Flooring can make a significant difference in the appearance of your new outdoor entertainment area, so choosing the right material for your project is crucial. Two of the most popular hardscaping choices are porcelain deck pavers and concrete tiles — a modern solution and a tried-and-true classic.

Porcelain pavers and concrete paving slabs both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks and depending on your project’s needs, you’ll find that one option is better suited for you than the other. To help you decide, here are the pros and cons of porcelain vs. concrete pavers:

Benefits of Porcelain Deck Pavers

Porcelain deck tiles are quickly become one of the most beloved hardscaping solutions on the market due to their durability, versatility, cost-effectiveness and visual appeal. They have several practical safety benefits for commercial projects, such as resistance to frost, fire, mold, salt corrosion and thermal shock. They can also withstand more than 2,200 pounds of weight per slab due to an advanced manufacturing process that involves high temperatures and incredible pressure. 

Porcelain pavers also boast anti-slip properties, which makes them the perfect choice for wet areas such as pool decks. Their nonporous nature also means that they never need to be re-sealed to prevent staining and other damage. In the case of spills or an accident, they’re extremely easy to clean and are one of the most low-maintenance exterior flooring options you’ll find on the market.

Benefits of Concrete Paving Slabs

Concrete paving slabs are one of the most popular paving products in the country, thanks to their universal appeal that makes them suitable for just about any exterior application. Concrete pavers can be used in a variety of applications, and they come in a wide range of colors and finishes that make them incredibly versatile. 

They’re also one of the most affordable materials to install, making them a popular choice among homeowners with a tight budget. However, this cheap price tag also comes with a lack of durability that can make them cost more in the long run compared to porcelain deck pavers. Although they’re fairly durable and weather-resistant, they’re susceptible to cracking and staining over time. Their porous nature also means that they require higher maintenance levels than porcelain pavers and can stain more easily.

Cost

Concrete paving slabs can be a tempting choice due to their cheap initial cost, but property owners are finding that porcelain paving tiles are a much better long-term investment due to their low maintenance costs.

While initially more expensive to purchase, porcelain deck pavers can actually help you secure a higher ROI thanks to their high durability, easy maintenance and innovative installation system. In the case that one of your tiles does become damaged, you can easily pop out and replace that single tile with Tile Tech’s easy-to-use adjustable pedestal system. If your concrete paving slab becomes damaged, by contrast, you may need to remove and re-pour a large area of your patio – if not the entire area.

Design Versatility

Both porcelain pavers and concrete paving slabs have numerous design options that make them suitable for a wide range of projects. Tile Tech’s Granite-Tech series, Stamp-Tech series, Oceanic series, and Recycled Glass series offer a wide selection of colors and textures for those seeking a more traditional concrete tile.

Porcelain pavers, however, have a remarkable advantage over concrete when it comes to their versatility. Porcelain deck tiles come in hundreds of colors, finishes and textures that make them suitable for just about any project you can dream up. They can even be customized to perfectly suit your one-of-a-kind landscape design. With porcelain pavers, you can even replicate the appearance of concrete, hardwood, slate, and natural stone pavers — but with all the enhanced functionality of a porcelain deck tile.

When contractors or property managers seek industry-leading deck tiles for their latest renovation — whether porcelain or concrete — they turn to the experts at Tile Tech Pavers. We have hundreds of unique paver varieties, including porcelain pavers, concrete pavers, roof pavers and more. With the Tile Tech paver system, you can create an elegant and elevated outdoor space that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of your family or your company. To learn more about our product options, give Tile Tech a call at (888) 380-5575 or fill out our online contact form today. We’re always happy to provide you with a free quote for your next residential or commercial project.