The ABC Guide to Tiles and Pavers

Dressing your backyard or garden area could become an exciting project if you have the right materials for the job. The good news is that there are so many choices out there for you to choose from; the bad news is that it can all get rather confusing. So, here is a comprehensive guide to pavers and tiles for the outdoor area. Material?: Outdoor tiles and pavers may be made from a variety of materials like clay, concrete and natural stone. So, what should you choose? Clay - An excellent choice, as it is hard (harder than concrete even) and quite affordable. However, clay tiles will require a concrete base as these cannot stand on their own. Concrete slabs add to the price of the final product. Concrete - Economical and versatile, they are the choice when the project calls for very large tiles. However, there are limitations when it comes to shape and size. Natural stone - By far the best choice if you are looking for the heady combination of beauty and affordability. Natural stone looks striking and are available in a range of colors, designs and finishes. There are enough choices to suit any taste and budget. Trends?: Outdoor pavers and tiles are durable and flexible. They are therefore used extensively in the outdoor areas of the home including courtyards, verandas, pools, gardens, walkways and so on. The current trend is to opt for large natural pavers. Natural tiles are available in different shades and designs. Even within a batch, there will be slight variations so that no two tiles are alike. This is a natural characteristic of stone tiles. Purposes?: Different kinds of pavers may be used in different areas. For instance, the driveway may contain thicker tiles in darker colors as these are easy to maintain. Walnut or brown colors are the best choice. Pool decks should have tiles with brushed finish or tumbled finish as these are not very slippery. Thus, different finishes and colors are recommended for different areas of the house. Budget?: One of the most important factors to consider when choosing pavers for your home is your budget. The cost of natural stone tiles vary from low to very high, depending on design, quality of stone, size of tile and so on. It is important to choose a variety that sits well within your budget, so that you will get a product that looks great without burning a hole in your finances. Seller?: When buying pavers and tiles, make sure that you are doing business with the best in the locality. This ensures that you get high quality tiles for the money you pay.