Porcelain Paver Installation Methods: Mortar-Set, Dry-Set and Pedestal Systems
One of the unique advantages of 2cm porcelain pavers is the variety of ways they can be installed. Unlike conventional porcelain tile, which is typically bonded to a suitable substrate with mortar, 2cm porcelain pavers can be incorporated into several different outdoor installation systems.
The three primary installation methods are mortar-set installation over concrete, dry-set installation over a prepared aggregate base, and raised pedestal systems.
All three systems can produce attractive and durable outdoor surfaces when properly designed and installed, but they solve different construction and design problems.
Mortar-set: The porcelain paver is permanently bonded with an appropriate mortar to a properly prepared concrete substrate.
Dry-set: The porcelain paver is supported by a properly constructed aggregate base rather than being permanently bonded to concrete.
Pedestal-set: The porcelain paver is supported at its corners by fixed or adjustable supports, creating an elevated surface with open space underneath.
Each approach has advantages and limitations. The best method depends on the application, existing conditions, drainage requirements, desired finished elevation, expected traffic, budget and long-term needs of the project.
Understanding these differences before designing an outdoor space can help homeowners, landscape designers, architects and contractors choose an installation system that makes sense for the project.
Mortar-Set Porcelain Pavers Over Concrete
Mortar-set installation is the most similar to a conventional tile installation.
The 2cm porcelain pavers are bonded to a suitable concrete substrate using an appropriate exterior-rated mortar system. The installation creates a permanent finished surface in which the pavers become part of the bonded assembly.
Mortar-set installations are commonly considered for patios, pool decks, walkways and other areas where a suitable concrete substrate already exists or where a concrete slab is part of the project design.
Advantages of Mortar-Set Installation
Permanent installation: Once properly installed, the pavers are securely bonded to the substrate.
Excellent stability: A properly constructed concrete substrate provides solid, continuous support beneath the porcelain paver.
Useful over existing concrete: In some situations, an existing concrete patio or other suitable slab may provide a substrate for a new porcelain surface after its condition and suitability have been evaluated.
Suitable for many architectural applications: Mortar-set porcelain can provide a very finished, permanent appearance that integrates well with surrounding architecture.
Potential for vehicular applications: Certain porcelain pavers and properly engineered bonded installation systems may be suitable for driveways and other vehicular applications when specifically approved by the manufacturer.
Limitations of Mortar-Set Installation
Requires an appropriate substrate: The performance of the porcelain installation depends heavily on the condition, construction and preparation of the concrete beneath it. You may need to consider a crack isolation barrier so that existing cracks don’t transfer through to the tile installation.
More difficult to access or change: Because the pavers are permanently bonded, removing an individual paver or accessing something beneath the installation is more involved than with a dry-set or pedestal system.
Movement must be accommodated: Exterior tile assemblies experience expansion, contraction and other movement. Properly located movement joints are an essential part of the installation. Count on an expansion joint within 8′ to 12′ in either direction.
Drainage must be planned correctly: Exterior installations must be designed so water moves away from buildings and pools and does not become trapped within the assembly.
Installation requires tile-setting expertise: Proper mortar selection, coverage, substrate preparation, movement accommodation and exterior installation practices are important to long-term performance. Typically, this is not a DIY project. Hire a professional.
Dry-Set Porcelain Pavers Over an Aggregate Base
A dry-set installation allows 2cm porcelain pavers to be installed more like traditional landscape pavers.
Rather than bonding the porcelain to concrete, the pavers are placed over a properly constructed and compacted aggregate base. The exact base construction, bedding material, edge restraint and installation procedure should follow the porcelain manufacturer’s requirements and accepted installation practices.
This method can be particularly attractive for patios, walkways, garden paths and other landscape applications where pouring a concrete slab may not be necessary or desirable.
Advantages of Dry-Set Installation
No concrete slab required: Eliminating the need for a poured concrete substrate can simplify and reduce the cost of certain landscape installations.
Integrates naturally with landscaping: Dry-set porcelain works particularly well where patios and walkways interact with planting beds, gravel, lawns and other landscape materials.
Individual pavers can be removed: Because the pavers are not permanently bonded, an individual piece can generally be lifted if replacement or access below the surface is required.
Repairs can be less invasive: If the base needs adjustment in a localized area, the affected pavers can be removed and reinstalled rather than demolished.
Installation flexibility: The system can accommodate many patio, walkway and landscape configurations.
Limitations of Dry-Set Installation
Base preparation is critical: The finished installation is only as stable as the base supporting it. Poor excavation, compaction or drainage can result in movement or uneven pavers.
Edge restraint is important: The perimeter of the installation must be properly contained to help prevent lateral movement.
Not simply a matter of placing pavers on the ground: A successful dry-set installation requires appropriate excavation, aggregate, compaction, bedding and drainage.
