Porcelain Paving Cost & UK Installation Guide (2026)

If you’re planning a new patio this year, you’ve probably already typed something like:

“How much does porcelain paving cost in the UK?”

And the frustrating part? Every website gives a vague answer.

So let’s keep this simple and honest.

This guide breaks down:

• What porcelain paving actually costs in 2026

• Real prices from Universal Paving

• What installers charge

• What your total budget should realistically look like

No fluff. Just clear numbers.

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First – What Do Porcelain Slabs Cost?

Right now, at Universal Paving, outdoor 20mm porcelain slabs sit roughly between:

• £19.55 – £19.99 per m² for popular 900x600 sizes

• Around £22.25 per m² for larger 1200x600 slabs

• Some mixed packs at £22.79 per m²

That’s proper outdoor-grade porcelain — not thin indoor tiles.

For many homeowners, this is actually cheaper than they expect.

If you're budgeting for a 30m² patio using slabs around £20 per m², your material cost would be roughly:

£600

That’s the easy part.

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Now Let’s Talk Installation (This Is Where Costs Rise)

Porcelain isn’t difficult — but it does require precision.

Unlike sandstone, it must be:

• Laid on a full mortar bed

• Primed underneath with slurry

• Properly levelled

• Installed with correct fall for drainage

Because of this, most professional installers in the UK charge:

£70 – £120 per m² (labour only)

So using our 30m² example:

• Labour could range from £2,100 to £3,600

That’s why installation matters more than the slab price.

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What’s the Real Total Cost in 2026?

For most UK gardens, you’re realistically looking at:

£100 – £160 per m² fully installed

So:

• 20m² patio → £2,000 – £3,200

• 30m² patio → £3,000 – £4,800

• 40m² patio → £4,000 – £6,400

Of course, this depends on access, groundwork and complexity.

But those numbers are realistic.

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Why Porcelain Costs More to Install Than Sandstone

It’s denser.
It doesn’t absorb moisture.
It doesn’t “grab” mortar naturally.

If it’s not installed properly, it can fail.

That’s why experienced installers charge more — and honestly, that’s a good thing.

A badly installed porcelain patio is expensive to fix.

A properly installed one can last 20+ years with very little maintenance.

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Is Porcelain Still Worth It?

In most cases — yes.

Here’s why homeowners still choose it:

• It doesn’t need sealing

• It doesn’t go green easily

• It keeps its colour

• It suits modern homes

• It looks clean and sharp year after year

When customers compare long-term value, porcelain often wins — even if the upfront cost feels slightly higher.

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Where People Go Wrong When Budgeting

A few common mistakes:

❌ Only looking at slab price
❌ Forgetting waste and cuts
❌ Not factoring in sub-base work
❌ Hiring the cheapest installer

The slab might be £20 per m² — but installation is where quality really matters.

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Final Advice (From a Practical Point of View)

If you’re planning a porcelain patio in 2026:

1. Choose proper 20mm outdoor slabs

2. Budget realistically for installation

3. Get at least two written quotes

4. Don’t cut corners on groundwork

Porcelain paving isn’t just about appearance — it’s about doing the job once and doing it properly.

When installed correctly, it’s one of the cleanest, lowest-maintenance patio options available in the UK right now.