With increasing demand for stunning outdoor sanctuaries, pools and other water features such as fountains, ponds and waterfalls have gained priority status. At the same time, ceramic tile has crept beyond its standard uses in kitchens and baths to appear in some of these more uncommon and unexpected scenarios. Tile of Spain-branded manufacturers continue to produce a broad variety of products that add oasis-like attributes to outdoor living.

"Tile can be used in a multitude of outdoor living applications and not just in decor," reports Patti Fasan, a Tile of Spain ceramic tile consultant. "Today's tile serves practical purposes with its superior property advantages -- ideal for pools and other outdoor settings."

Why ask for ceramic tile when sculpting your backyard Shangri-La? Ceramic tile offers beauty, safety and practicality all rolled into one. It inhibits the growth of mold, mildew, fungus and other organisms that usually accompany the presence of water. It's highly resistant to pool-related chemical agents such as chlorine and won't fade, even under continuous exposure to direct sunlight. And perhaps the most important benefit of ceramic tile when designing a spa or pool area: slip-resistance. Tiles are manufactured with a defined and rated anti-slip factor.

Keeping the needs of homeowners in mind, Natucer recently introduced Filter Floor. Using a very thin open joint, this floating ceramic floor allows rain water to pass through the tile surface and drain away underneath, preventing stagnation of water and resulting mildew. Filter Floor is a good material for use on terraces, balconies and as a swimming pool surround and is available in two finishes.

Interior design that reflects the natural beauty of outdoor surroundings is gaining popularity as well. This entails bringing the outside elements indoors so there is seamless transition between the boundaries of the structure and its surrounding natural aesthetics.

One example is the Segorbe series by Tile of Spain-branded manufacturer Grespania that achieves the palette of a forest floor -- a mesh of moss, leaf and stone. This tile is available in marengo, negro, beige, marron, ocre and marfil colors. The Imazi series by Vives Azulejos y Gres is inspired by one of the most alluring expanses of our planet, the Sahara desert. This wall tile is available in white, cream, nut, pearl, black and marengo.

The look of weathered wood is sweeping the design front in a frenzy of textures and tones. But as we all know, water and wood are not always the best partnership, requiring possible replacement and refinishing from warping and staining. Tile of Spain manufacturers have embraced advanced technology to replicate finishes virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. So for that organic poolside look, people can easily achieve the look of wood without the risk of water damage and high-cost replacement. The Ginza series by Inalco allows the classic look and warmth of wood but gains the technical standards and durability of ceramic tile.

For more about tile produced in Spain call (305) 446-4387 or visit www.spaintiles.info .

Courtesy of ARAcontent