Choosing the right option between facade pavers vs traditional cladding material can be a daunting choice. It is a major decision for any homeowner as it acts as the skin for your home’s exterior. It will reflect your style. However, deciding the right material can be a problem as wall cladding and facade pavers are often considered similar. This can be a confusing situation for homeowners. They don’t see facade pavers and wall cladding materials such as metal, brick, stone, and wood. But it is important to understand how to choose the right option.
Compared to traditional cladding materials, facade pavers offer differences, benefits, and potential drawbacks. This post will help you decide which option is best for you.
What Is Facade Pavers?
These are usually the designed tiles or pavers that are installed on the exterior walls of houses. You can find them in materials like concrete pavers, natural stone pavers, or porcelain pavers. They are both stylish and functional parts for the outside walls. These pavers have been used for floors for a long time but they are gaining popularity in modern architecture facades as exterior cladding.
Facade pavers are usually lightweight, and thin and they are easy to install as well. Their unique and sleek aesthetic appeal is an ideal choice for anyone who wants to create a stunning and contemporary look for their exterior.
Facade Pavers vs Traditional Cladding
Facade pavers may look similar to the wall cladding but they are different on various levels. Here is a table containing the difference between facades and claddings.
| Feature | Facade Pavers | Traditional Cladding Materials |
| Durability | Highly weather-resistant, especially porcelain | Durable but can be prone to cracking or rotting (wood/stone) |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance, easy to clean | Varies: wood needs frequent upkeep, brick requires occasional repointing |
| Aesthetic Flexibility | Wide range of styles, mimics other materials | More limited in style, classic but less versatile |
| Installation | Quick and straightforward | Time-consuming, and may require skilled labor (brick/stone) |
| Environmental Impact | Often eco-friendly, some use recycled materials | Varies: wood is renewable, and vinyl has a higher environmental footprint |
| Cost | Moderate, depending on the material (porcelain, concrete) | Varies widely: wood can be affordable, but stone/brick is more expensive |
| Weather Resistance | Excellent, non-porous options resist moisture | Depends on the material: brick is durable, but wood can warp or rot |
| Design Style | Suited for modern, sleek looks | Ideal for classic or traditional aesthetics |
This table provides key differences between traditional wall cladding and facade pavers. Following are the elaborate versions of these differences.
1- Durability and Weather Resistance
Whether it is wall cladding materials or facades, your goal is to protect the outer walls from the weather and outdoor elements.
Facade Pavers
Different types of Facade Pavers are usually created using concrete and porcelain. The more modern facade uses modern material that improves the durability of the regular facade. They are more weather-resistant and resist wear and tear. Porcelain facade pavers are non-porous so they will not absorb water. This makes them idle against the freezing thaw cycle, water damage, and cracks caused by water absorption.
Traditional Cladding Materials:
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Brick
It is a durable and weather-resistant option. However, it can be susceptible to cracking under freezing conditions.
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Wood
Wood Facade Pavers look good but it is prone to warp, and rot, and may suffer insect infestation if not maintained properly.
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Stone
It is extremely durable but can be more prone to cracking in areas with freeze-thaw cycles, especially if moisture gets in.
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Metal
It is durable and weather-resistant but prone to rust. Depending on the type of metal you are using, a weather coating is required.
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Vinyl
Though is also weather-resistant but not good for long-term usage. It is prone to fading and
Winner:
The porcelain facade paver is a clear winner as it offers exceptional durability and low maintenance.
2- Maintenance Requirements
Facade Pavers
Most of the face material is low maintenance from porcelain and concrete to ledger stones or veneer stones. Porcelain pavers have water-resistant properties so they will not stain. Most of these materials will not require sealing and a tough maintenance routine. Simple sweeping and cleaning with water and mild soap will keep them in good condition.
Traditional Cladding Materials:
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Brick
It is a low-maintenance material but may require regular replacement of mortar between bricks.
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Wood
It is a high-maintenance material. It requires regular paint and maintenance to avoid fading, cracks, and rotting.
