Why buy porcelain paving from AWBS?
- Extensive choice of paving styles, colours and slab sizes stocked.
- Convenient and great-value paving project packs available.
- Free local delivery, with no minimum spend restrictions, within 25 miles of branches.
- 90% of stocked paving delivered locally within 24 hours – standard lead time is 1–3 days for stocked products.
- Competitive national delivery available.
- See real installed paving displays at every AWBS branch and get expert advice.
Why choose porcelain paving slabs?
Porcelain paving is best for: low-maintenance patios, garden paths and outdoor living spaces. It is very durable, frost-resistant, does not require sealing, is easy to clean and is available in stone, concrete, metallic and wood-effect styles. Porcelain paving is not recommended for driveways; for driveways, choose block paving, decorative gravel and aggregates or resin-bound surfacing. Here are some key benefits of porcelain paving:
- Easy to maintain – porcelain paving has a non-porous surface that helps prevent staining, moss and algae growth. Keeping it clean is straightforward, with regular sweeping and occasional washing, and no sealing is needed.
- Resistant to stains and frost – porcelain paving tiles are less likely to be marked by food spills, mud and natural garden debris. As water cannot penetrate the surface, they also perform well year-round and are highly resistant to frost damage when installed correctly.
- Clean, consistent finish – slabs are manufactured to a uniform thickness, making them ideal for contemporary layouts. Many designs replicate the look of natural stone or timber while maintaining neat lines and even spacing.
- Practical underfoot – outdoor porcelain paving features a lightly textured surface to provide grip, while remaining smooth enough for seating areas and patio furniture. Slip resistance ratings vary by product, so check individual product details or ask our team for advice.
Read our dedicated guide to learn more about porcelain paving and how to select the right slabs and installation materials.
How does porcelain paving compare with other paving materials?
| Material |
Best for |
Maintenance |
Finish |
| Porcelain paving |
Modern patios, paths and outdoor living spaces |
Very low; no sealing required |
Clean, consistent, contemporary |
| Natural stone paving |
Traditional gardens and rustic patios |
Moderate; may need sealing depending on stone |
Natural variation and texture |
| Concrete paving |
Budget-conscious patios and utility areas |
Low to moderate |
Wide range of practical styles |
| Block paving |
Driveways, paths and edging detail |
Moderate |
Flexible layouts and patterns |
Porcelain paving styles stocked at AWBS branches
At AWBS, we stock over 30 styles of porcelain paving slabs and outdoor tiles, making it easy to find a design to suit your home, garden layout and budget. Choose from the following options:
Natural stone-effect porcelain paving
Suitable for both contemporary and traditional gardens, our stone-effect porcelain slabs offer authentic colour variation without the upkeep of quarried stone and with cleaner lines.
Metallic-effect porcelain paving
Offering a striking finish with tonal depth and subtle sparkle, our metallic-effect porcelain paving slabs work well in modern gardens and architectural spaces.
Wood-effect porcelain paving
Replicating the warmth and character of timber, wood-effect porcelain is a practical alternative to decking. Great for creating longer-lasting seating areas and garden paths.
Finishes & size options
Whichever style you choose, our porcelain paving is available in a range of finishes and formats to suit different projects and laying preferences. Flat or honed styles offer a sharp, clean finish, while riven-effect textures create a softer, more natural appearance. Either way, all slabs are manufactured to a consistent thickness for a neat, professional finish.
We can supply patio slabs in mixed project packs designed to cover a set number of square metres. Or if you prefer, you can purchase single slabs for smaller areas, steps and repairs.
For larger patios and paved areas, selecting paving project packs is usually the easiest option because they state a clear m² coverage and make it easier to estimate the quantity of paving you need. For smaller projects such as paths, steps, repairs or awkward spaces, it can be more practical and cost-effective to buy single porcelain slabs.
When calculating how much porcelain paving to order, measure the area in square metres by multiplying the length by the width. If your patio is an irregular shape, you can break it down into sections and add the areas together. We recommend allowing at least 10% extra for cuts, edges and wastage, especially for complex shapes, borders and features such as steps. If you are unsure how much paving you need, contact your local AWBS branch and our team can help you work out the right quantity.
We hold most porcelain paving styles in stock, allowing for quick delivery or collection from your nearest branch. As such, 90% of stocked items are usually delivered locally within 24 hours, with a standard local delivery aim of 1–3 working days for stocked products.
Everything you need to lay porcelain paving
Alongside porcelain slabs, we can supply all the materials needed for a successful installation. This includes construction aggregates such as sand and MOT Type 1 for creating a stable sub-base. We also stock slurry primers, which are essential when laying porcelain paving to ensure proper adhesion.
You may also need:
We also sell a wide range of tools for paving, landscaping and building projects. Our team will be happy to advise on the right installation materials for your chosen paving; we are here to help.
Porcelain paving suppliers in Oxford, Yarnton and Swindon
At AWBS, we stock porcelain paving from trusted manufacturers including Bradstone, Digby, Talasey and Pavestone. This gives you a wide choice of styles, finishes and price points.
