Compare Concrete Block & Tile

Costs

• Natural stone tiles are always the most expensive type of paver. They are quarried in slabs and later cut to size, making them a more labor-intensive product. Quarry tiles, an extremely durable type of ceramic, are comparable in price to concrete pavers. According to one manufacturer, natural stone can cost between $10 and $30 per square foot. Concrete blocks and quarry tiles cost between $2 and $5 per square foot. Installation costs for natural stone tend to run higher as well.

Style

• Quarry tiles are perhaps the most limited of the pavers in terms of style. These unglazed tiles are typically a reddish brown and cut in various sizes of squares. In contrast, concrete pavers are made in various shapes, from square and rectangle to wedge-shaped for laying circular patterns. Concrete block pavers offer slightly better color variation than quarry tile with gray-, red- and tan-colored blocks. Natural stone is perhaps the most diverse in terms of style. Stone tiles can be cut square, rectangular, custom-cut or left in rough, uncut patterns. Natural stone is also the most versatile as far as color range. Red, pink, purple, blue, green, gray, black -- nearly any color is possible in natural stone.

Durability

• Natural stone tiles, particularly granite, are extremely strong and are suitable for abusive locations like driveways or high-traffic walkways. Natural stone will outlast any other type of paver. Concrete block pavers are thick and very durable. They can withstand freeze/thaw cycles as well as heavy foot and automobile traffic. Concrete block pavers, however, are porous and subject to color changes due to wear, erosion and staining. For a ceramic tile, quarry tile is very durable, but won't outlast stone or concrete. It is less resistant to freezing than other pavers and may crack in cold temperatures. Quarry tile is best suited to covered patios or little-used walkways.

Maintenance

• Regular maintenance is recommended, even on the most durable paver. Maintenance is similar for concrete block pavers, stone tile and quarry tile. Seal them with an appropriate sealer every one to three years depending on the usage they get. Clean up any spills whether they are oil, liquid fertilizer or lemonade as quickly as possible and only use nonacidic cleaning products.