With a few more sunny days on the calendar and temperatures climbing, 91原创 residents are beginning to eye their outdoor spaces 鈥� 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 鈥� cedar or pressure-treated 鈥� stone, concrete or pavers, and more recently, recycled plastic 鈥渓umber.鈥� Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, including maintenance, appearance and cost.

Today, there鈥檚 another option that offers many of the benefits of these other materials 鈥� 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 in 91原创.

Picture-perfect patios

Whether you鈥檙e 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鈥檚 important to choose the right tile 鈥� not only for its appearance, but its ability to stand up to the weather and wear and tear. 鈥淲e offer tiles with a rating of R-9 to R-12, meaning it鈥檚 specifically designed to hold up on the patio and pool deck,鈥� Tomes explains.

If you鈥檙e envisioning slick, square, porcelain tiles from the past, it鈥檚 important to know that today鈥檚 exterior tiles can mimic a variety of natural stones, with textured surfaces to mitigate the 鈥渟lip factor.鈥�

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鈥檛 need to worry about it with tile. In fact, 鈥渢he more you leave it alone, the more it鈥檚 going to develop that stone-like patina,鈥� 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 , call them at 604-546-0911 or visit online at

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