Outdoor Living: Hot & Trending in Natural Stone, With Faber CNK Stone

As the summer sun heats up, so does the excitement for refreshing backyard makeovers. This pool season, we’re diving into the latest trends in outdoor living, guided by insights from Eli Olivarez, Sales Manager at Faber CNK Stone. Renowned for its premium travertine, marble, and tile selections, Faber CNK Stone are one of the firms elevating the standard in today’s luxurious outdoor living spaces.

Faber CNK Stone is a renowned supplier of natural stone products, specializing in travertine, marble, stacked stone, and tile. “We originated in Turkey, which is where all of our material comes from,” Olivarez shares. The company has been a significant player in the U.S. market for eight years, starting in Houston, Texas, and expanding to multiple locations across the state.

Turkey’s dominance in the natural stone market is not by chance. Olivarez explains, “Almost 70% of the travertine and marble we have here in the United States is produced in Turkey. The minerals in the Earth are a lot richer in that area, creating vibrant colors and higher quality material.” This natural richness results in denser stone with fewer pits, making it a preferred choice for builders and homeowners alike.

While natural stone surely has its pros and cons, the primary draw, especially with products like travertine and marble, lies in their timeless beauty and durability. “When you think of travertine and marble, it’s just the fact that you’ve taken a piece of a mountain or a quarry halfway around the world and you’re bringing that into your backyard,” Olivarez notes. The natural imperfections and rich colors of these stones add an unmatched aesthetic that synthetic materials simply can’t replicate.

Olivarez discussed the unique appeal of natural stone, stating, “Its unique imperfections are the very reason why natural stone is so beautiful.” These organic variations give marble and travertine its distinct character and charm, making it highly desirable for many homeowners. He emphasized that this quality “plays a big role” in its popularity. In comparison to concrete decks, which develop visible cracks over time, natural stone offers a more resilient and aesthetically pleasing option.

Olivarez explained that today’s cutting-edge installation methods employed by contractors contribute to the product’s durability. “When you’re dealing with natural stone and the way our contractors are setting it, they’re using a sand and gravel base. This material has the ability to shift with the movement of the Earth, therefore, you don’t have a bunch of cracks running down your decking.” This flexibility, combined with its inherent beauty, is why natural stone remains a top choice. “Travertine and marble are so popular because they stand the test of time and maintain their stunning appearance,” he adds.

Current trends in outdoor living spaces emphasize modern, contemporary looks. This has driven demand for larger format tiles and unique finishes. Olivarez explains, “When you talk contemporary… today’s high-end homeowners are leaning towards large format. They want something that flows, something that just runs all together.” Faber CNK Stone has responded by offering a variety of large-format options, from 24×24 to 24×36 sizes, which are becoming increasingly popular.

“Platinum Ice is probably by far one of our hottest sellers right now,” according to Olivarez, “It’s a new material that we just brought in about six months ago.” This unique product is a sandblasted marble with a Bush-hammered finish. The distinctive white marble, adorned with black veining, captures the classic marble aesthetic that many customers are seeking. “That particular material is moving” quickly as it meets the demand for a striking yet elegant look in outdoor spaces.

Another top product is the Bianco Royale marble, described as “probably one of the purest, whitest marbles you’re going to find out there.” Unlike other marbles, which often show color variations such as blue, black, or red, the Bianco Royale boasts a solid white color, offering a pristine and beautiful finish. Additionally, the Gray Pearl sandblasted marble is highly popular. “It’s sandblasted white marble with blue rays within it. And when you wet it, because it’s sandblasted, when you wet this material, the color just pops out of it.” This vibrancy and the material’s ability to illuminate everything around it make it a sought-after choice for many homeowners.

Texture and finish are also key considerations in choosing stone. “When it comes to natural stone, tumbled finishes are trending, offering a clean look,” Olivarez explains. When advising homeowners on updating their backyards, Olivarez stresses the importance of having a clear vision and prioritizing safety and durability. “Once you begin to do your material selections. At this stage in the process, it’s important to think of safety as well as how well the materials you choose will hold up in harsh weather,” he advises. For families, sandblasted materials offer a practical and beautiful solution, providing necessary traction and enhancing the overall aesthetic of the space.

Faber CNK Stone is also focusing on the growing trend of retaining walls and water features. “Retaining walls and water features are like an exclamation point for someone’s backyard,” says Olivarez. Their stack stone and mosaic pieces add character and beauty, with modern designs like the 6×24 plank and 3D home stack stone gaining popularity for their unique looks.

In the realm of outdoor living, Turkish travertine and marble stand out for their exceptional blend of durability, aesthetic allure, and practical benefits. Faber CNK Stone is leading the way by offering a large range of options that perfectly embody these qualities. Known for its robustness, Turkish natural stone excels in high-traffic areas and withstands the test of time. Its warm, natural hues and unique textures bring an elegant charm to any space, from pool decks to patios. Not only does the stone provide excellent slip resistance and temperature regulation, but it also boasts low maintenance requirements, making it a practical choice for homeowners.

With a wide range of unique products to create a multitude of different looks both in and out of your home, Faber CNK Stone is an ideal source for creating stunning, functional outdoor environments. This pool season is all about bringing natural beauty and modern elegance to your backyard. Thanks for checking in with Pool Magazine to see what’s hot and trending this season. We hope you’ve found inspiration for your next outdoor project.