In recent years, 20 mm full-bodied colour porcelain paving slabs have become one of the fastest-growing materials in the UK landscaping and paving market. Homeowners, landscapers and developers are increasingly choosing porcelain for patios, terraces and garden projects thanks to its durability, consistency and low maintenance.
One question is asked more than any other: how much do 20 mm full-bodied colour porcelain paving slabs cost per square metre? This article explains current UK price levels, compares Italian and Chinese full-body porcelain, and outlines why large-scale Guangdong production is now reshaping the UK market.
1. What is full-bodied colour porcelain paving?
Full-bodied colour porcelain paving slabs (sometimes called "through-body porcelain") means that the colour and structure of the tile run through the entire thickness of the slab, not just on the surface. When cut, chipped or edge-finished, the exposed edge remains visually consistent with the face of the tile.
For outdoor paving, this construction offers practical advantages: high strength, extremely low water absorption, excellent frost resistance and long-term colour stability. At 20 mm thickness, these slabs are suitable for patios, garden paths and, when installed correctly, light vehicular areas.
2. Typical UK prices for Italian full-bodied porcelain paving
In the traditional UK market, Italian full-bodied porcelain paving slabs are widely regarded as a premium product. Italian manufacturers have long invested in design, surface textures and brand positioning, which is reflected in retail pricing.
In practical terms, most Italian full-body 20 mm outdoor porcelain slabs sold in the UK are priced at approximately £42–£50 per m², and sometimes higher depending on brand, finish and distributor.
This price level is influenced not only by manufacturing costs, but also by:
- Brand premium and long-established market reputation
- Multiple layers of distribution and resellers
- Import logistics and smaller batch volumes
- Marketing-led positioning as a "luxury" paving option
As a result, Italian full-bodied porcelain is often chosen for high-end projects where brand origin plays an important role in specification.
3. Chinese full-bodied colour porcelain: a different cost structure
Alongside Italian production, Guangdong in China has developed into one of the world's largest and most advanced porcelain manufacturing regions. Factories there operate at very large scale, with highly automated production lines focused on consistency, output volume and cost efficiency.
The 20 mm full-bodied colour porcelain paving slabs supplied through Paving Slabs UK and explained in more detail on Paving Slabs Direct are produced using this large-scale industrial model.
Because these slabs are manufactured in high volumes and imported directly, the final UK selling price is significantly lower than traditional Italian equivalents, while maintaining the key technical characteristics required for outdoor use.
4. Current price level for 20 mm full-bodied colour porcelain per m²
Based on current UK stock and full-crate purchases, 20 mm full-bodied colour porcelain paving slabs supplied through direct import channels are typically priced at around:
£20–£22 per m² (including VAT and standard UK delivery, calculated on full crate quantities).
This means that, in simple terms, Chinese full-bodied porcelain paving is often available at less than half the price of comparable Italian full-body products.
5. Why the price difference exists
The price gap between Italian and Chinese full-bodied porcelain paving does not come from cutting corners on basic performance. Instead, it reflects structural differences in how the products are made and brought to market.
- Scale of production: Guangdong factories produce enormous volumes, spreading fixed costs over millions of square metres.
- Direct import model: Fewer intermediaries mean fewer mark-ups before the product reaches the end customer.
- UK trade policy changes: Following the removal of certain anti-dumping measures, high-quality Chinese porcelain has been able to enter the UK market more freely.
- Brand-building phase: These products are currently in the UK brand-development stage, prioritising market entry and volume rather than premium pricing.
6. Performance comparison: Italian vs Chinese full-body porcelain
From a technical standpoint, both Italian and Guangdong-produced full-bodied porcelain paving slabs share core characteristics:
- Very low water absorption
- Excellent frost and weather resistance
- High compressive and bending strength
- Consistent thickness and dimensional accuracy
- Long-term colour stability outdoors
For most UK domestic and commercial landscaping projects, the functional performance requirements are fully met by both options. The main difference lies in branding, surface design philosophy and price positioning.
7. Who should choose 20 mm full-bodied colour porcelain?
This type of paving is particularly well suited to:
- Homeowners seeking a modern, low-maintenance patio
- Landscapers working on larger surface areas where budget control matters
- Developers needing consistent quality across multiple plots
- Projects where durability and longevity outweigh brand origin
When installed correctly on a suitable sub-base, 20 mm porcelain paving offers long service life with minimal upkeep, making it an attractive alternative to natural stone for many applications.
8. Summary: how much should you expect to pay?
To summarise current UK market conditions:
- Italian full-bodied colour porcelain: approximately £42–£50 per m²
- Guangdong full-bodied colour porcelain (direct import): approximately £20–£22 per m²
The emergence of large-scale Chinese production, combined with direct importing and changing UK trade conditions, has created a new price tier in the porcelain paving market. As these products continue to establish their presence in the UK, awareness is growing that high-performance full-bodied porcelain no longer has to come with a premium Italian price tag.
For many projects, 20 mm full-bodied colour porcelain paving now represents one of the best value outdoor paving options available in the UK today.
