TILING & MOSAICS
Tough Tiles Get Top Marks For Style The options that exist today to finish off stunning looking pools and other wet leisure products is as wide as it's ever been and creating that all important bespoke finish through the use of tiling and mosaics is, for many, the ultimate style statement. As trends change, so does the market, and there’s seemingly no end to the possibilities now on offer. Here, we highlight what’s available to add some style and durability to any project this year By Jon Wadeson
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iling is still seen by many as the superior finish within swimming pools, spas and more, however, stunning looks and opportunities for numerous inspired designs tell only part of the story. Durability is the other huge factor, hence tiling being the preferred, traditional choice for most commercial applications. Increasingly, it is this combination of choice and flexibility, plus good looks and ruggedness that has ensured tiled finishes are now also much sought after for higher-end projects within the domestic sector too. Available in glass, stone, ceramic and porcelain and in multiple sizes, there’s something for every project. That degree of choice also means that if needed, pool, spas and other wet leisure facilities can be easily customised to fit in with their surroundings whilst still retaining their own personal design. When correctly cared for, a tiled pool or spa will offer many years of use and with so many effective water treatments available, keeping the tiles in tip-top condition has never been easier. So with products and trends continually evolving, in this edition, we look at the latest in styles and materials that are available for pools, spas and more this year.
CRANBOURNE BRING THE BEAUTY OF PORCELAIN TO PROJECTS Tiling can make or break a pool project. Not only is it important for the structure and formation of the pool, but it is also significant to the overall aesthetic and style. Whether it is a sleek modern design or a more traditional pool design, porcelain works perfectly with any desired look and feel. Key characteristics of porcelain are that it is both highly sustainable and has a slipresistant finish, making it ideal for pool lining. A versatile material, porcelain is also stunning when used for the pool surround too, to give a modern sleek and continuous finish. Porcelain not only creates a beautiful and superior finish to a project, but it is also stain resistant, highly durable, resistant to moss and mould, and is easy to keep clean. Porcelain tiles are made from a mix of natural clay and finely ground sand, which is then pressed and fired at a very high temperature. Each design is baked onto the body of the surface of the tile, to produce natural-looking tiles, along with the benefits of longevity and practicality. The material is very versatile and can be used for both indoor and outdoor pools. To get
a contemporary feel, use the tile with a honed surface and combine with a matching grip finish, perfect for internal steps and surrounds. Porcelain can also transform a pool simply by the colour used within the design. With so many shades available, porcelain can alter the look of the pool through its reflection in the water. Whether it’s the appearance of the crystal-clear turquoise seas of the Mediterranean, a tranquil mid-blue colourisation, or the dark, novel and dramatic colours popular in contemporary designs, porcelain truly bring creations to life.
UP THE DESIGN ANTE WITH STONEWORLD’S PORCELAIN POOL LINING TILES Offering something fashionably different for internal pool lining options is easy with products from Stoneworld. Designers and installers are able to create stylish and individual pool interiors with the company’s porcelain pool lining tiles. Available in a range of colours and authentic finishes, there’s a product to suit every project. Using porcelain tiles to line a swimming pool is a great new trend in pool design. These tiles are available in extra
This outdoor pool was finished using Cranbourne Stone’s porcelain tiles creating a Mediterranean aura of crystalclear turquoise water
This client chose Stoneworld’s Rio Black Slate porcelain tiles for their pool, which resemble the natural surface of a dark slate
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