There’s a moment every year when the days stretch out, the pool starts calling, and the braai gets lit more often than the stove. Summer in Gauteng is lived outdoors. So, if your pool surround is looking tired or your patio feels like an afterthought, now’s the perfect time to give your outdoor space some love.
Here are a few simple ideas to help you create a space your family and friends will want to spend every weekend in.
Start at the water’s edge
The pool is where summer happens: kids cannonballing, lazy afternoons on a lounger, feet dangling in the water at sunset. Pool coping frames all of it.
Choose a coping with a gentle texture so wet feet don’t slip, and a soft, rounded edge that’s comfortable to sit on. Lighter shades stay cooler underfoot on hot days, so nobody has to dash across scorching stone. Swapping out old coping is also one of the quickest ways to make an older pool feel brand new.
Create a space to slow down
Around the pool, flagstone paving turns a strip of lawn into a proper place to relax. Think room for loungers, an umbrella and a side table for something cold to drink.
When the same stone runs from the pool to the patio, the whole garden feels calm and connected. It’s a simple trick designers use to make outdoor spaces feel bigger and more put-together.
Make the braai the heart of it all
In South Africa, the braai is where everyone ends up. Finishing a built-in braai or the wall behind it in stone cladding instantly turns it into a feature, the kind of spot that becomes the backdrop to birthday photos and long Sunday lunches.
Cladding also works beautifully on pillars, garden walls and planters. Simulated stone cladding is ideal for renovations, because it can go onto existing walls without heavy structural work.
Colours that feel like summer
Light grey tones create a cool, contemporary feel, while creamy and earthy shades bring warmth and a sense of cosiness. For a bolder, more dramatic look, dark greys and blacks add depth, contrast and a moody sophistication to any space.
Our stone is made with colourfast pigments, so it holds its colour through many summers of sun and swimming. The best way to choose is to see the colours laid out in natural light.
Planning a project?
Whether you’re a homeowner refreshing your garden or a builder finishing a new home, it pays to plan ahead. Outdoor projects get busy as the festive season approaches, and you’ll want everything done before the guests arrive.
Our team can help with design ideas, on-site consultations and CAD drawings. We supply and deliver across Gauteng and can put you in touch with trusted installers.
Quick questions
What’s the best pool coping for families?
A lightly textured, slip-resistant coping with a rounded edge, in a lighter colour that stays cool underfoot.
Can I update my pool without redoing it completely?
Usually, yes. Replacing the coping and surrounding paving is often enough to give a pool a fresh new look.
Can stone cladding go around a braai or fire pit?
Absolutely! Stone cladding is a popular way to add texture, character and a striking focal point to your braai or fire pit.
Come and be inspired
Visit our indoor and outdoor showroom at 8 Ridge Rd, Laser Park, Honeydew, to see our coping, paving and cladding laid together. Or call 011 794 9737 and let’s start planning your summer space.
