Stiles is ‘summoning summer’ with a simple guide to surfaces for your dream patio and swimming pool.
A sizzling summer starts and ends by a glittering pool. Nothing on God’s green earth says ‘summertime relaxation’ louder than a sunny pool deck. If you want a home holiday with pool parties, endless braais and drinks with little umbrellas, big bottles of sunscreen and some pink flamingo floaties, it all starts with the perfect pool and patio…
The route to all this ‘shoulder-dropping relaxation’ begins with expert surface selection, according to Johan Drom van Tonder, Chief of Operations at Stiles.
‘A poolside hangout with serious wow factor will have a combination of functional, practical and elegant tiles and be free of sharp edges, pointy corners and slippery surfaces,’ he explains.
The perfectly stylish patio
It’s important to create a ‘destination’ when designing an outdoor entertainment space. Patio tiles should be relatively easy to clean and be suitable for wet areas.
Homeowners and designers should specifically look for textured tiles that are slip-resistant, low-maintenance, durable, UV stable and colourfast.
‘Select a colour that is too light, and it can become difficult to clean and create a headache-inducing glare,’ says van Tonder. ‘Stiles’ concrete and stone-look tiles appear elegant and timeless and are robust enough to withstand the battering of outdoor furniture, pool cleaning equipment and heavy use,’ he continues.
The ideal place to unwind on balmy summer days will be a space that flows effortlessly from the indoor living and entertainment areas.
The Tuscania Limestone Ice tile has a light stone look and a slip-resistant finish. This tile also has an almost identical twin, which is ideal for the adjacent indoor floor surfaces. Combinations like this create harmonious cohesion between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The Tuscania Dolomia Grey tile has a subtle veining of pale grey, white, silver and almond. It, too, has semi-polished and matte versions suitable for indoor areas.
For a cement look with a slip-resistant finish, opt for the AB Industrial tiles in grey, light grey, off-white or greige.
Walkways and pool surrounds
Pavers are strong, versatile and practical surfaces for walkways, steps, driveways, patios and pool decks.
Measuring 20mm thick, they can be installed over existing concrete and lawn or laid on a suitable substrate. Pavers can also be laid over existing tiles and other surfaces by using a self-levelling pedestal system. Add leafy creepers, crushed rock or pea gravel between the pavers for a decorative finish.
The Tuscania Limestone Pavers have a slip-resistant finish and are available in Coal, Ice, Ash and Beige.
Look out for the new Etienne Kosmos pavers in silver and coffee, which will be displayed in Stiles’ stores in December.
The outdoor bar and braai area
A well-designed outdoor kitchen can elevate your summer braaiing experience. Often undercover but under heavy use, this area will benefit from durable materials that won’t stain, scratch or perish.
The Pamesa Slate Way Green tile offers masses of character. It has a green slate stone look, enriched with brown, rust and cream tones and a subtly embossed texture. The Florim Walks range offers a collection of slip-resistant tiles and matching rectified tiles to create cohesion between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Outdoor pool and shower tiles
When choosing tiles for a swimming pool, spa pool, outdoor shower and coping, there are several factors to consider, including material, durability, slip resistance, style and colour.
The Stiles team assists clients in obtaining a Technical Method and Product Specification Report to ensure that the products and adhesives used are appropriate to the specific pool type. Porcelain tiles are a popular choice because they are durable, non-porous and can withstand extreme temperatures and cleaning chemicals.
The Funky Tiles Bali range is a popular pool mosaic option at Stiles and comes in a range of elegant hues, including Azul Blue, Verde, Anthracite and White. Finally, Stiles can manufacture a bullnose from your pool tile for a seamless finish on the pool shell wall.
Visit any of the Stiles showrooms to view their patio and pool tiles in person, or visit their website to find out more.
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Picture: Supplied
