Porcelain pavers are one of the fastest-growing patio choices we are seeing in the Twin Cities, and for good reason. Installed, they typically cost about $10 to $15 per square foot more than concrete pavers, which lands most projects in the $55 to $77 per square foot range. For that premium you get a denser, tougher, lower-maintenance surface that shrugs off stains and looks high-end.
Here is what porcelain pavers are, why homeowners love them, and how they hold up to Minnesota.
Why porcelain pavers are gaining popularity
Two things win people over:
- A durable surface with premium textures. Porcelain is kiln-fired to be extremely hard, so it resists scratches, fading, and wear. And because it is printed and textured, it can convincingly mimic wood, natural stone, or smooth modern concrete, giving you a designer look that holds up outdoors.
- It does not stain. This is the big one. Porcelain is so dense that spilled wine, grease from the grill, food, and outdoor debris cannot soak in. They sit on top and wipe right off. For a patio that hosts dinners and gatherings, that stain resistance is a real, everyday benefit.
How porcelain holds up to Minnesota winters
Porcelain is one of the best-suited patio materials for our climate. Because it is so dense, it absorbs almost no water, and water absorption is what drives freeze-thaw damage. Built on a proper, well-drained base, a porcelain patio resists the heaving and surface damage that can affect more porous materials over many Minnesota winters.
Porcelain pavers vs. concrete pavers
| Porcelain pavers | Concrete pavers | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | $55 - $77 / sq ft | $45 - $62 / sq ft |
| Stain resistance | Excellent (dense surface) | Good |
| Scratch / fade resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Maintenance | Very low | Low |
| Style range | High-end wood, stone, and concrete looks | Huge range of colors and patterns |
Neither is “wrong.” Concrete pavers are the popular value choice, and we install a lot of them. Porcelain is the upgrade for homeowners who want the densest, most stain-resistant, most modern surface available. For a full cost breakdown of both, see our paver patio cost guide.
How we install porcelain pavers
We install porcelain two ways depending on the project:
- On-grade, set on a properly prepared and compacted base, the same engineered foundation we use under any quality patio. This is the most common approach for backyard patios and walkways.
- On a pedestal system, where the pavers float on adjustable supports over a prepared surface. This is useful for certain elevated or precisely leveled applications.
As with any patio, the base and prep are what make it last. Porcelain on a poor base will fail just like anything else, which is why we never skip that step.
The honest downside
We will be straight with you: the main drawback of porcelain is cost. It runs more than concrete pavers up front. For homeowners who want the look, the durability, and the easy upkeep, it is well worth it. For a tighter budget, concrete pavers are still an excellent choice.
Brands we work with
We build with quality porcelain from manufacturers including Belgard, Tile Tech, RCP, Geoceramica, and MSI, so we can match the texture, color, and format to your home and design.
See if porcelain is right for your yard
Porcelain is one of the most exciting materials in outdoor living right now, and we would love to show you what it can do in your space. We design and build paver and porcelain patios across the Twin Cities metro. Get a free quote and we will walk you through your options and give you an honest range.