Site conditions matter: Soil conditions, climate, drainage and expected loads can affect the required construction of the base.
Raised Pedestal Systems for Porcelain Pavers
Pedestal systems take a completely different approach.
Instead of continuously supporting the entire underside of the porcelain paver, pedestals support the pavers at their corners (although a paver tray can be added to the system to create added support). This creates an elevated finished surface with an open cavity beneath it.
Pedestals may be fixed-height or adjustable, allowing the installer to create a level finished surface while accommodating variations or slope in the surface below.
This makes pedestal systems particularly useful for rooftop terraces, balconies, elevated decks and other applications where drainage, elevation or access beneath the finished surface is important.
How a Pedestal System Handles Drainage
One of the most significant advantages of a pedestal installation is the way it manages water.
The finished porcelain surface does not need to act as the primary drainage plane. Water passes through the open joints between the pavers and drains onto the properly designed surface or waterproofing system below.
The underlying surface can maintain the slope required for drainage while the adjustable pedestals create a relatively level walking surface above it.
This can be especially valuable on rooftop terraces, balconies and other waterproofed structures.
What Is the Space Under Pedestal Pavers Used For?
The cavity beneath a raised porcelain paver surface can provide more than drainage.
Depending on the project, the space can potentially accommodate utilities, drainage components, lighting systems or other building services.
Because the porcelain pavers are not permanently bonded, individual pieces can generally be lifted to access the space below.
This can be an important advantage for commercial rooftops and sophisticated residential outdoor living spaces where future access may be valuable.
Advantages of Pedestal Installation
Excellent drainage: Water can pass through the joints and drain below the finished surface.
Level finished surface: Adjustable pedestals can compensate for the slope of the underlying drainage surface while maintaining a comfortable finished walking plane.
Create different elevations: Adjustable pedestal systems can transform a flat surface into multiple finished elevations, creating raised areas, steps or distinct levels that add both function and visual interest to an outdoor space.
Access below the pavers: Individual pavers can be removed to reach utilities, drains or other components.
No mortar required: The porcelain pavers are mechanically supported rather than bonded.
Individual pavers are replaceable: A damaged paver can generally be removed and replaced without disturbing a large area.
Useful for elevated construction: Pedestals can transform certain rooftops, balconies and elevated structures into finished outdoor living spaces.
Compatible with roofing membranes: Pedestals can be installed over many common roofing and waterproofing membranes without penetrating or bonding to the surface.
Limitations of Pedestal Installation
Requires proper structural evaluation: The underlying structure must be capable of supporting the complete system and expected loads.
Perimeter conditions require careful design: The edges of the installation must be properly detailed and contained.
Wind exposure can be important: Rooftop and elevated applications may require additional components in the installation system to account for wind uplift.
Finished height must be considered: Pedestals raise the walking surface, which affects doors, thresholds, railings, steps and other architectural elements.
Not every porcelain paver is appropriate: The paver must be approved by its manufacturer for pedestal-supported applications.
Mortar-Set vs. Dry-Set vs. Pedestal: Which Is Best?
There is no single installation method that is best for every porcelain paver project.
The right system depends primarily on what is being built and the conditions at the site.
| Installation Method | Often Considered For | Primary Advantage | Primary Consideration |
| Mortar-set | Patios, pool decks, walkways, concrete substrates | Permanent, solid installation | Requires suitable concrete and proper exterior tile installation |
| Dry-set | Patios, walkways, landscape areas | Landscape flexibility and serviceability | Base preparation and edge restraint are critical |
| Pedestal | Rooftops, balconies, elevated decks | Drainage, elevation and access below | Structural, perimeter and height considerations |
A ground-level patio, for example, might reasonably be constructed using either a mortar-set or dry-set system depending on whether concrete is present or desired.
A rooftop terrace presents a very different set of conditions and may be much better suited to a pedestal system.
The installation method should therefore be selected based on the project rather than deciding on a system simply because one method appears easier or less expensive.
Which Installation Method Costs the Most?
There isn’t a universal answer.
The total cost of a porcelain paver installation includes much more than the pavers themselves.
A mortar-set project may involve excavation, concrete, reinforcement, drainage preparation, mortar and tile-setting labor.
A dry-set installation requires excavation, aggregate, compaction, bedding materials, edge restraint and landscape installation labor.
A pedestal system adds the cost of pedestals and potentially more complex structural and perimeter detailing, but may eliminate some of the materials and labor associated with a bonded installation.
Existing site conditions can therefore have a major impact on which system is most economical.
For example, installing porcelain over an existing suitable concrete patio presents a very different cost scenario from constructing a completely new concrete slab.
The better question is not necessarily “Which installation method is cheapest?” but “Which installation method provides the best solution for this particular project?”
