Planning to renovate your outdoor space can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. From deciding on the color palette to choosing the right materials, every step feels crucial to achieving the outdoor space of your dreams.
When it comes to choosing the perfect hardscaping material, two options come to mind: outdoor tiles and pavers. But how do you decide which one to choose?
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of outdoor tiles and pavers to help you make the best decision for your outdoor space.
- Key Takeaways
- Outdoor tiles offer versatile design options, while pavers provide a natural look with color variety but have design limitations.
- Outdoor tiles are durable but may be slippery when wet, requiring anti-slip measures. Pavers are robust, non-slip, and easy to replace, but may need regular maintenance.
- Outdoor tiles have a higher initial cost, ranging from $10 to $50 per sq ft. Pavers are more cost-effective initially, ranging from $5 to $30 per sq ft.
- Outdoor tiles are durable but may crack under extreme conditions. Pavers, made from stone or concrete, are generally robust and less likely to crack, especially under heavy loads.
- Hiring a professional for both tiles and pavers is recommended to ensure proper alignment, grouting, and sealing, maximizing longevity and minimizing the risk of damage.
What are Outdoor Tiles?
What are Outdoor Pavers?
Let’s take a look at how they compare side by side:
| Aspect | Outdoor Tiles | Outdoor Pavers |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Typically made from porcelain, ceramic, or stone | Usually made from stone or concrete |
| Aesthetic | Sleek and modern | Rustic and traditional |
| Durability | Can crack in extreme conditions | Highly durable, can withstand heavy traffic |
| Maintenance | Requires regular cleaning and sealing | Minimal maintenance needed |
| Installation | Less labor-intensive but requires a flat surface | More labor-intensive but can be installed on uneven surfaces |
| Cost | Generally more expensive | More cost-effective |
Pros of Outdoor Tiles
- Wide Range of Design Options: Outdoor tiles come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, allowing you to get creative with your outdoor space. Whether you’re into geometric patterns or classic designs, you’re sure to find outdoor tiles that match your style.
- Durable Material: Outdoor tiles are made to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, making them a durable option for your outdoor space. Plus, they’re resistant to stains, scratches, and fading caused by sunlight exposure.
- Easy Maintenance: Cleaning outdoor tiles is a breeze. All you need is warm water and soap to keep them looking shiny and new. Plus, if a tile gets damaged, you can easily replace it without having to redo the entire outdoor flooring.
Cons of Outdoor Tiles
- Slippery Surface: Outdoor tiles can be slippery, especially when wet. This can be dangerous, especially if you have kids or elderly people in the house. To prevent accidents, you may need to add anti-slip coatings or choose outdoor tiles with rough textures.
- High Cost: Outdoor tiles can be expensive, especially if you’re looking at high-end designs. Additionally, the cost of installation can also be high, as outdoor tiles require a professional to install them correctly.
Pros of Outdoor Pavers
- Natural Look: Pavers give your outdoor space a natural look, as they’re made from natural materials such as stone and concrete. They also come in various colors, allowing you to create a unique outdoor space that matches your style.
- Easy to Replace: Similar to outdoor tiles, pavers are easy to replace when damaged, making them a low-maintenance option for your outdoor space.
- Non-Slip Surface: Pavers have a rough texture, providing a non-slip surface, making them a safer option for your outdoor space.
Cons of Outdoor Pavers
- Limited Design Options: Although pavers come in various colors, they have limited design options compared to outdoor tiles. This means you may have to compromise on your design vision to use pavers.
- Require Regular Maintenance: Pavers require regular maintenance to keep them looking good, such as removal of weeds and re-leveling if they become uneven. This can add to the maintenance cost of your outdoor space.
Cost Comparison: Outdoor Tiles vs. Pavers
Outdoor Tiles Costs
When it comes to outdoor tiles, particularly high-end options, they generally come with a higher price tag compared to pavers. The cost of outdoor tiles can vary depending on factors such as the specific material, size, and design. For example, porcelain and stone tiles are usually more expensive than ceramic ones. Additionally, custom designs and intricate patterns can further increase the cost.
Apart from the cost of the tiles themselves, it’s important to consider installation expenses. While tile installation is typically less labor-intensive than paver installation, it is recommended to hire a professional to ensure proper alignment, grouting, and sealing. This can significantly add to your overall expenditure.
Price intervals for outdoor tiles can range from $10 to $50 per square foot, depending on the material and design.