Our stone-effect porcelain paving includes ranges designed to mimic the look of natural stone. Bradstone Mode Profiled offers a refined, contemporary finish, while Bradstone Tatra and Digby Stonerock feature natural veining and subtle texture for a more rustic appearance.
From Pavestone, we offer Amalfi porcelain patio slabs with marble-inspired patterning, alongside bolder Dolomite tiles in larger sizes with straight edges. Other design options include light-reflecting metallic and timber-look porcelain.
Digby’s wood-effect porcelain features realistic grain detail and natural colour variation. Alternatively, we stock Pavestone Deckwood in a plank-style format. This product closely mirrors the look of decking and offers the warmth of wood with the reliability of porcelain.
Great value porcelain: AWBS Exclusive range
Seeking a premium finish at a more accessible price? Our AWBS Exclusive range includes high-quality porcelain paving in popular colours and styles, designed to perform just as well as branded alternatives – at a fraction of the cost.
Stone-effect options like Coastal Mix, Meadow Blend and Stone Grey are inspired by our natural stone ranges, using familiar colour blends in a hard-wearing porcelain format. These designs boast a natural-looking tonal mix that is designed to resist fading in the sun and a lightly textured surface for slip resistance. They can also provide a smoother, harder-wearing alternative to real stone.
For more contemporary spaces, AWBS Exclusive Modena offers a sleek, large-format porcelain option. Clean edges, consistent sizing and a lightly textured surface create a modern, architectural finish that works well in minimalist patios and seating areas. Modena is available in beige, grey and anthracite, either as single slabs or in project packs so you know exactly what coverage you’re getting. Shop the AWBS Exclusive porcelain paving range.
See porcelain paving installed at your local AWBS branch
Porcelain paving slabs can look very different when laid across a larger area, compared to viewing a single slab. That’s why each AWBS branch features outdoor display areas where you can view styles side by side and see how the colours look in natural light. Our expert team will be on hand to help you choose the right products for your project and budget. Have a specific query you’d like answered? Contact your local branch on the number below:
Free local and nationwide delivery options
We offer free local porcelain paving delivery to addresses within 25 miles of our stores in Oxford, Swindon and Yarnton. Better yet, there’s no minimum order value, so we can assist with projects of all sizes. No job is too small! To check whether your address qualifies, please use our online postcode checker before ordering.
For customers outside our local delivery area, nationwide delivery is also available. Delivery charges vary depending on product type, weight and location, and selected paving packs may qualify for special delivery deals. Get in touch to discuss the best option for your needs.
Porcelain paving FAQs
Is porcelain paving slippery when wet?
Porcelain paving is generally designed with outdoor use in mind and is rated for slip resistance. Its performance depends on the specific finish and texture, and keeping the surface free of grime also makes a big difference. If you’re unsure which to choose, ask for advice in store.
Do porcelain patio slabs need sealing?
No, porcelain paving slabs do not require sealing. Because of their low porosity, they don’t absorb liquids and naturally repel stains. The surface pattern is also baked in at the point of manufacture, so it won’t fade over time. As such, porcelain patios are very easy to maintain.
What’s the right way to lay porcelain paving?
The downside of porcelain being non-porous is that it doesn’t adhere to mortar as easily as other materials. With that in mind, you’ll need to use slurry primer to bond your porcelain patio tiles to the mortar bed. If you are planning to install porcelain paving yourself, our team will be happy to offer advice. We also have a handy porcelain paving installation guide that details each step and special requirements, plus a range of construction materials and jointing compounds that are suitable for porcelain patios – just ask a member of staff.
What jointing should I use for porcelain paving slabs?
For porcelain, use a specific grout for porcelain paving. We have a range of professional-grade brush-in and epoxy jointing compounds in a choice of colours for porcelain paving from leading brands Joint-It, Azpects and Steintec. Our team can recommend the best option for your chosen slabs and requirements.
Can porcelain paving be used for a driveway?
No. Porcelain paving is supplied for patios and garden paths and is not recommended for driveways. If you need a driveway surface, take a look at the block paving, gravel or resin options available in our driveways section.
How do I calculate how much porcelain paving I need?
Start by measuring the area you want to pave in square metres: length x width. From there, you can either choose paving packs that match your required m² coverage or order single slabs to suit your layout. We recommend ordering 10% extra for cuts, especially if your design includes patterns, borders or steps. If you’re unsure, our team can help you work out the correct quantity for your project. Simply contact your local branch for advice.
Does porcelain paving stain easily?
No. Porcelain paving is non-porous and does not absorb moisture and liquids. That means it’s easy to clean and resists stains much more effectively than porous materials like natural stone and concrete paving. For best results, mop up any spills as quickly as you can and use a specialist porcelain cleaner as needed.
Can I see porcelain patio tiles in person before I buy?
Yes. To get a better idea of how porcelain slabs may look in your own garden, pop into one of our Oxford, Yarnton or Swindon branches. Each one has its own paving displays with fully installed patios and pathways to demonstrate how different slab styles look in situ. This is also a great opportunity to compare similar colours side by side and to view textures up close. Still undecided? Just tell us what you need and we’ll suggest some suitable products.
-1300x910.jpg "Bradstone Mode Profiled Dark Grey Porcelain 18.36m² Paving Pack")
