Usually, the spaces between the tiles are filled in with grout to seal them and keep moisture and dirt from getting under the tiles. Most tiles need to be set into a mortar or attached to a surface with an adhesive. Mosaics are often made of colorful tiles arranged into a design or pattern. Some are solid colors, while others are painted with intricate patterns and designs. Tiles are always individual pieces, and while they are commonly square or rectangular, they can come in any shape. Since then, they have been used indoors and outdoors for both decorative and functional purposes. The earliest examples of tile are from ancient Mesopotamia, and they were originally used as a protective outer layer on buildings. Many tiles are glazed, which makes them smooth and shiny. Some tiles are purely decorative rather than functional. They are generally thinner than paving slabs and come in a much wider variety of colors and designs.

Tiles come in a much broader variety than paving slabs. Today, paving slabs are found in backyards, public parks, and numerous outdoor spaces, both public and private. There are paved roads dating back to the Roman Empire in Europe that are still present, which speaks to the strength and durability of paving slabs. Paving slabs are used for walkways, driveways, patios, roads, courtyards, and piazzas. Good paving slabs won’t absorb water or fade in the sun and can withstand a large amount of weight and pressure. This makes the pavers more flexible and resistant to pressure and movement.īecause paving slabs are made for outdoor use, they are weather-resistant and have a non-slip surface texture. Others, called segmental or interlocking pavers, are designed so that the edge of one interlocks with the edge of the next. Some are simply placed next to each other in the pattern and shape that you want. There are also different ways of laying pavers into the ground. This is not possible for natural stone, but companies can press the design of individual pieces into manufactured materials like concrete to create the illusion of individual pieces. Some manufacturers sell solid slabs by the meter rather than individual pavers. Pavers are most commonly made out of concrete, natural stone, or bricks. If you do not want to make your own paving slabs, there are plenty of options for sale. Either of these molds will let you make professional-looking paving slabs for your projects without needing to hire a professional. Or, if you prefer a more cobble-stoned look, they have the CJGQ Reusable Concrete Pathmate. Some paving slabs come pre-made, but you can also make your own by pouring concrete into a paving mold.Ī sells Betonext Design Concrete Molds to make concrete paving slabs that look like natural stone. Even just a simple row of bricks can be more visually interesting than a long expanse of smooth concrete. It is common for paving slabs to create a pattern or design out of the individual pieces.

While they are sometimes called pavers, a paving slab generally refers to a larger piece of material than an individual paver. Paving slabs are heavy-duty flooring material and are usually used in outdoor spaces. Read on for an overview of the best uses for paving slabs versus tiles. However, it is important to consider their differences when choosing which one to use for a particular project. Tiles can actually be considered a type of paver, depending on what they are made out of and how durable they are. Alternatively, tiles are thinner, crafted from glass, ceramic, or clay, and suitable for indoor projects.

Paving slabs are formed from bricks, stones, or shaped concrete, making them ideal for outdoor use. The differences between paving slabs and tiles include surface texture and weather resistance.

Interlocking patio tiles