Are you struggling to decide which material to choose for your project – natural stone or porcelain pool copings? We have summarised some key differences below to help you decide.
Firstly, natural stone and porcelain copings can be used for a number of purposes, including pool copings, step treads, wall copings and more. We are also able to fabricate any bespoke copings you need for your project.
To find out about their different uses, read our blog below.
Why choose natural stone copings?
Natural stone copings are a very popular choice when completing a garden or pool project as they can be matched with the same paving. We have a wide range of natural stone paving and copings in stock, and we have products that will suit every project, whether they are traditional or modern.
There is a beautiful variety of colour, thicknesses, textures and characteristics that can only be found in natural stone. Our natural stone products are available in different thicknesses at Stoneworld, depending on their intended use. For example we offer extra-thick paving and copings if they are to be used as step treads.
Natural stone will vary in its colour and texture, and this will largely depend on the finish that you choose. We offer hand-cut, tumbled, sawn, sandblasted, acid-etched, honed and lots of other finishes too. Each of these different finishes will produce variations in the colour and texture of the stone.
Natural stone is a great choice if your existing property, pool or garden contains it too. We are able to match our stone to your existing stone, if you would like to extend your property or maintain consistency.
Our natural stone copings are always sourced ethically. We import natural stone copings and paving from all over the world, and we work closely with our suppliers to ensure we only offer the best quality copings and products to our customers.
Why choose porcelain copings?
At Stoneworld, we stock a vast range of porcelain paving. We are pleased to be able to offer our customers matching porcelain copings! Our on-site masonry workshop is equipped with high-tech porcelain cutting machinery, meaning we can fabricate bespoke copings from any porcelain you choose. This will create beautiful and seamless consistency across your project.
Porcelain, unlike natural stone, is a man-made product. This means you can achieve excellent colour consistency through your paving and coping stones.
Our porcelain copings can be made to have bullnosed, pencil-rolled or drop-nose edges, depending on your preference.
External porcelain is 20mm thick which may look too thin for some customers. In this case, we are able to create a drop-down overhang to make the edge of the porcelain look thicker. This is created by cutting a usually 40+mm strip of matching porcelain, the edges are cut at a mitre (45 degrees), fixed together and then bonded. This creates a very strong, elegant finish with the joining edge smoothed off, so that the top edge is not sharp.
Not all copings need to be bullnosed. Copings can also be pencil-rolled, as mentioned before. A pencil-rolled finish is when the facing edge remains square instead of rounded (bullnosed) but the top edge is rounded off. A pencil-roll should be applied to the top and bottom of the coping, as this helps to protect the edge from chipping.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance product that is easy to keep clean, then porcelain is the choice for you.
Browse some of our porcelain range
If you have any questions or you would like to talk to us about your project, please call us on 01844 279274 or email us at sales@stoneworld.co.uk and we will be happy to help.
Natural stone or porcelain coping stones? Natural stone or porcelain coping stones?
