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J UNE 2018 | 15 Landscape Products David Nelson, sales representative for Northwest Landscape Supply, has also experienced ongoing requests for the three-quarter-inch thick, outdoor porcelain tile. "In addition to working with a local supplier, we also import an Italian line of porcelain tiles that have been very well received. Within each colour series, there are about 15 to 17 different types of patterns." Nelson adds another draw for installing porcelain paver tiles is the weight. "These are only nine pounds per square foot, as opposed to 25 pounds per square foot for a two-inch-thick concrete slab. For condos or commercial spaces that need to have decking done on all the patios and rooftops, something like this can be shipped and installed a lot easier." Another design aspect for Northwest Landscape Supply is pairing artificial turf with the porcelain tiles. "We started carrying artificial turf a couple of years ago, but it depends on the municipality peo- ple live in because certain city bylaws do not allow artificial grass." For clients who want real grass, Nelson says they have a product called Drivable Grass. "It's similar to concrete turf stone, but these are like egg cartons and come in thinner 24 by 24 sheets. They can be filled in with gravel, dirt or soil, and grass." L A N D S C A P E A C C E S S O R I E S Brad Carpenter, president of Solus Décor Inc., says one of the latest products for the company is the six- foot linear fire pit that is specifically built for large commercial spaces. "Fire pits are a moderately new category, although they've been around for approxi- mately 10 years," he says. These types of products are in line with the stay- cation attitude where people are spending more time at home. "When they go to their backyard and turn on the fire pit, they are transported to a more relax- ing place. With the West Coast climate being cool, fire pits help with the year-round outdoor living aspect," says Carpenter. He adds that while Solus products are Canadian made, he is currently living in London, U.K., developing the company's European business. R E TA I N I N G WA L L S Terraforce has released its new product for the 2018 season – the L17 retention block. The number refers to the amount of blocks you need for one square metre of height size. "TriStar Brick and Block is our manufactur- ing partner in Abbotsford," says Karin Johns, marketing manager, Terraforce. "The L17 is a smaller block so it makes for a nice DIY project for owners. But at the same time, it's also big enough for contractors in industrial applications. It's even suitable for roadside installations." Johns says the L17 is available in three standard colours, but if the order is large enough, colours can be customized. "In our standard line, we have regular concrete colours including a rocky mountain grey and a lighter sand colour," Johns says. "A unique aspect of the Terraforce blocks is they have a D-shape with a curved scalloped face on one side and a rock face texture finish "We are primarily a fire pit manufacturer. And with outdoor fire, people are working with the concept of creating a room outside on a back deck. In the past five years, fireplace manufacturers have come up with an entire line of fireplaces that are rated for outside. Some people also add things like pizza ovens to their outdoor fireplaces. Fireplace surrounds are another part of our business to com- plement outdoor fireplaces." Outdoor living has also sparked additions to fur- niture options. "Manufacturers have come up with fabrics that can be left outside and just dusted off," says Carpenter. "The days of the rickety chairs for decks are gone. It's not uncommon for people to spend $50,000 to $200,000 on their outdoor rooms." Dogma outdoor porcelain tile with artificial turf from Northwest Landscape Supply. L17 retention block from Terraforce. Six-foot linear fire pit from Solus Décor Inc. Granite Bay plank pavers from Basalite Concrete Products.

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