Tiles & Pavers
Tiles, and related pavers, are manufactured repeatable units arranged in various patterns as floor or wall coverings. Crafted with durable materials such as ceramic, clay, metal, stone, wood, and glass, tiles are most commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms where it is desired to have easy to clean and impact resist surfaces.
Pavers, typically distinguished by their increased unit thicknesses and greater durability for exterior applications, are often produced in stone, brick, or concrete and used for roads, driveways, patios, and walkways. In conjunction with the variety of possible patterns available, tiles throughout history have also been used ornamentally to form complex decorative mosaics around the world.
Although the words tile and paver are often used interchangeably in the tile industry, the difference between a tile and paver is usually determined by the thickness of the unit. Tiles are generally 1” (25 mm) and thinner, while pavers are typically 2” (51 mm) and greater.
Tiles are commonly installed on prepared indoor substrates such as concrete floors, prepared wood floor, or walls.
Pavers, unlike tiles, are typically used on both flexible and rigid exterior surface conditions where drainage and/or permeability is important. Flexible surfaces include compacted soils and graded aggregates, while rigid surfaces typically refer to concrete slabs.
