Porcelain vs. concrete pavers for your patio

Both make a good patio. The difference is in how they look, what they cost and how much attention they need afterward.

Porcelain

Dense and barely absorbent, so spills wipe off and it shrugs off freeze-thaw cycles. It suits a clean, modern look in large formats. It costs more per square foot and needs careful cutting and a precise base.

Concrete

Less expensive, available in many shapes and colors, and easy to replace one unit at a time. It absorbs more water, so a sealer every few years keeps it looking new.

Either way

The base under the pavers matters more than the pavers themselves. A properly excavated, compacted gravel base is what keeps a patio flat through Pennsylvania winters.