Porcelain or Yorkstone: which patio paving?

Porcelain

Outdoor porcelain is dense and absorbs almost no water, so it resists stains, moss and frost damage well and is easy to keep clean. It comes in very even colours and sizes, which suits a modern look.

It's harder to lay than stone. Porcelain needs a bonding primer on the back so it sticks to the mortar, and it has to be cut with a diamond blade, so the installer's experience with porcelain matters. Look for slabs sold for outdoor use with a good slip rating, as some smooth finishes get slippery when wet.

Natural sandstone and Yorkstone

Yorkstone is a sandstone quarried in Yorkshire, and it's the stone many of the older houses and walls in Airedale and Wharfedale are built from. A natural stone patio blends in with a stone house in a way porcelain rarely does.

Every slab is slightly different in colour and thickness, which is part of the appeal. Sandstone is more porous than porcelain, so in damp, shady gardens it will weather and can grow algae over time. A regular clean keeps it looking good, and some people choose to seal it.

Reclaimed Yorkstone is also available. It already has the worn, aged look, which can be ideal next to an old property.

Which suits your home?

For a stone cottage, a terrace in a conservation area or a traditional garden, natural stone usually looks right. For a newer house, a contemporary garden, or if you want the least maintenance, porcelain is hard to beat.

In a shady, north-facing garden, think about upkeep. Porcelain will stay cleaner with less effort. Natural stone will look more natural as it weathers, but it will need cleaning.

Questions to ask the installer

Ask what base they'll lay, how they'll set the fall so water runs away from the house, and how they'll joint the slabs. For porcelain, ask whether they prime the slabs. A good installer will be happy to explain all of this at the quote visit.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change; check with your council before you build. Updated October 2026.