Drainage Is Important With Every Installation Method
Water management is one of the most important considerations in any exterior porcelain paver installation.
The fact that porcelain itself has extremely low water absorption does not eliminate the need to properly manage water around and beneath the installation.
Mortar-set systems must be properly sloped and detailed to manage water.
Dry-set systems require a base designed to provide stability while allowing appropriate drainage.
Pedestal systems allow water to pass through the joints, but the drainage plane or waterproofing system beneath the pavers must still be properly sloped and designed.
Proper drainage protects not only the porcelain installation but also the surrounding landscape, building and supporting structure.
Movement and Expansion Must Be Considered
Outdoor surfaces experience significant changes in temperature throughout the year.
Porcelain, concrete, surrounding structures and other materials can expand and contract at different rates.
For bonded installations in particular, properly designed movement accommodation is critical. Existing structural and movement joints should not simply be covered with porcelain, and additional movement joints may be required based on the size, exposure and configuration of the installation.
Movement-joint requirements should be incorporated into the project design rather than treated as an afterthought.
Special Considerations Around Pools
Pool environments introduce additional installation considerations.
The paver surface must be appropriate for wet conditions, drainage must be carefully managed, and transitions around pool edges, coping, drains and other components require proper detailing.
Pool chemicals and constant moisture exposure also make material selection important. However, one advantage of porcelain is its extremely low water absorption and resistance to many chemicals and stains commonly encountered around swimming pools.
The installation system must still be designed specifically for the pool environment.
Special Considerations for Rooftops and Elevated Decks
Rooftop and elevated installations require considerations that do not exist with a conventional ground-level patio.
These may include:
- Structural load capacity
- Waterproofing
- Drainage
- Wind exposure
- Perimeter restraint
- Finished surface elevation
- Door and threshold heights
- Railing requirements
- Access to drains and utilities
- Applicable building codes
For these reasons, rooftop and elevated porcelain paver systems should involve qualified professionals familiar with the structure, waterproofing system and paver installation.
Can Porcelain Pavers Be Installed Directly on Grass or Soil?
Porcelain pavers are sometimes shown incorporated into lawns, gardens or gravel landscapes, but that does not mean they should simply be placed on uncompacted soil.
Even when the desired appearance is a paver surrounded by grass, gravel or another landscape material, the porcelain needs adequate and stable support. You’ll want to consider using the dry-set installation method as described above. If you don’t establish a supportive base, it could over time move or sink into the soil. But, if you don’t want to go through the trouble of creating a base, simply put the paver on the ground and see what happens. It won’t hurt the paver and you can always pull the paver up and create a base underneath it later.
Can 2cm Porcelain Pavers Be Used for Driveways?
Some 2cm porcelain pavers can be used in vehicular applications, but the paver and installation system must be specifically suitable for the expected loads.
A driveway installation places very different demands on the material and supporting assembly than a pedestrian patio or walkway.
In regions where freeze/thaw conditions exist, you must install over concrete.
Manufacturer requirements for the porcelain product, substrate, mortar or other installation components should be followed carefully. Vehicular applications are not an area where assumptions should be made based solely on the thickness of the porcelain.
Can Porcelain Pavers Be Installed Over Existing Concrete?
In many situations, an existing concrete surface may potentially serve as the substrate for a mortar-set porcelain paver installation. Often times, installing porcelain pavers over an existing concrete patio (stamped or otherwise) is an excellent way to upgrade your outdoor living area.
That does not mean every existing concrete patio is automatically suitable.
The slab should be evaluated for its condition, stability, slope, drainage, cracks, movement joints and other factors before porcelain is installed over it.
Problems in the underlying concrete can affect the finished porcelain installation, so correcting substrate issues before installation is critical.
Proper Installation Is as Important as the Porcelain Paver
2cm porcelain pavers offer exceptional durability, low water absorption, stain and fade resistance, fire resistance and a potential service life of 50 years or more.
Achieving that performance, however, depends on more than choosing a high-quality paver.
The installation system beneath the porcelain must be designed to manage loads, drainage, movement and environmental conditions throughout the life of the project.
A properly designed installation allows the performance advantages of porcelain to be realized for decades.
Learn More About 2cm Porcelain Pavers
Installation is only one part of selecting the right outdoor paving material.
Our 2cm Porcelain Pavers for Outdoor Living Guide explores porcelain paver durability, design options, indoor-to-outdoor coordination, maintenance, lifetime cost and comparisons with concrete pavers, natural stone, wood and composite decking.
If you’re considering porcelain pavers for a patio, pool deck, walkway, elevated deck or other outdoor living project, visit a Conestoga Tile showroom or contact us for help selecting the appropriate porcelain paver and understanding the installation options for your project.