Avoid 5 Costly Mistakes When Installing Kandla Grey Porcelain

There is nothing quite like the refined and modern elegance of Kandla Grey porcelain paving in order to turn your garden or patio into a serene and designer space. With quite an experience and a few horror stories from DIY projects gone wrong, I can tell you that installing porcelain isn't as simple as slapping the slab on the ground and calling it a day!

When you install a high-performance material, it may require a lot of maintenance, the right tools, and a proper plan to install. Especially in the UK, where the climate and ground can be unforgiving, you cannot skip these steps or make mistakes, or you’ll risk cracking slabs, stained grout, or drainage issues costing a lot of money. 

Here are the most common and costly mistakes people make when fitting Kandla Grey porcelain and how you can avoid them safely and confidently. 

5 Mistakes to Avoid While Installing Kandla Grey Porcelain

Kandla Grey porcelain is less forgiving when it comes to maintenance. Here are what you need to avoid porcelain paving mistakes:

Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Primer or Skipping It Entirely

As you know that porcelain has very low porosity, including Kandla Grey porcelain. Do not rely on standard mortar, or it will lead to a total disaster. 

Traditional mortars do not bond strongly with porcelain, as it doesn’t absorb water the way natural stone does. Using the correct paving primer, like slurry primer, you can achieve the perfect adhesion and avoid porcelain paving problems. 

How to fix it

• Use porcelain specialist primer.

• Mix it as per instructions.

• Apply the primer thinly and evenly before setting the slab to avoid delamination. 

• Work in small sections and slab by slab to prevent primer from drying out.

Mistake 2: Poor Sub-base & Ignoring Drainage Fall

If you want your Kandla Grey porcelain installation to last for decades, it is important that your sub-base is stable and is a bedrock, literally. 

If you skip this step while you install Kandla Grey porcelain, you risk shifting slabs, cracking, or water puddling. You will be shocked to know how many installers underestimate the importance of a correct subbase and drainage gradient. 

How to Fix it

• Build a proper subbase with compacted MOT Type 1 or similar for a firm slab foundation. 

• Create a fall of at least 1:80 in your patio installation to encourage water runoff. 

• Use edge restraint to keep the slabs firmly in place. 

Mistake 3: Grouting Errors That Cause Permanent Stains

If you use the wrong grout or do not clean it properly, porcelain is not forgiving, and you may end up permanently damaging the slabs. Standard grout, like cement, can leave unsightly marks on your patio slabs, especially if you fail to wash them off quickly. 

Smart Grouting Strategy

• Use porcelain-specific grout like slurry or two-part epoxy that can handle slight movement without cracking. 

• Maintain a correct joining width (around 2-5mm) so that grout can do its job without being overwhelmed. 

• Clean excess porcelain paving grout immediately with a damp sponge before it dries to prevent permanent discolouration. 

Mistake 4: Cracking and Chipping During Cutting

The wrong tool or technique can completely mess up your patio tile cutting. You can either chip the edges or leave ugly marks, weak spots, or damage the slab beyond repair.

Best Slab Cutting Practices

• Use a wet saw with a continuous rim diamond blade while cutting porcelain paving to minimise chipping and ensure a clean cut, made for porcelain. This is an especially reliable way to cut large-format grey porcelain paving.

• Apply the saw steadily, put gentle pressure, and use plenty of water to keep the cut cool and smooth. 

• Support your tile/slab properly while cutting. If any scrap piece falls away, let it go to avoid breaking. 

Mistake 5: Ignoring Weather Conditions & Curing Times

Porcelain, indeed, is a hard and permanent once laid, but if you make the mistake of laying it in poor weather conditions or don’t allow a proper curing time, you can risk adhesion failure or frost damage. 

How to Stay Safe

• Avoid installation if the temperature is below 5°C or if you expect snowy weather. The cold can slow curing time and trap moisture in the porcelain paving sub-base.

• After laying or grouting, allow it to cure for at least 24-72 hours before walking on or using the area. 

• Protect your new patio from heavy rain in those first few days; if possible, cover it with a breathable membrane. 

Kandla Grey Porcelain Paving Pros and Cons

Kandla Grey is one of the most in-demand paving choices. Not only because it looks like natural Kandla sandstone, it's because it's engineered to solve many sandstone issues. 

Before committing to it for your garden patio paving or garden redesign, look into an honest breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of Kandla Grey porcelain slabs. 

Pros	Cons
It doesn't need sealing and resists algae, fading and stains.	Porcelain paving Kandla Grey is rigid and more difficult to install for DIYers.
Highly durable and scratch-resistant, ideal for busy patios, modern outdoor dining spaces, and areas with furniture movement.	It needs specialist cutting tools, which can raise costs.
Consistent colour of Kandla grey sandstone, but it makes your patio look cohesive and professionally finished.	It has a higher up-front outdoor porcelain installation cost than natural stones due to precision and specific material requirements.
Porcelain, including Kandla grey, does not absorb water, so it won't crack in winter. They are practically frost and waterproof.	If you have poor preparation, porcelain can be quite unforgiving and result in a failed installation.
They are R11 anti-slip rated, making them safe even in wet, icy conditions.	They can feel less natural than natural stone paving as the design is consistent and smoother.
Gives a modern and premium look without premium maintenance.

Conclusion

Kandla Grey porcelain paving gives you an outstanding and modern outdoor space, only if installed properly. Avoid mistakes like skipping primer, having poor sub-base, bad grouting, improper cutting, and ignoring curing times, and you can save your outdoor Kandla grey porcelain tiles from costly repairs and heartbreak down the line. 

If you install Kanda Grey porcelain paving slabs in your garden or patio, I’d encourage you to source from a high-quality slab retailer like Pave Direct, invest in proper tools, and take your time preparing. 

Want to explore more porcelain options or layout options? We would be happy to help you with your mood board for outdoor design inspiration. Shop Kandla Grey Porcelain slabs today or get in touch to discuss design ideas and layout to match your space and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the disadvantages of porcelain paving slabs?

They need professional installation, require special tools, grout haze risk, and are more rigid than sandstone, which means they need more care to handle. 

Why does water pool on porcelain patios?

Due to poor drainage that was not created well during installation. To prevent it, create a 1:80mm fall away from the house, ensure that the sub-base is compacted evenly, and avoid dips created by uneven bedding mortar. 

What are the common problems with porcelain paving on concrete?

Poor adhesion if a slurry primer is not used, trapped moisture if the concrete is not fully cured, cracking if the base has movement or exists on micro-fracture, and uneven mortar contact leading to loose tiles or hollow sounding.  

Are porcelain tiles slippery in the winter?

Outdoor porcelain paving is manufactured with a textured and R11 slip-resistant surface, making it suitable for the UK winters. However, algae, moss, or dirt can reduce grip, and icy conditions will make any surface slippery. 

What grout should I use for Kandla grey porcelain?

Porcelain-specific outdoor grout, slurry-applied flexible grouting, or two-part epoxy grout for long-term durability. Avoid cement grout as it can stain porcelain and weaken over time.