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Stone
Natural stone pavers require regular maintenance and sealing. It is crucial, especially in damp environments where mold and moss can grow.
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Metal
It does require repaint and coating to save it from rust and discoloring over time.
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Vinyl
It is a low-maintenance option. But it cannot withstand tough heat and may break over time.
Winner:
Facade pavers are the best choice for anyone looking for a low-maintenance cladding solution.
3- Aesthetic Versatility
Whether it is a facade or wall-cladding material, both make a first impression on the outside of your house. They should provide aesthetic value to the exterior of the house.
Facade Pavers
These pavers offer a wide range of design options. For example, porcelain pavers come in a wide range of colors and styles. You can get them in a wood look, natural stone style, or even concrete. This gives homeowners more freedom to create any look they want. One can find facade pavers in different shapes, sizes, and textures. It provides them with infinite customization options.
Traditional Cladding Materials:
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Brick
It offers a timeless and warm appearance but they don’t have many color options.
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Wood
It can provide a rustic and warm look but it is also prone to fading.
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Stone
They offer a luxurious and high-end look. They come in a wide range of colors, designs, and textures.
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Metal
Metal Pavers bring a sleek appearance but may not be suitable for traditional or rustic aesthetics.
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Vinyl
It can also resemble the look of wood or stone. However, they lack the authentic look and feel of the natural stone.
Winner:
Facade pavers offer more aesthetic versatility. They feature different styles, textures, and looks. They are perfect for any homeowner who wants to blend traditional and modern designs for exterior walls.
4- Installation Process
The installation process can heavily impact the cost and timeline.
Facade Pavers
Facaed pavers are easy to install. It doesn’t take much time to install because of its lightweight design and easy-to-handle dimensions. These pavers are installed using the direct adhesive method or with a mechanical fastening system. This can speed up the process compared to the traditional masonry work.
Traditional Cladding Materials:
- Brick and Stone are labor-intensive materials to work with. DIY wall cladding installation is not easy. A highly skilled professional is required for the installation. It can also be time-consuming.
- Wood siding is easier and quick to install but it still requires professionals. It can be misaligned and warp while installed so only skilled individuals are required.
- Metal panels require advanced techniques and tools to be installed. You will need to contact professionals.
- Vinyl is the easiest to install, but it might not have the same lasting appeal as other materials.
Winner:
Facade pavers are faster and easier to install. The installation process is convenient compared to many traditional materials.
5- Environmental Impact
Environmental impact is a significant concern for homeowners. So you must consider this for the facade and cladding material.
Facade Pavers
Facade materials such as concrete pavers, porcelain, and similar are usually made of natural material. Different manufacturers now offer eco-friendly materials that use recycled natural stone and sustainable production methods. Porcelain pavers can also last longer which means there are fewer requirements to replace them resulting in minimized environmental impact.
Traditional Cladding Materials:
- Brick
It is a sustainable material that is made of clay. It is durable and can be recycled to create bricks again.
- Wood
It is a renewable resource but it can result in deforestation if not sourced properly.
- Stone
They are extracted from the earth which means quarrying and mining are required. It can significantly impact the environment.
- Metal
It is a recyclable material but the manufacturing is energy intensive.
- Vinyl
It is a non-biodegradable and synthetic material. It is made of PVC which has a higher environmental impact.
Winner:
Facade pavers are a clear winner because they are made of versatile and sustainable materials. They have a lower environmental impact compared to several traditional materials.
Conclusion: Which One Is Good?
Facade pavers and wall cladding though offer the same purpose but they have some key differences. If your choice is versatile, durable, and beautiful cladding then the facade is an ideal choice for your house. However, if you want a more traditional look and can spend time maintaining then traditional wall cladding is a suitable option for you.
Weigh both choices and choose what suits you most. The choice and final consideration are subjective so decide accordingly. If you are looking for high-quality facade pavers then NT Pavers offers a wide range of the latest facade pavers to choose from. Browse through the latest facade collection right now for more information.
