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

Well, I could get the 81 size for about €20 per square meter (around $22 per square foot), so in terms of price, it’s really budget-friendly.

Concrete slabs? That was my first thought. You mean the classic 30cm x 30cm (12 inches x 12 inches) or 40cm x 40cm (16 inches x 16 inches) ones? A neighbor gave me a tip (he has porcelain stoneware himself) to avoid concrete. When grilling, ketchup or something else might spill and cause stains that soak into the concrete. With porcelain stoneware, you can just wipe it off easily. I wouldn’t like it if it looked stained over time. That’s why I’m leaning towards porcelain stoneware.

We are also planning to use porcelain stoneware and originally wanted a large format (80x80cm (31.5x31.5 inches) or 90x90cm (35.4x35.4 inches)). However, due to concerns from the landscaping contractor regarding the thickness, we switched to a smaller size. For example, 80x80cm (31.5x31.5 inches) slabs with a thickness of 3cm (1.2 inches) often cost over €80 per square meter, which is too expensive for us. There are also smaller format porcelain stoneware options available with a 3cm (1.2 inches) thickness.

Andre77 schrieb:

When grilling, ketchup or something might drip down, causing stains that penetrate into the concrete. With porcelain stoneware, you can just wipe it off, and that’s it.

Well... I think for every advantage there’s a disadvantage somewhere... For example, I have experienced that slabs laid on gravel, even with proper compaction, eventually sank. So, that might not always be a good option either.
I have grilled on concrete slabs for decades and haven’t noticed this issue myself. But if it’s important to you, then that’s understandable.
Another person might tell you that porcelain stoneware can be slippery — which is true — and if grease from grilling gets on it, even more so.
Wherever there’s a pro, there’s also a con or a worst-case scenario to consider.
Personally, I quite like sandblasted surfaces, for example.

Yes, I agree with you. Some say it one way, others another.

I didn’t expect it to be such a difficult decision, or rather, how do you do it correctly.

Well, I definitely wouldn’t install concrete slabs because of stains and everything. My 60x60cm (24x24 inches) tiles at 2cm (0.8 inches) thickness are very easy to maintain, I’m really impressed with them.
My brother chose 90x90cm (35x35 inches) tiles, but they weren’t available back then. They cost €34 per square meter (about $34 per square yard).
I wouldn’t worry too much about those 3mm (0.1 inches).

Small animal bedding. You can then sweep it up together and dispose of it.
@pagoni2020: I’m surprised that, as a wood floor enthusiast, you don’t want the same on the terrace.