Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/137453
Acrylic hot tubs are more suited to rooftops than traditional concrete tubs as they feature a significantly lighter load. Photo courtesy of HydroTher. "We aim to be a business that can supply high-end landscape accessories for all needs. From a small planter for a balcony, to a large commercial shopping centre," says Nick Pook of Kate Holland Landscape Accessories Ltd. (KHLA). As a supplier of 18 different lines and new products available on a regular basis, KHLA can do just that. With planters, like the rustic, crate-like Ellis planters, or the sleek, weathered-stone Madison line, fountains in a variety of styles and wrap-around tree seatings there is something for everyone. "Pergolas and gazebos are really hot right now," adds Maurizio Bertato of Liv Outdoor. If you've taken the time to beautify your yard then it makes sense that you'd want to install a spot from which to admire it. Tempered glass is also more affordable than people might think, and the Invisirail can do a full six-foot O/C post spacing. Bertato adds that there is also a demand right now for low-maintenance, high-quality products. While cellular PVC decking is always a great option, "exotic hardwoods like Kayu decking are really attractive to homeowners due to its easy installation and minimal upkeep." Kayu ages like boat teak, gaining a beautiful silvery patina, but with a stain sealer applied every one or two years, it can keep its rich, dark lustre. 18/12 10:03:46 AM "In recent years there has been a trend toward utilizing outdoor spaces in hotels and high-rise condos as entertainment areas, including sunbathing, barbecues, swimming pools and hot tubs," says Dale Papke from HydroTher. That's good news for the company as it has been manufacturing hot tubs and exercise pools for almost 30 years. Over the past five years outdoor installations have increased by 20 per cent over indoor installs. "They cost considerably less than other options, but they also feature a significantly lighter weight load than conventional concrete hot tubs allowing upper level and rooftop installations," explains Papke. When it comes to outdoor styling it is not uncommon for a fire pit to be the focal point of any patio or backyard design, but there are some situations that make it impossible to run a natural gas connection. As a result there has been increasing interest shown in the new biofuel burner. It requires no connections, no venting and no hookup. Brad Carpenter of Solus Décor says, "Although our eco burners are not a large part of business they are becoming the solution for many situations where gas and propane are not possible. The new biofuel burners produce a fair bit of heat. They are no longer the tin cups with fluid in them that they used to be." Whether you're looking to rebuild your deck at home or designing a public plaza in a bustling downtown core, these new products are sure to get the job done in style. n As suppliers of the largest product line in Western Canada and the world's largest Allan Block manufacturer, Expocrete Concrete Products Ltd. knows a thing or two about landscape supplies. This year they are making waves with the new Expo-Trio Paving stone. "The Expo-Trio allows you to alter orientation and paving stone colours for virtually limitless layout treatments," explains marketing manager John Moroz. Another innovation is the new, environmentallyfriendly SF-Rima Permeable pavement that reduces or eliminates stormwater runoff and allows for irrigation and cooling of surfaces. The real jewel in the Expocrete crown is the awardwinning Flagstack wall system designed by Risi Stone Systems that took home the International Red Dot Design Award this year. It offers the appearance and character of natural drystacked flagstone in a stable, easy-to-stack S-shape design. Northwest Landscape & Stone Supply has been in the industry for over 30 years, so it's no surprise they've amassed an extensive inventory. "We've got many new colours and finishes of natural stone pavers for this Photo: Mutual Materials' Manor Square pavers shown here in latte and cascade blend colour. Texture: Vancouver Bay. season," says Dave Robertson of Northwest Landscape & Stone Supply. From the Birken Axed Limestone paver there is something to suit every taste. For the wall, natural, dry-stack Basalt Wallstone is now available in new varieties and sizes; quarried from the Squamish Valley, the weathered appearance adds a rugged esthetic to any backyard. When you get tired of hauling stone, kick back in the comfort of NLSS's new line of Ratana Home Patio Furnishings and Kichler Landscape Lighting. What is a well-landscaped space without the right furniture to go with it? Founded in 1969, Landscape Forms continues to uphold its reputation for high design and high quality. "We collaborate with renowned industrial designers and consultancies, landscape architects and architects to design and develop integrated collections of products that address emerging needs and help create a sense of place," says Joyce Bates, marketing coordinator. There are plenty of pieces that live up to that mandate. UrbanEdge, Landscape Forms' latest collection of furniture and frame accessories, was developed with award-winning landscape architects Gustafson Guthrie Nichols. With the recent acquisition of Meld USA (a manufacturer of products made from Ultra High Performance Concrete) even more possibilities await. Landscape Products p34-37Landscape.indd 37 june 2013 /37 13-05-30 2:05 PM