ᐅ Is it acceptable to use patio slabs less than 2 cm thick?

Hey,

you often see terrace slabs with a thickness of 2cm (0.8 inches). Specifically, I’m talking about porcelain stoneware. Now I have found some that are only 1.7–1.8cm (0.7–0.7 inches) thick. Does this make a big difference, or is it better to stay at or above 2cm (0.8 inches), or do you have a completely different idea that I haven't considered yet? They will be installed over a gravel bed.

Thanks for your opinions

The lower the quantity, the less stability there is, meaning they break more quickly.

The landscape gardener told us that he only installs gravel layers starting at 3cm (1.2 inches), as thinner layers can cause the slabs to break too easily. Anything less than 3cm (1.2 inches) should be done using drainage mortar or concrete.

Why do they need to be so thin?
That will likely cause more problems or create unnecessary risks.
A slab with more weight naturally sits firmly in place; your slabs at 17mm (0.7 inches) are more like tiles than patio slabs. For outdoor use, I would recommend a more durable option.

It is an 81x81cm (32x32 inches) slab, so quite large format, and offered at a good price.

So it’s more likely to be the 2cm (0.8 inch) thickness, which would then be a 60x60cm (24x24 inches) size.

But why do manufacturers produce terrace slabs that, due to their thinner thickness, are obviously less suitable for this purpose? Do 3mm (0.12 inch) really make such a big difference?

Is a 2cm (0.8 inch) thick terrace slab worse if it costs 20€ per square meter compared to one that costs 30€ or more per square meter?
I don’t need a Porsche; a Dacia, Polo, Skoda will do, so to speak.

Andre77 schrieb:

It’s an 81x81 plate, so quite large format and a good deal.
So rather the 2cm thickness, which would then be a 60x60 size.
But why do they produce patio slabs that are obviously less suitable due to their thinness... do 3mm really make that much difference?
Is a 2cm patio slab with a price of 20€ per square meter really worse than one costing 30€ or more per square meter?
I don’t need to drive a Porsche; a Dacia, Polo, or Skoda will do, so to speak.

Sure, that works too, but with an 81x81 slab you’re no longer going for a Dacia; large format is generally more expensive. A more affordable and functional option would be, for example, paving.
Certainly, 3mm doesn’t make a difference, but for me, 3cm slabs wouldn’t be an option either—maybe I’m just too old-fashioned. I also don’t like smooth surfaces outdoors; I’ve had various experiences over the years, so I’m probably a bit biased.
The expensive part of the slab is the surface or whether you want solid material.
Would thicker concrete slabs be an option for you? They are available at an affordable price range like this.