With a few more sunny days on the calendar and temperatures climbing, Langley residents are beginning to eye their outdoor spaces – looking at ways to make them more inviting, and more usable.
The good news is that with the right materials and expertise, that picture-perfect patio or pool could be closer than you think!
For years, options on the West Coast have largely included wood – cedar or pressure-treated – stone, concrete or pavers, and more recently, recycled plastic “lumber.” Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, including maintenance, appearance and cost.
Today, there’s another option that offers many of the benefits of these other materials … and fewer of the challenges: Tile.
More specifically, tile rated for outdoor patio use, and designed for our West Coast climate, explains Stephen Tomes, a licensed contractor and owner of New Trendz Flooring and More in Langley.
Picture-perfect patios
Whether you’re planning an in-ground pool to soak away those hot summer days or an elegant patio where you can relax or entertain, exterior tile offers some unique solutions.
First, it’s important to choose the right tile – not only for its appearance, but its ability to stand up to the weather and wear and tear. “We offer tiles with a rating of R-9 to R-12, meaning it’s specifically designed to hold up on the patio and pool deck,” Tomes explains.
If you’re envisioning slick, square, porcelain tiles from the past, it’s important to know that today’s exterior tiles can mimic a variety of natural stones, with textured surfaces to mitigate the “slip factor.”
Even better, it does it at a fraction of the cost of stone.
And that upkeep you can expect with a wood deck, including regular cleaning, sanding and re-staining? You won’t need to worry about it with tile. In fact, “the more you leave it alone, the more it’s going to develop that stone-like patina,” Tomes says.
For the pool, where standard vinyl liners can be an eyesore, the right tile can create a European elegance and a real focal point for your outdoor space, Tomes notes.
To discover the options for your outdoor space, visit New Trendz Flooring and More where Tomes is joined by sales and store manager Bill Yardley and sales associate Lisa Young.
Stop by New Trendz at #101 – 20579 Langley Bypass, call them at 604-546-0911 or visit online at newtrendzflooring.com
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