10mm or 20mm: Which porcelain paving should you buy?
When choosing porcelain paving for a patio, garden, terrace or outdoor space, one of the most important decisions is the thickness of the tile. Two of the most common options are 10mm and 20mm porcelain paving.
Although both can provide a stylish, durable and low-maintenance surface, they are designed for different applications and installation methods. Understanding the differences between 10mm and 20mm porcelain paving can help you choose the right product for your project.
What is the difference between 10mm and 20mm porcelain paving?
The main difference is, quite simply, the thickness of the porcelain tile.
10mm porcelain paving is thinner and generally lighter, making it particularly suitable for areas where the tiles are being installed onto a solid, prepared base using a suitable adhesive or tile installation system.
20mm porcelain paving is significantly thicker and heavier. It is designed primarily for outdoor paving applications and offers increased rigidity and strength, making it particularly suitable for patios, terraces, paths and other landscaping projects.
The choice between them isn't necessarily about which is "better". Instead, it depends on where the paving is being installed, the type of base available and how the area will be used.
Advantages of 10mm Porcelain Paving
10mm porcelain paving is a popular choice where a thinner tile is more appropriate for the installation.
1. Lightweight and easier to handle
One of the biggest advantages of 10mm porcelain is its lower weight compared with 20mm paving.
This can make tiles easier to transport, move around the site and position during installation. For projects where access is restricted or tiles need to be carried some distance from the delivery point to the installation area, the reduced weight can be particularly useful.
2. Ideal for suitable solid bases
10mm porcelain tiles can be an excellent option when installing onto an appropriate existing solid substrate.
For example, they can be considered for suitable concrete or other properly prepared bases where the installation system and adhesive are appropriate for the application.
The existing base should always be assessed before installation to ensure it is stable, level and suitable for porcelain paving.
3. Excellent choice for balconies and terraces
Where weight is an important consideration, thinner porcelain can be advantageous.
10mm porcelain can be particularly suitable for certain balconies, terraces and other areas where the construction has been designed to accept a thinner tile system.
However, the structure and proposed installation method should always be checked before purchasing.
4. Stylish and versatile
A thinner tile doesn't mean compromising on appearance.
10mm porcelain paving is available in a wide variety of colours, textures and finishes, including realistic stone-effect, concrete-effect and contemporary designs.
This makes it possible to create a high-end look while using a thinner porcelain format.
Advantages of 20mm Porcelain Paving
20mm porcelain paving has become increasingly popular for gardens and landscaping projects because it is specifically suited to many outdoor paving applications.
1. Increased thickness and rigidity
The additional thickness gives 20mm porcelain paving greater rigidity than thinner formats.
This makes it particularly well suited to outdoor landscaping applications where the paving needs to withstand everyday use and changing outdoor conditions.
2. Excellent for patios and garden paving
For a traditional outdoor patio, 20mm porcelain paving is often the preferred option.
Its thickness makes it well suited to patios, garden paths, terraces, seating areas and other landscaping applications when installed using an appropriate method.
3. More robust during handling and installation
Outdoor paving can be moved around a building site several times before it reaches its final position.
The additional thickness of 20mm porcelain can make the slabs more robust during handling, although care is still essential. Porcelain paving should always be handled correctly and transported on suitable A-frames, stillages or pallets where appropriate.
4. Suitable for a range of installation methods
One of the major advantages of 20mm porcelain paving is its versatility.
Depending on the product manufacturer's instructions and the site conditions, 20mm porcelain can be installed using different methods, including suitable bonded installations and certain raised or pedestal systems.
This makes 20mm porcelain particularly versatile for modern landscaping projects.
10mm vs 20mm Porcelain Paving: At a Glance
| Feature | 10mm Porcelain | 20mm Porcelain |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 10mm | 20mm |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Handling | Easier to handle | More substantial |
| Outdoor patios | Suitable for appropriate systems | Excellent choice |
| Garden paths | Suitable depending on installation | Excellent choice |
| Solid concrete bases | Often suitable with correct system | Suitable with correct system |
| Balconies/terraces | Can be advantageous where appropriate | Depends on structural requirements |
| Rigidity | Lower than 20mm | Higher |
| Landscaping applications | Good for suitable installations | Very versatile |
| Installation options | More dependent on suitable substrate/system | Wide range depending on system |
Is 20mm porcelain better than 10mm?
Not necessarily.
The right thickness depends on the project.
If you're creating a traditional garden patio or landscaping project, 20mm porcelain is often the more appropriate choice because its increased thickness and rigidity make it well suited to outdoor paving.
If you're working with a suitable existing solid base, balcony, terrace or another application where a thinner tile is preferable, 10mm porcelain may be the better option.
Rather than choosing the thickest tile available, consider the complete installation system, the substrate, drainage, expected use and manufacturer's recommendations.
Which thickness is best for a patio?
For most standard garden patios, 20mm porcelain paving is an excellent choice.
It provides the substantial feel expected from outdoor paving and is designed for a wide range of landscaping applications.
A properly prepared and stable sub-base is still essential. The thickness of the porcelain does not compensate for an inadequate foundation.
For a patio installation, the finished surface should also have appropriate falls to allow water to drain away, and the correct adhesive, primer, grout and installation materials should be used.
Can 10mm porcelain be used outside?
Yes, 10mm porcelain can be used outdoors in applications where the product and installation system are specifically suitable.
However, you shouldn't assume that any 10mm porcelain tile is automatically suitable for every outdoor paving application.
Always check the manufacturer's specifications and installation instructions before using 10mm porcelain outdoors.
For a conventional garden patio, 20mm outdoor porcelain paving will generally be the more straightforward choice.
Does thicker porcelain mean stronger porcelain?
Thickness is an important factor, but it isn't the only consideration when comparing porcelain products.
The manufacturing process, porcelain composition, tile dimensions, technical specification and installation method all affect performance.
A high-quality 10mm porcelain tile can be extremely durable when used in the correct application. Similarly, a 20mm tile still requires the correct installation and suitable supporting base.
This is why it's important to look beyond thickness alone when choosing paving.
What should you consider before choosing?
Before deciding between 10mm and 20mm porcelain, consider:
Where will the paving be installed?
Is it a garden patio, path, terrace, balcony, roof terrace or another area?
What is the existing base?
A stable concrete base may allow for different installation options compared with a new patio requiring a full sub-base.
How will it be installed?
The installation method should be compatible with both the tile and the substrate.
How will the area be used?
Consider foot traffic, furniture, planters and other everyday loads.
What does the manufacturer recommend?
Always follow the specific installation and technical guidance supplied with your chosen porcelain paving.
10mm or 20mm: Which porcelain paving should you buy?
For most garden patio and landscaping projects, 20mm porcelain paving is the popular choice because of its increased thickness, rigidity and versatility.
For applications where weight, finished floor levels or the existing substrate are particularly important, 10mm porcelain can offer significant advantages.
Ultimately, the best option is the one that matches your installation requirements.
If you're unsure which thickness is right for your project, check the technical specifications of the paving and make sure your chosen installation method is suitable before ordering.
Shop Porcelain Paving
Whether you're looking for contemporary concrete-effect porcelain, natural stone-effect paving or a modern outdoor design, choosing the correct thickness is an important part of getting the best results from your project.
Explore our range of 10mm and 20mm porcelain paving to find the right style and specification for your garden.