Outdoor Pavers Costs
In contrast, outdoor pavers are generally more cost-effective. The price may vary based on the type of material (stone or concrete) and the size of the paver. However, they tend to be less expensive than tiles, especially when considering the cost per square foot.
Although pavers may have a lower initial cost, their installation can be more labor-intensive, especially on uneven surfaces. This can increase the installation cost. However, it is often balanced by their long-term durability and minimal maintenance requirements.
Price intervals for outdoor pavers can range from $5 to $30 per square foot, depending on the material and size.
Durability Comparison: Outdoor Tiles vs. Pavers
Outdoor Tiles Durability
Outdoor tiles, especially those made from porcelain or stone, are highly durable. They are designed to endure harsh weather conditions and are resistant to stains, scratches, and fading caused by exposure to sunlight.
Materials like pavers are common for creating durable patios, but you may also want to compare other options like pea gravel vs. crushed stone.
However, they can crack under extreme weather conditions or heavy load. This is particularly true for ceramic tiles, which are less hardy than their porcelain counterparts. When choosing outdoor tiles, it’s crucial to select a type that can withstand the specific environmental conditions of your location.
Outdoor Pavers Durability
Pavers, typically made from stone or concrete, are characteristically robust and can handle heavy foot traffic, making them an excellent choice for driveways or patios.
They are less likely to crack under pressure or in extreme weather conditions, providing a high level of durability that may outlast outdoor tiles. Pavers’ ability to withstand heavy loads makes them particularly suitable for outdoor living spaces with plenty of furniture or vehicles.
It’s important to note that the durability of both outdoor tiles and pavers can be significantly enhanced through proper installation and regular maintenance. An improperly installed tile or paver is more likely to become damaged even under normal conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to hire a professional for the installation process to ensure maximum longevity.
Continue reading: 15 Essential Outdoor Kitchen Features For The Perfect Cooking Space
Top 10 Sellers of Outdoor Tiles and Pavers
- The Tile Shop: Offers a wide selection of outdoor tiles in various materials. They are known for their quality and diverse design options to cater to various style preferences.
- Lowe’s: An established name in the home improvement industry, Lowe’s offers a wide range of outdoor tiles and pavers in various materials, catering to different budgets and design preferences.
- Bedrosians Tile & Stone: A renowned name in the tile industry, Bedrosians provides a variety of outdoor tiles, from ceramic to stone, designed to withstand different weather conditions.
- Daltile: Known for superior craftsmanship, Daltile offers a comprehensive range of outdoor tiles in numerous designs, from rustic to modern.
- Paver Outlet: Paver Outlet specializes in providing a wide array of pavers for outdoor spaces. They are known for their affordability without compromising the quality and aesthetics.
- Belgard: Belgard provides an extensive range of outdoor pavers, known for their durability and unique designs that can transform any outdoor space.
- Unilock: Unilock offers a broad selection of pavers designed for durability and aesthetic appeal. They have an array of styles and colors to suit any design preference.
- TileBar: TileBar offers a diverse selection of outdoor tiles, known for their quality, durability, and design versatility. They cater to a wide range of style preferences and budgets.
- Oldcastle APG: A leading manufacturer of outdoor pavers, Oldcastle APG is known for its wide range of products that offer durability and style.
- Mutual Materials: Specializing in pavers, Mutual Materials offer a broad range of durable and aesthetically pleasing options for outdoor spaces. They are known for their commitment to quality and sustainability.
FAQs About Outdoor Tiles vs. Pavers
More to Read: Stamped Concrete Vs. Flagstone
Talk To Legacy Outdoor Services - Your Trusted Partner in Outdoor Projects
Navigating the world of outdoor tiles and pavers can be complex, especially considering the range of options in terms of materials, designs, and costs. That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced and reliable partner in your corner.
Legacy Outdoor Services, a top-rated concrete work contractor in Bryan, TX, has a wealth of experience in handling various outdoor projects, including the installation of outdoor tiles and pavers.
We understand the nuances of working with different materials and are committed to not only meeting but exceeding your expectations in terms of quality and aesthetics. Whether you seek the elegance of outdoor tiles or the rugged durability of pavers, our team of experts will ensure a top-notch installation, enhancing the longevity and visual appeal of your outdoor spaces.
Remember, the longevity of your outdoor tiles and pavers heavily depends on the expertise in installation. Don’t leave it to chance; trust the professionals. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us now at (979) 575-6019. Let Legacy Outdoor Services transform your outdoor spaces into a testament to timeless beauty and resilience.