Rock The Outdoors
Three Things to Consider When it Comes to Exterior Surfaces
Creating an inviting and functional outdoor space starts with choosing the right surfaces.
Whether designing a modern patio, a walkable pathway, or an outdoor chef’s kitchen, the materials selected will significantly impact the space's design, longevity, and usability. With so many surface options, making the right choice can feel overwhelming. Here are three key considerations when selecting surfaces that blend style, durability, and practicality.
CLIMATE
Different materials react differently to various weather conditions. In areas with extreme heat, materials like brick or wood can warp or crack, while in colder regions, certain stones might suffer from freeze-thaw cycles, causing them to split and become damaged. Laminam is an engineered large-format porcelain stone built to handle extreme climates, from the scorching summer heat to freezing wet winter temperatures. It is also UV-resistant, meaning the surface color never fades or degrades over time. It can be used for various applications, such as flooring, walls, countertops, appliance fronts, and cladding. The brand offers over 40 colors in various finishes. A designer favorite is Laminam’s Calacatta Oro Venato from their I Naturali collection. The marble-inspired surface features an ivory-colored background crisscrossed by prominent veining ranging in color from gold to shades of brown and gray.
Durability
This term describes the process of reducing large suburban or rural lawns and replacing them with wildflower meadows. The focus is on creating a landscape that evolves through continuous seasonal flowering, attracting wildlife, and benefiting the ecosystem. Meadowscaping typically involves less frequent mowing — sometimes only every two to three years.
Design
This movement encourages people to stop mowing their lawns altogether, allowing nature to take over and gradually transform the space into a meadow. Over time, the meadow may naturally evolve into a scrubby, woody area with shrubs and trees, which helps sequester carbon and provide more habitat. However, a key challenge is managing nonnative species, which can outcompete native plants.
Selecting the perfect outdoor surface is a balance of style, functionality, and maintenance. It's a chance to bring interior design elements outdoors to create a cohesive look and feel. Surfaces become the foundation of the design with so many application possibilities. A neutral, versatile option is Walker Zanger’s Onyx Avorio, a precious stone with transparent shades of cream, toffee, and charcoal. Onyx can be beautifully embellished by being backlit, illuminating the stone from behind. Another great option for exterior patio flooring is Walker Zanger’s Paramountstone®, a large-format porcelain tile that replicates the look of concrete.
By considering climate, durability, and design, one can create a backyard that not only looks beautiful but will also stand the test of time.