How to keep your porcelain paving perfect during hot weather

As the sun climbs higher and the days stretch longer, it's the perfect time to make sure your garden is summer-ready. If you've chosen porcelain paving for your garden, you're already on the way to having a stylish, low-maintenance outdoor space. But how should you care for your porcelain paving during these rare hot British summer months? This blog will dive right in with all the tips and tricks you will need for the perfect paving this summer.

Why choose porcelain paving for your garden?

If you’ve already got Porcelain Paving in your garden, then you already know it’s not just a pretty face! Porcelain paving is incredibly robust yet low maintenance (we go in more depth on this topic in our blogs how durable is porcelain paving and the do’s and don’ts of porcelain paving). It is resistant to stains, scratches, and even the fading effects of sunlight.
So whether you're hosting a BBQ, sunbathing, or simply enjoying breakfast outdoors, porcelain paving provides a solid and stylish foundation that will bring even more joy to your summer.
But if you’re not sure if porcelain is the right material for your patio project you can read our blog on alternatives here.

Does porcelain paving get hot in the sun?

It’s a great question! There is nothing worse than stepping out, barefoot, onto your patio on a sunny day to find it’s like walking on hot coals! In general, porcelain retains the same amount of heat as other paving materials such as natural stone and concrete. Therefore, like these other materials, porcelain can still get hot in the sun.
Factors such as the colour of your porcelain paving will affect how much heat that it will retain, with darker colours tending to get hotter than lighter colours. As a result, if you’re concerned about your paving getting too hot we suggested opting for a material in a light tone.
We would always advise, that on extremely sunny days, no matter the material or colour, to test the temperature of the surface before stepping out barefoot.

How to care for your porcelain paving when it is hot?

Taking care of your porcelain paving in the heat is easy breezy! You will find that it is really low maintenance, however these 4 tips might come in handy:

Keep it clean

Sweep off any loose dirt or leaves with a soft-bristle broom. If you do come across a stain opt for water mixed with a (porcelain friendly) mild detergent to keep it looking spotless. If the stain appears to be rusting from contact with metal surfaces, you may require a specific cleaner. We recommend Hard Floor Restoration—hands down the best out there for porcelain cleaning products.

Cool it with water

Blast the surface with a jet wash to keep it cool, at any point during the day.

Protect against metal furniture

It isn’t necessary, but you can always consider using protective pads under metal table and chair legs to avoid rusting on your paving. Be mindful of dropping heavy objects on the tiles when the tiles are hot and potentially softer.

Enjoy time on your paving!

Your porcelain paved patio or garden path is the perfect stage for summer fun. Show it some love by hosting a BBQ or enjoying a lazy afternoon on it!

Is porcelain paving safe for pets to touch in hot weather?

During days with extremely hot weather, we would always advise touching the paving yourself to check if the porcelain is too hot to touch. Although porcelain paving is safe for your furry friends, if we do have an excessively hot day, you will want to protect their paws from the heat. Instead, ensure there is an alternative shady spot available for them, with plenty of fresh water out to help your pets stay cool.

Is porcelain paving the perfect choice for all seasons?

Absolutely! Porcelain paving isn’t just great for the summer—its tough nature makes it suitable for handling the harsher conditions of winter, too. It's slip-resistant when wet, and it doesn't crack easily in cold weather, which makes it a year-round winner. 

So there you have it!

Keeping your porcelain paving perfect during the hot weather is all about simple maintenance. So, go ahead and plan those garden parties and worry-free summer afternoons! (Just don’t forget to wear your sunscreen!)