Why Ethically Sourced Porcelain and Sandstone Outshine the Competition
When creating the perfect outdoor space, the choice of paving can make all the difference. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about durability, maintenance, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your materials have been sourced responsibly. FP McCann is proud to introduce a new range of porcelain and natural sandstone paving that excels in all these areas, offering a superior alternative to traditional manufactured concrete products.
The Enduring Elegance of Natural Sandstone
For those who appreciate the timeless beauty of natural materials, our Indian Sandstone paving offers a perfect blend of charm and durability. Unlike uniform manufactured concrete, each sandstone slab is unique, with its own distinct colours and textures shaped by millennia of geological processes. This natural variation creates a rich, authentic character that cannot be replicated.
Our sandstone is available in two distinct finishes to suit any design preference:
- Riven Sandstone: Hand-cut for a rustic, traditional finish, our Riven Sandstone adds a touch of classic charm to any garden or patio.
- Sawn Sandstone: For a more contemporary look, our Sawn Sandstone is machine-cut to precise dimensions, offering clean lines and a smooth, modern aesthetic.
Beyond its beauty, natural sandstone is incredibly resilient. It is naturally hard-wearing and weather-resistant, ensuring your patio stands the test of time. While concrete pavers can fade and wear, exposing the aggregate beneath, natural sandstone weathers beautifully, developing an even richer patina over the years.
| Feature | Natural Sandstone | Manufactured Concrete Paving |
|---|---|---|
| Aesthetics | Unique, natural variations in colour and texture | Uniform, repetitive appearance |
| Durability | Extremely hard-wearing, it weathers beautifully | Can fade and wear, exposing aggregate |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance, easy to clean | Can be prone to moss and algae growth |
The Modern Marvel of Porcelain Paving
For a sleek, contemporary finish, our porcelain paving is the ultimate choice. Engineered for performance, porcelain offers a host of benefits that make it a practical and stylish option for any outdoor space.
One of the standout features of porcelain is its exceptionally low porosity. This makes it highly resistant to staining, moss, and algae growth, meaning you can say goodbye to endless scrubbing and harsh chemical cleaners. A simple wash is all that’s needed to keep your patio looking pristine.
Our porcelain paving is not only low-maintenance but also incredibly strong. Fired at extremely high temperatures, it is harder and more durable than many other paving materials, making it resistant to scratches, scuffs, and heavy loads. Furthermore, our porcelain ranges boast an R11 slip rating, providing excellent traction even in wet conditions.
We offer two porcelain ranges to meet different needs and budgets:
- Landscape Porcelain (20mm): A premium, robust tile perfect for creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
- Essential Porcelain (16mm): A more affordable option that still delivers the exceptional quality and low-maintenance benefits of porcelain.
| Feature | Natural Sandstone | Manufactured Concrete Paving |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | High slip resistance (R11 rated) | It can become slippery when wet |
| Durability | Highly resistant to scratches, stains, and fading | Prone to staining and colour fading |
| Maintenance | Very low maintenance, easy to clean | Requires regular cleaning and sealing |
Our Unwavering Commitment to Ethical Sourcing
At FP McCann, we believe that beautiful products should not come at a human or environmental cost. We are proud that our paving ranges are ethically sourced and accredited to BES 6001, the Framework Standard for Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products.
This independent, third-party certification assures that our products are made with responsibly sourced materials. The BES 6001 standard takes a holistic approach, assessing the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the entire supply chain, from the original quarry to the final product.
To ensure the highest standards, we work with suppliers such as Stone Shippers India, a leader in the ethical production of Indian sandstone. A recent Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA) commissioned by FP McCann found that Stone Shippers’ own operations are an “exemplar to the rest of the Rajasthan Stone Industry,” with high standards of worker welfare, safety, and pay.
By choosing our porcelain and sandstone paving, you are not only investing in a high-quality, durable, and beautiful product for your home, but also supporting a supply chain committed to ethical and sustainable practices.
Find Out More and Locate Your Nearest Stockist
Ready to transform your outdoor space with our stunning and ethically sourced paving? For more information on our full range of porcelain and sandstone paving, please visit our paving page.
To find your local stockist or for any other enquiries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our dedicated sales team:
- Scotland and North England: Mike Liptrot – 07860 306875 – mliptrot@fpmccann.co.uk
- East and West England: Jack Wheldon – 07713 073680 – jwheldon@fpmccann.co.uk
- South West England: Christy Millar – 07718 588774 – christy.millar@fpmccann.co.uk
- South East England: Lisa Mackett – 07738 604829 – lmackett@fpmccann.co.uk
- NI/ROI: Francess Connery – 07701 274878 – fconnery@fpmccann.co.uk
For general sales enquiries, please get in touch with us at 028 7964 2558 or sales@fpmccann.co.uk.