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16mm Porcelain Paving
16mm porcelain paving is outdoor porcelain tile in a calibrated 16 mm profile, designed for lighter decks, terraces and overlays without excess weight. It gives you the modern porcelain look with a slimmer build that still feels solid underfoot. The surface is colour fast, the edges are precise and the overall effect is clean and contemporary for patios, balconies and roof spaces. Compared with the more common 20 mm patio slabs, the 16 mm format reduces weight per square meter, which helps on suspended structures and tight access installs. It still delivers the low porosity and easy upkeep people choose porcelain for, with crisp lines that suit modern schemes and mixed materials like composite decking, rendered walls and aluminium pergolas.
16mm Porcelain Paving in Highlight
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Lighter profile for terraces and balconies
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Modern clean look with precise rectified edges
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Low porosity surface that resists everyday staining
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Consistent colour that stays true in UK weather
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Comfortable underfoot with engineered texture
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Works on mortar beds or pedestal systems
What Makes 16mm Porcelain Different
The appeal of a 16 mm slab is simple: you get the design language of premium porcelain with less mass to lift, carry and support. That matters when you are building a terrace above a room, refreshing an old concrete pad without major excavation, or working in a compact garden where every kilogram moved through the house is effort. Visually, 16 mm slabs deliver the same neat joints and refined textures as thicker porcelain, so finished spaces feel tailored and calm rather than busy.
Because porcelain is vitrified, the surface is dense and consistent, helping it shrug off spills from barbecues and planters with basic cleaning. Colour remains even across the run, so long vistas and large format layouts look seamless. The finer body thickness also means steps, thresholds and drain runs can be detailed with less build up, which is useful when aligning to door heights and creating flush indoor to outdoor transitions.
What to weigh up when choosing 16 mm outdoors
The key decision is where the slabs will be laid and how the load will be supported. On standard garden patios, a properly prepared sub base and full bed method with an exterior adhesive or mortar delivers a stable, durable finish. On balconies and roof terraces, an adjustable pedestal system spreads weight to the structure beneath and allows you to set levels, run falls and route services below. For driveways or heavy load areas, choose thicker porcelain or natural stone designed for traffic.
Porcelain’s very low porosity is a benefit in the UK climate because it does not drink water, so freeze thaw cycles are less of a concern than with absorbent stones. The flip side is that porcelain surfaces can hold fine dirt films if neglected; a seasonal wash with a suitable cleaner keeps the micro texture performing as intended. If you see mentions of porcelain needing sealing, that usually relates to protecting grout joints or easing maintenance; the slab body itself does not require a penetrating sealer.
16mm Paving Options
You will find the 16 mm profile across the established outdoor colour families, from pale off whites and ivories for bright, open spaces to versatile mid greys and deeper charcoals for crisp contrast. Many designs echo natural stone with gentle movement, while others lean into concrete or terrazzo effects for a more urban read. In dry light the tones appear soft and matte; in rain they deepen slightly without the patchiness you can see in some natural stones.
Surface textures are engineered for outdoor grip while remaining comfortable underfoot. Expect subtle micro textures you can feel with your fingertips rather than deep grooves. Rectified edges bring tight, regular joints that make small spaces feel larger and help large terraces read as one plane. Within the 16 mm range you will often see the classic 900 x 600 format for balanced proportions, alongside 600 x 600 squares and statement 1200 x 600 planks for longer sightlines. Mixed size options are available in some designs where you want pattern and movement without fuss.
Try before you buy Samples
See the tone and texture in your own light before you commit. Order a small sample of any 16mm style; we’ll refund the sample cost when you place your main order.
Why Choose Paving Stones Direct
We curate 16 mm porcelain specifically for outdoor use, with consistent batches, reliable calibration and surface textures chosen for UK conditions. Packs are checked before dispatch and handled with care so your slabs arrive ready to lay. You can buy the formats you need for a clean grid or a mixed layout, and match them with compatible grout and primers from our essentials range for a joined up install. Delivery is planned, tracked and communicated so projects keep moving.
If you are comparing 16 mm with thicker options, our team can talk you through sub base choices, pedestal layouts and the right jointing for your site. We also help you link this range with the wider porcelain family so steps, paths and feature areas match neatly across your garden. For help choosing 16mm Porcelain Paving or planning your layout, call 0333 321 5091 or email sales@pavingstones.co.uk.