Ultrascape’s specialist porcelain grout, Porcelpoint, is causing quite a stir among Flowpoint fans. We speak to Derbyshire landscaper David Price who says the grout is much smoother in finish making it ‘next level’ for porcelain patios. Find out this landscaping pro’s insights in his Porcelpoint grout review.
If you’re looking for tips on how to install Porcelpoint grout, this article also includes David’s professional advice together with his impressive timelapse video showing the installation.
Background to the patio job
David’s business, Urban Canopy, is based in Willington, South Derbyshire and specialises in property and garden maintenance, which can be anything from bespoke garden design and hard landscaping to fencing and tree surgery,
Earlier this year, he was asked to redesign and landscape a Tamworth back garden following a house extension.
Although a relatively small project compared with the 120-square-metre patios that David and his team are normally accustomed to doing, the task was an ideal opportunity for him to sample the new Porcelpoint grout.
In actual fact, the job was for David’s sister. So he was able to try out different paving techniques that he wouldn’t normally get to use on those larger jobs.
“Using the Sketchup program, we created nine designs and finally settled on one,” he shares.
“Once we had the overall design agreed, my sister was happy to give me free reign on the finer details. So I really went to town showcasing different techniques.
“Although a relatively small garden, we incorporated mitre joints, bull-nosed steps, a herringbone pathway and installed lighting too.”
London Stone provided the gorgeous black sandstone pavers along with Kandla grey and charcoal porcelain.
To complement these colours, David used Porcelpoint grout in Stone Grey.
Porcelpoint is similar in composition and installation to Ultrascape’s renowned Flowpoint grout, including Flowpoint Fine and Flowpoint Smooth.
But with a smoother consistency, Porcelpoint is the perfect choice for working with porcelain pavers.
We covered more about the new Porcelpoint grout in this article.
Why David chooses the Ultrascape range
David has been a convert to using Flowpoint ever since attending an Ultrascape training day in 2019, organised by The Paving Experts.
“Since then, every patio I’ve installed has been with Flowpoint!”, he says. “It’s simply the best product on the market and the price point is amazing when you compare it with other grouts, which can be three, four or even five times the price.
“Even on those bigger paving projects, clients don’t have an endless pot of money. The money they can save from your choice of grout can be spent on other features or on project savings.”
David also loves the extra assurance he gets from using grouts in the Flowpoint range as they are made to British Standard BS 7533. And the new Porcelpoint is no different.
“These grouts are time-proven products. I can say to my clients with confidence that their project is likely to last 30 odd years or more.”
He adds, “I also like Ultrascape’s attention to detail and the story behind why the grouts were made.
“Amazingly, Ultrascape’s products are made in Tamworth where I grew up. I actually used to live less than 4 miles from their head office! So it’s a solid local choice for me.”
David's Porcelpoint grout review
So what did David think of the Porcelpoint grout after using it himself?
He simply describes the grout as ‘next level for finishing porcelain patios’.
“Porcelpoint looks like a traditional hand float applied grout,” he shares, “but it comes with the speed and back saving of a slurry grout.”
When compared to Flowpoint, David explains, “Porcelpoint mixes and installs very similar to its sister product. But it feels smoother in finish.”
More colours for the Flowpoint range
Porcelpoint grout is available in two colours – Stone grey (as mentioned above) and Limestone.
While some landscapers quibble about Ultrascape’s grout colour choice being pretty limited, David says that these new colours are valuable extra additions.
“The two new colours are suited to most of the popular porcelain colours being used these days. They’re perfect as they fill the gaps in the Flowpoint range.
“With indoor tiling, people are far more picky when it comes to grout colour. But with outdoor projects, the majority go for buff or some tone between cream and grey.”
How to install Porcelpoint grout
For those landscapers who haven’t used a cement-based slurry grout before, it can certainly feel daunting at first.
“If you don’t read the instructions, it can go wrong. But once you know how to use it, it’s easy.”
Here are David’s tips for installing grouts in the Flowpoint range, together with his advice on the best tools and equipment.
Note: For the best results, and for patios built to BS 7533 standards, you must have installed a full-contact bed for the pavers with Eco-Bed bedding mortar. Plus, each paver must be primed before installation with Pro-Prime slurry primer.
Equipment needed
- 2 buckets: 1 for mixing, 1 for cleaning tools (David loves the Gorilla tubs!)
- Measuring jug
- Hose and jet wash
- Paddle mixer, or a whisk in a drill on low
- Neoprene squeegee
- A hand grout float for edging blocks and small spaces
- A Berta sponge machine or Pedalo washboy for larger areas
David's installation tips
These tips apply to using Porcelpoint and any of the Flowpoint grouts. See the expert guide on how to apply Flowpoint slurry grout for the full instructions.
Avoid warm days
“Don’t install the grout if it’s really warm outside. Anything up from 20 degrees plus will dry on you fast!
“If you must install that day, start early and keep everything in the shade.”
Easy does it
“Don’t be greedy, start with a bag at a time and learn how the grout behaves.
“Don’t get sidetracked. These are cement-based grouts – once dry, they’re on there! If you notice the grout drying, surface mist it with the jetwash to keep it damp.”
Note: grout cleaners are available, but David prefers to avoid that hassle in the first place.
Use time-saving equipment
“Hire a Berta sponge cleaner or buy a Pedalo washboy for a speedy clean up. With these tools, there is less mess and you can start cleaning as soon as you’ve installed the grout.”
David adds that he utilises the Berta for any patio job larger than 25 square metres. But for smaller, narrower spaces, paths or going round corners, the pedalo is easier to use.
“No matter the size of the project, we still use the pedalo on every job.
“The Berta is a wonderful product, and a game changer for bigger areas. It turns Flowpoint from something that you’re slightly anxious about to a joy to work with.
“With a Berta, two people can clean-up a huge area in no time, and enjoy it!”
Expert training on Ultrascape grouts
If you run a hard landscaping or paving installation business, we can arrange a training day for you on installing Ultrascape grouts such as Flowpoint or Porcelpoint.
On this day, you and your team will learn how to work with cement-based grouts – and confidently to BS7533 standards.
Sign-up for our emails to be the first to find out about forthcoming training days.
Otherwise, send us a message with some info about your business and we’ll add you to our waiting list.
Examples of porcelain patios grouted with either Flowpoint or Porcelpoint, all courtesy of Urban Canopy.
Interested in sharing one of your projects?
A big thank you to David Price of Urban Canopy in South Derbyshire for sharing his insights and tips on the Ultrascape range. You can follow his bespoke garden designs, which includes intricate paving techniques and product reviews, on Instagram and Facebook.
If you’re also a hard-landscaping pro and are interested in promoting a recent project that you’re proud of, using supplies or tools from The Paving Experts, we’d love to share your job and give your business a little plug in the process.
Send us an email briefly describing the project and providing a few photos to get the ball rolling.
