If you’ve had natural stone hardscaping or concrete pavers before, then you know that they require annual sealing to remain in their best condition. But what about porcelain pavers?

Porcelain deck tiles are one of Tile Tech’s most popular choices for decking material since they’re so durable and low maintenance. Outdoor pavers are a great choice for adding beauty and durability to any outdoor area, but when it comes to sealing outdoor porcelain pavers, there are a few things you should know.

1. They’re Nonporous and Nonabsorbent

The modern porcelain paver was first created by Italian manufacturing companies that created a clay slurry mixture heated at 2500 degrees Fahrenheit in a kiln. By heating this silica-heavy mixture at such high temperatures for up to 12 hours, porcelain pavers become incredibly strong and resistant to weathering.

The European water absorption standard is 0.5 percent or less, but porcelain outdoor tiles created using this Italian manufacturing process far outperform it with a water absorption rate of less than 0.1 percent. Utilizing Italian manufacturing technology but always made in the USA, Tile Tech’s porcelain deck tiles are nonporous, making them resistant to water absorption and staining.

2. You Don’t Need to Seal Porcelain Deck Tiles

Since Tile Tech outdoor porcelain pavers are nonporous and stain-resistant, they don’t need to be sealed each year to maintain their aesthetic appeal. Moisture cannot penetrate porcelain tiles easily, making them slip-resistant and fade-resistant as well as stain-resistant. 

Porcelain deck tiles don’t need to be sealed because they’re glazed during the manufacturing process, and the kiln firing process makes the stone exceptionally dense. If you buy high-quality pavers created using this high-pressure Italian manufacturing technology, your porcelain deck tiles should remain stain-free for years to come.

3. Not All Outdoor Porcelain Pavers Are Created Equal

With that being said, not all porcelain outdoor tiles are created using this process. There are many different types of porcelain pavers on the market today, and some have much higher absorption rates that can make them susceptible to staining without re-sealing. 

If you want to ensure you receive premier, stain-resistant outdoor porcelain pavers, make sure you’re buying from a reputable tile manufacturer. At Tile Tech, we use innovative Italian manufacturing technology but make all our deck tiles right here in the USA. All of our products adhere to ISO standards and meet all ASTM requirements for residential and commercial applications.

Outdoor porcelain pavers have gained rapid popularity in recent years thanks to their stunning appearance, superior durability, quick installation time, reasonable cost and low maintenance levels. Not to mention, there are hundreds of different styles and colors to choose from — some of which replicate the appearance of natural stone and hardwood. If you’d like to learn more about Tile Tech’s full range of products and services, including porcelain deck tiles, give us a call at (888) 380-5575 or fill out our online contact form. We’re always happy to provide you with a free product sample, catalog, or quote for your next project.