It’s Time To Upgrade Your Outdoor Area – To Use Pavers Or Tiles?

All too often, the outdoor space is the neglected part of a house. True, you may not spend as much time outdoors compared to your indoor area, but upgrading your outdoor area can make a significant difference to the way you live while increasing the property value too. So, it’s about time you think about doing something with your blank canvas. But how? One of the best things you can do to make it a usable space, as well as an attractive place, is to use tiles or pavers. But how can you decide whether to use tiles or pavers? See the pros and cons of tiles and pavers for outdoor use below.

Tiles Or Pavers – Outdoor Tiles

1. It’s Permanent

Compared to pavers which are dry laid without using adhesive, properly installed outdoor tiles on a secure concrete slab are more permanent. If the area gets high traffic or the ground is not stable, it would be best to use a concrete slab and tiles.

2. Durable

Properly installed porcelain tiles are extremely durable. Glazed ceramic or porcelain tiles and pre-sealed porcelain tiles are also resistant to water and chemical absorption which makes it ideal for driveways.

3. Easy To Maintain

Outdoor porcelain tiles don’t require any of the special care that other natural products may need. Cleaning, without using any chemical based cleaner, might just remove all the dirt and make them look as good as new.

4. Many Choices

There are far more variations of porcelain outdoor tiles available than pavers. From sleek and modern outdoor tiles to timber look and concrete look tiles, there are just so many to choose from.

5. Cheap

As long as the concrete slab is ready for tiles to be laid, the cost of tiles is often much cheaper compared to that of pavers.

Cons

1. Ground Preparation

Tiles need concrete or some other firm foundation to be laid on. It may be more time consuming as well as expensive if you need to start with laying a concrete foundation.

2. Hard To Move

Unlike pavers, once tiles are installed, moving them or expanding the area requires a more invasive approach.

Pavers

Pros

1. Easy Installation

Pavers are generally dry laid directly on the ground without a cement base. While some surface preparation is required, the process is much simpler than that of tiles.

2. Easy To Move

As pavers are not permanently fixed with adhesive, moving or expanding the paved area is easy. Even if the ground loses its shape, you can fix the issue without destroying the pavers.

3. Cheap

While the pavers themselves may be somewhat more expensive than tiles, the simple process of laying pavers makes it cheaper than to install a concrete slab and then to lay tiles over it.

Cons

1. Not As Permanent

As pavers are not permanently installed with adhesive, it’s more prone to move or deform over time. But it’s also easy to fix.

2. Natural Products Need Care

Some of the most attractive pavers are natural products such as travertine pavers. While they are durable and wear gracefully, periodical sealing is necessary to maintain the look. Ask TFO for the best sealer for your natural stone.

Whether you decide on tiles or pavers, you are sure to find a bargain at TFO. Timber look porcelain tiles for outdoors and travertine pavers are some of the most popular products for an outdoor area. Check them out for yourself today or browse our wide range of outdoor tiles online now.