If you are looking to breathe new life into the interior or exterior of your home, it won’t be long before you hear terms such as ‘paving’, ‘tiling’ and ‘cladding’. While you probably have some idea of what they are, you may be wondering if there is any difference at all between the three terms.
Here’s a quick explanation of what you’re dealing with when it comes to tiling, paving and cladding, along with common applications in a residential context:
Tiling
Tiles are a form of surface covering that are usually used for interior applications. Ceilings, floors, walls, showers, tabletops and other surfaces can be tiled for both practical and decorative purposes, ranging from simple squares to intricate mosaics. Common materials used to make tiles include ceramic, glass, concrete, metal, granite, marble and more, and grouting is required to keep each tile in place.
Paving
Paving is a similar form of tile or brick surface covering with a focus on exterior applications. Typically, pavers are often larger than standard tiles for use on driveways, footpaths, patios, courtyards, landscaping and other outdoor areas. Unlike traditional tiling, paving does not usually require any adhesive or retaining techniques when it is placed: a concrete foundation is poured and covered with sand or soft earth before pavers are laid by hand in the chosen pattern. Pavers are usually thicker than regular tiles but can be thinner with an adequate substrate.
Cladding
Cladding refers to a layer of material that is applied on top of an existing external surface to provide protection from the elements. It is usually used on the exterior of homes, sheds and other structures to control water run-off from rain and diminish the effect of strong winds. The finish is not necessarily waterproof, but acts as a control element at its most basic level. Cladding can even offer secondary benefits such as thermal and sound insulation, easy cleaning and fire resistance. It also contributes to the aesthetic of the building—planks are commonly used in a horizontal or vertical arrangement while numerous other patterns can also be applied.
There you have it. Cladding, paving and tiling all combine similar concepts but can vary greatly in application. Talk to Gosford Quarries for more information and to find out what will best suit your taste, needs and budget with a finish of the highest quality.