A specification for outdoor porcelain pavers should fix, in writing, the body, size, thickness, strength, frost resistance, slip rating, grade, shade and packing. Each line should name the test method and the value you accept, so a factory cannot meet it by changing the meaning.
The specification becomes part of the purchase order. It is what the factory quotes against, what your inspector checks and what you rely on if something goes wrong.
Product
- Product type: porcelain paver, glazed or unglazed, full-body or double-charge if relevant.
- Design name and code, with a signed reference sample for each surface.
- Nominal size, such as 600x600 mm, and work size, with tolerances.
- Thickness, such as 20 mm, with the tolerance.
- Edges: rectified or not.
- Surface: the finish and texture, matched to the reference sample.
Performance
- Water absorption to ISO 10545-3: group BIa, 0.5% or less.
- Breaking strength and modulus of rupture to ISO 10545-4, with the value you require for the thickness.
- Frost resistance to ISO 10545-12: pass, if the market has freezing winters.
- Slip resistance: for example R11 to DIN 51130, or the method and value your market uses.
- Chemical and stain resistance to ISO 10545-13 and ISO 10545-14.
- Abrasion: PEI class to ISO 10545-7 for glazed, or deep abrasion to ISO 10545-6 for unglazed.
Ask for each value on a report from an accredited laboratory, for the exact product. For EU markets, add CE marking and a Declaration of Performance to EN 14411. Our article on outdoor tile tests for Europe covers the full list.
Quality and grade
- Grade, with the factory's written grade definition attached.
- Surface quality: at least 95% free from visible defects, as EN 14411 requires.
- One batch, one shade and one calibre per design in the shipment.
- Flatness and edge straightness within EN 14411 limits.
- Sampling plan and rejection limits for inspection, such as under ISO 2859-1.
Special pieces
If you need steps, copings or bullnose pieces, list each one with drawings, sizes, profile and quantity. State that they must come from the same batch and shade as the field pavers. See matching steps and copings.
Packing and documents
- Pieces and square metres per carton, and cartons per pallet or crate.
- Carton markings: design, size, thickness, grade, shade, calibre and batch.
- Pallets or crates rated for the weight, with corner protection and two-way strapping.
- ISPM 15 treatment and marking for all solid wood.
- A loading plan with total gross weight within the agreed payload.
- Test reports, packing list and inspection report sent before the balance payment.
Laying guidance
Ask the factory to state which laying methods each paver is approved for: bonded, dry-lay or pedestal. Attach its laying guide to the specification. Our article on laying methods for 20 mm pavers explains the options.
Next step
We turn your range into a written specification, send it to suitable plants, and check the goods against it before loading. Book a free sourcing review.