Refresh your outdoor space for summer with CMP porcelain flooring
Written by
09 September 2023
•
4 min read
A change in seasons often beckons a refresh of the home. Weather permitting, the outdoor space will likely become an area homeowners spend much more time in over the coming summer months. While refreshing your outdoor space can be as simple as swapping out textiles, the impact of flooring is immense, as its surface area has a considerable effect on the visuospatial experience. The possibilities of your outdoor space, quite literally, lie beneath your feet.
Over 40 years, SSL Distributors has established itself as a trusted name in the pool and landscaping industry. The company was founded by Clive Mcgregor Pegden, CMP porcelain's namesake, an industry expert who started his career in water filtration and then moved into pool building.
With limits to the materials available, Pegden tasked himself with sourcing exceptional products from around the world and introducing them to New Zealand. Today, SSL Distributors has become a comprehensive one-stop shop for all things related to the pool and landscaping industry, informed by Clive's first-hand building experience.
The CMP porcelain collection is emblematic of its founder's experience and extensive global connections, using materials handpicked from around the world. Each tile comprises 600x600x20mm structural porcelain, facilitating a one-tonne point load rating. Applying his localised knowledge, Clive has ensured the range is R11 to R13 non-slip rated and, therefore, meets council requirements for commercial and residential projects.
Hadley Pegden at SSL Distributors explains the pool focus behind the range, which complements its vast range of pool products. "We custom produce rebated coping, and people can use it as a step tread for landscaping or construction purposes." The copings and step treads are available as in-stock core items in 600x300, 600x400, and 600x600 options.
With a core colour palette of 13 unique shades readily stocked, the CMP porcelain collection caters to numerous design styles. The ranges include cool 'platinum travertine', warm 'canyon beige', and sleek 'white sands'. But the possibilities are endless. "We can source many different colours as we have the options through our suppliers," Hadley explains.
The tiles use between 13 to 16 pattern variations for each range to create a natural aesthetic when laid, which is far higher than standard. The option for a more uniform look is also available.
Unlike natural stone or concrete options, which may face cracking and discolouration, CMP porcelain remains consistent in appearance, whether wet or dry and requires minimal maintenance. This is attributed to its low water absorption rate, ensuring it's more resistant to the growth of unwanted elements, which, in turn, increases its non-slip rating.
"It's virtually a lay-and-go product. It's versatile in how it can be laid, and there's no sealing involved, so once it's down, it's easy to keep clean," Hadley shares. The range is frost-resistant, so the tiles suit diverse climates without compromising their structural integrity.
Finding the perfect design starts with a scroll online or a visit to the newly renovated Auckland showroom to view the full range. Here, you'll meet an experienced team who can point you in the right direction based on your needs.
"The showroom is at the front of our warehouse space in Wairau. It has the full range of all our core brands on display," Hadley adds. Over 50 tile and coping samples are available to take away, or purchases can be made there and then. Free samples are also provided nationwide.
As a versatile material, CMP porcelain's installation is simple. It can be laid on a compacted aggregate base, a concrete pad, or a pedestal system over the top of membranes. "At 20mm, you're bulletproof in terms of strength and how it can be laid."
Hadley's advice is clear: "The main thing is to plan ahead. Stock moves fast leading into the summer months. If there's anything you'd like that you don't see in our showroom or we are currently out of stock, we can source it from our suppliers within a timeline of eight to 10 weeks."
SSL Distributors is a one-stop shop to refresh your outdoor space, from outdoor tiles to pool products, to drainage. "We've been doing this for 43 years, so we have good relationships, and if you can't find what you're looking for, we can find it and bring it in for you."