There was once a prevailing view that a living space ended at the sliding glass door to the backyard. Now it’s “inside-out.”
An unmistakable movement in home design over the last decade has been to replicate the indoor features that bring people joy outdoors, where they can be infused with fresh air, sunlight, and songbirds. The result is backyards and patios transformed into extensions of the home itself.
The marketplace has risen to the occasion, producing a variety of affordable amenities and technologies that used to be limited to indoor use. There’s no better bridge between these new manmade features and the environment than natural stone.
Its impact is almost magical. A natural stone accent wall can make a flat screen mounted to it blend seamlessly into a yard. A perimeter of stone coping around a pool can give it the feel of a natural spring. An outdoor kitchen clad with stone tiles can make it feel like it’s part of the landscape.
Island Stone & Tile has a deep variety of stone products that can fit any outdoor setting, along with an experienced team of designers and fabricators who can ensure your project is a success. The following are some points to keep in mind as you get started on your backyard projects.
Backyard pool with natural stone tile flooring and matching pool coping
Planning Your Space
Natural stone walkways can serve as an attractive and practical connector between all of the focal points of your backyard oasis. This is especially true for elements that are made of or feature stone, such as pool decks, patios, outdoor showers, and fire pits.
Homeowners have more options than ever in the shapes, sizes, textures, and colors of stone for walkways. They don’t necessarily have to match the materials used in other features; a little contrast can be fun and add personal style. However, consideration should be given to the best options based on how they’ll be used.
Do you expect children will frequently play on them? Will people often walk barefoot or in open-toe shoes? If so, it’s best to avoid materials with jagged or uneven surfaces that can be abrasive or cause stubbed toes.
It’s also important to consider any environmental factors that could impact your outdoor stone floor tiles. For example, if the area is surrounded by tall trees or thick vegetation that shed leaves and pollen, it may be best to avoid designs with many crevices that can accumulate debris and encourage weed growth.
These risks can be minimized by using larger tiles, as they require fewer joints and create more even, continuous surfaces. A good example is Island Stone & Tile’s 6x12” Sukabumi Select pavers.
Why Natural Stone Works
Each piece of natural stone can tell a fascinating story. Every grain, every speckle, and every sparkle is the result of geologic processes that took place millions of years ago, and now it plays a starring role in your landscape design.
The unique detail of each stone catches the eye in a way that no artificially dyed, mass-produced concrete can. Natural stone is also a more sustainable choice, as concrete production is one of the most greenhouse gas–intensive processes in manufacturing.
Because natural stone is formed by the earth, it holds up better over time than many artificial materials. Years of exposure to summer heat, freeze-thaw cycles, and precipitation typically wear down concrete pavers more quickly.
Natural stone also retains its color better than lower-quality materials that fade under prolonged sun exposure. And with greater strength, it can withstand more wear before risking cracks or breaks.
Poolside social area with dimensional wall tile and Sukabumi stone pool flooring
Tile Options for Wet Areas
Comfort and safety take precedence when planning stone installations in areas that are prone to getting wet. As mentioned above, using flat, larger stones makes for a more comfortable surface on pool decks and walkways. Natural stone also tends to stay cooler than some non-natural alternatives on hot, sunny days.
Island Stone & Tile’s Sukabumi varieties are known for being slip-resistant, with naturally textured surfaces that provide traction while still feeling smooth and comfortable. These qualities also make Sukabumi Select pool coping easy to grip when getting out of the water, and comfortable to lean against while relaxing in the sun.
Our signature pebble mesh tile varieties are renowned for the atmosphere they create in outdoor showers. Standing on our industry-leading Perfect Pebble tiles provides a massage-like sensation, reminiscent of walking along the shoreline. For those who prefer a slightly flatter feel, our Level Pebble products are a favorite.
Designers frequently choose our Indonesia-sourced pebble stone tiles for shower walls for their ability to create the feel of an island resort or relaxing spa.
See for Yourself
When you’re ready to get started on your outdoor getaway, find an Island Stone & Tile showroom near you or browse our online collection of natural stone outdoor floor tiles, stone tile for shower walls, and more.
You are also welcome to order samples to see and feel our products for yourself. Don’t hesitate to contact us to speak with one of our team members about your project needs and questions.
