Poolside Porcelain Patio
Parr Place was designed to feel like a true backyard retreat: a refined patio that transitions seamlessly into a pool surround, with clean lines and a premium finish. The homeowner wanted a surface that looked high-end and stayed comfortable and safe for everyday use, from quiet mornings to summer entertaining. With 1,800 square feet to execute, the installation needed to be as technically sound as it was visually striking.
Installed in 2023 by ALC, this project demanded a system that could deliver both aesthetics and long-term performance in a demanding outdoor environment.
PRODUCT SELECTION
Because the design called for oversized porcelain slabs, ROMEX specified a bonded, permeable assembly rather than a traditional dry-lay approach. The system selected included:
- ROMEX TRASS BED (RSG trass bedding) for the bedding layer
- ROMEX ECOFINE for jointing
This combination allowed the project to achieve a stable setting method for porcelain while preserving the permeability and drainage performance the site required.
PROJECT LOCATION
PROJECT NEEDS
- Support extra large porcelain slabs (5 ft × 3 ft) imported from Europe
These tiles required a setting method that could deliver consistent support and reduce risk of movement or failure. Dry laying was not a viable option given the size and performance expectations. - Maintain permeability and manage water effectively
Around a pool and patio, surface water cannot be an afterthought. The assembly needed to move water predictably to drainage points and help avoid pooling.
In short, the installation had to be strong, precise, and engineered for water management.
PROJECT SOLUTION
ALC installed ROMEX TRASS BED over a clean stone base, placed over a slab that was sloped to drains. This approach created a dependable, drained foundation that supports large-format porcelain while directing water where it needs to go. With the bedding addressing load support and the sloped-to-drain design handling water movement, the assembly delivered the performance the site demanded.
Finally, ROMEX ECOFINE was used to complete the joints, creating a finished surface that complements the clean, modern aesthetic of the porcelain while supporting the overall functionality of the system.
