120cm pavers I’ve seen, but realise they weigh the same as a small adult. Other option is the standard 60cm x 60cm size.

Pro’s and con’s of each? I want a really modern, minimalist look, hence the XL 60x120 choice.
Are there any other potential obstacles I need to consider when it comes to choosing the size, other than the obvious weight of them?

conny · 8 Jul 2020

I would think the most obvious requirement would need to be the end resting on supports such as joists.
It won't matter if they are 60 x 60 or 60 x 120 the smaller will probably weigh half the weight of the bigger, so if you need 100 of the smaller you will only need 50 of the larger.
The important factor is weight support so you may need to draw a plan of where the supports are and plan your layout accordingly. You will need to take account of any projections/recesses/hollows/bumps on the existing structure. A plan drawing will help to anticipate any problem areas.

britishboy7 · 8 Jul 2020

Sorry conny when I said a raised patio I didn’t mean on a raised platform or joists, I just meant it’s higher than the bottom part of the garden. It’ll be on a 6” deep type 1 base and then wet mortar bed, so laid in the usual way.

I mean are there any issues I could possibly encounter with the larger pavers etc?

conny · 8 Jul 2020

britishboy7 said:
Sorry conny when I said a raised patio I didn’t mean on a raised platform or joists, I just meant it’s higher than the bottom part of the garden. It’ll be on a 6” deep type 1 base and then wet mortar bed, so laid in the usual way.

I mean are there any issues I could possibly encounter with the larger pavers etc?

Sorry, my mistake. In that case then I think your biggest problem, (bear in mind I have never laid patio slabs other than as a temporary repair in my last rented place), will be lifting and moving them into the correct position and making sure they are level. I would still do a scaled plan though to see if you need to make any cuts.

lonner · 9 Jul 2020

They will be easy. The 1200x600 wont be that heavy,far lighter than a 900x600 pressed concrete slab.
You either walk the slab if on your own,or not used to lifting..or 2 person.
Walk or carry to mortar bed, then lower onto mortar.
Tap to level with a rubber mallet.
Lay each slab on the single bed, repeat.

You wont be able to do a larger bed area as you can with smaller slabs.

Porcelain are accurate so you need to work to a line or level ect, and keep a eye on your joint lines.
Obviously break the joint like brick work or random laying.

Take your time, you are in no rush.

bsr · 9 Jul 2020

Are porcelain OK on type I and mortar? I thought they had to go on a concrete slab.

britishboy7 · 11 Jul 2020

bsr said:
Are porcelain OK on type I and mortar? I thought they had to go on a concrete slab.

Thanks guys

Bsr that was my next question, seems to be 2 ways to lay porcelain paving. A tiler I had round to look at it said onto a solid concrete slab as you would indoors, but several YouTube video shows show it as compacted type 1 and a mortar bed?

diynot

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.

Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

Choosing the correct porcelain paver size

Similar threads