Granite A
hard, coarse-grained rock, and one of the most beautiful natural stones in the world, granite consists mainly of quartz, alkali
feldspar, and plagioclase feldspar, which contribute to its color - white, pink, or light grey. The dark brown, dark-green, or
black is due to the presence of such minerals as hornblende and biotite mica. The molecules of these minerals
entwine in a way that makes granite hard, difficult to damage, generally impossible to scratch, heat resistant, and durable.
This makes granite an ideal choice for outdoor flooring, such as patios, decks, balconies, paved paths
and other outdoor applications.
Styles and Color Chart
Marketing Partner: Eco Woods California, Ltd.
Granite is also very aesthetic.Resilient, lasting decades on end, and easy to clean and
maintain. It creates a luxurious, spacious feel in any home. Granite for outdoor applications is available
in a rough textured (flamed) finish, to suit non-slip outdoor use.
Granite also
carries a timeless quality about it; it’s always in vogue.
Modular Granite Outdoor Decking Tile
Slate
Perhaps the most versatile of natural stones, slate
can be easily fashioned into thin, durable sheets, making it ideal for patios, balconies, walkways, wet areas like showers,
and pool surrounds. Some slate slabs, consisting chiefly of clay are also popular in flooring and sometimes
as counter tops.
Additionally, slate is durable and waterproof. Made primarily from grains of mica and quartz
with small quantities of chlorite, hematite, and other minerals, it is usually grey to black in color. The color may vary,
though, becoming a beautiful red or purple, if adulterated by the presence of other minerals.
Modular Slate Outdoor Decking Tile
Ceramic Decking Tile
Ceramic decking
tile is made from clay which is baked at very high temperatures, resulting in an attractive and very hard surface. Our ceramic
decking tile is left “unglazed” for a more natural, rustic appeal and non-slip properties. It
is worthwhile learning about the right kind of ceramic decking tile to ensure that the type you choose is the one that is
most appropriate for your installation.
Overall, ceramic decking tile is very low
maintenance, particularly in terms of keeping the surface clean. Ceramic decking tile retains virtually
no dirt and can be kept clean with water and a deck brush.
We will assist you with the decision you make as to the proposed location of your installation, and
the likelihood that the type of ceramic decking tile you’ve chosen will stand up to the conditions it will need to endure.
Modular Ceramic Outdoor Decking Tile
Outdoor
Living Spaces: Adding an Outdoor Room
January 17, 2010
(LTD) - One of the hottest trends among homeowners
is to extend a home’s living space to the outdoors, using “modular” decking tiles. Many homeowners want
a refuge from the hectic pace of daily life. Decks can provide a place to relax and enjoy the outdoor setting.
Today’s
decks aren’t just your dull rectangular slabs of yesterday. People are designing decks to fit how they intend to use
the space. More often, deck designs receive as much careful attention as the home’s interior. Many homeowners
are designing decks with increased levels of privacy, further blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Designing and building an outdoor living space, that adds a mark of distinction to your home, takes some planning, creative
thinking and the proper materials.
Layout & Design
We recommend
asking a few simple questions before you design an outdoor living space. You should ask what the deck will be used for. Consider
where items like chairs and tables will go. Think about which views you would like to cover up or preserve. Answers to questions
like these will save you time and money.
Layout can be easily determined by dividing the deck into different zones.
Some zones, like dining areas, will require extra space. A zone’s function should determine its location. For example,
a cooking area should be close to the kitchen, and an area with a great view may be best for sitting.
If you are
interested in privacy, consider a simple trellis which allows you to enjoy great views and quiet conversation in private.
A trellis decorated with climbing flowers increases a deck’s solitude and beauty.
Materials
Homeowners can choose from many synthetic materials when building a deck, but we believe the only real options
are “modular” Ipe (Brazilian Walnut), Granite, Slate or Ceramic decking tiles. Decking tiles bring an exceptional
all-natural look and character to outdoor living spaces, coupled with outstanding performance and ease of maintenance.
Ipe is also one of the world’s most naturally beautiful woods and adds a mark distinction to a home, condominium
or apartment.
The durability of Ipe is outstanding. One of the world’s most durable woods, Ipe contains natural
preservatives that resist moisture, decay and insect damage. Its appearance can be maintained with Penofin (http://www.penofin.com/index_coupon1.shtml) or a non-toxic, environmentally-friendly, soybean based oil.
Although Ipe ages beautifully, applying an oil,
as mentioned earlier, will maintain the wood’s original appearance. Many people choose Ipe for its natural beauty.
Applying a clear or semi-transparent finish protects the original look, though some people prefer the classic silver gray
of well-aged Ipe.
Environmental Footprint
Using Ipe can also lessen a home’s environmental footprint, or total impact on the environment. That’s especially
true when it’s compared with synthetic or mineral building products like metal, cement or stucco that must be extracted
from the ground and are not renewable.
Ipe is one of the most environmentally friendly building products you can
use. It’s recyclable, biodegradable and even reusable. It also has a sustainable lifecycle, unlike other products
that must be mined or chemically manufactured.
Final Steps -- Construction and Decoration
Keep in mind that your outdoor living space is a transition between your home and yard.
Placing some furniture just outside the entrance will ease the transition from inside. Decorating the space with plants seen
in the immediate area will help the transition to the yardscape.
