Travertine
PavingPool edgeWalls
Warm, porous limestone with a soft and timeless surface. Tumbled or brushed finishes give better grip around pools.
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Material Explorer
Ten classics of outdoor design compared for heat, grip, care and patina.
Limestone
PavingWalls
Calm and even in tone, a classic for terraces that continue the living room floor. Choose a dense, frost resistant grade for colder climates.
Basalt
PavingPool edgeWalls
Dense volcanic stone in graphite tones. Very hard wearing, but dark surfaces heat up noticeably in full sun.
Flamed granite
PavingPool edge
Flaming roughens the surface for grip. Extremely durable and largely indifferent to frost and wear.
Porcelain stoneware
PavingPool edge
Thick outdoor slabs that imitate stone or wood with very little upkeep. Consistent and stain resistant, though less alive with age.
Teak
DeckingFurniture
The reference for outdoor furniture. Left untreated it silvers to a soft grey; regular oiling keeps the honey tone.
Thermally modified wood
DeckingWalls
Native woods made stable and durable by heat treatment. A considered alternative to tropical hardwood for decks and cladding.
Weathering steel
AccentsWalls
Forms a protective rust patina that deepens over time. Ideal for planters, edging and sculpture; it can stain light paving while it weathers.
Powder coated aluminium
FurnitureAccents
Light, rust free and precise. The material of most louvred pergolas and many contemporary furniture frames.
Bronze
Accents
Used for handles, lights and details. Develops a deep brown or green patina that looks better with every season.
Ratings are VALCANA’s editorial comparison on a scale of one to five, based on typical properties of each material class. Finish, colour and thickness change the picture, so always ask for samples and slip ratings of the specific product.
Choosing well
The right material is the one that suits its place: barefoot paths want cool and smooth, pool edges want grip, kitchens want stone that forgives oil and wine.
Lay samples outside for a few days before you decide. Look at them wet and dry, in the morning and at sunset, and walk on them barefoot at midday.
Read: Natural Stone and Wood Outdoors: Travertine, Basalt, Teak and Oak
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