Get your outdoor area summer ready with Strol!

Summer is just around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about how you can turn your outdoor space into the perfect spot for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying those long, warm days. In New Zealand, we all love having a lush, green lawn, but let’s be honest—after a bit of rain, that lawn can quickly become a soggy mess, making it difficult to use. We don’t want to lose that natural look by covering everything in concrete, so what’s the solution? Strol PebbleLock is the perfect compromise. PebbleLock will give you a usable, permeable, natural surface that blends seamlessly with your landscape. And it’s an ideal choice for this summer’s DIY landscaping project.

Strol is all about making it easy for you to create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces with minimal fuss. Our range of products are designed to seamlessly work together, so you can enhance your outdoor areas without breaking a sweat. Let’s dive into how you can prepare your outdoor space for summer with Strol PebbleLock. We’ll also look at creating multiple spaces by introducing SmartScreen privacy screens to your design.

Creating an outdoor Patio with PebbleLock

PebbleLock is an ideal solution for creating a stable, visually appealing BBQ area that blends seamlessly with the natural surrounds. Once installed, the pavers can be filled with a range of natural materials including small pebbles of decorative stones. The PebbleLock design locks the pebbles in place, making a stable hard surface that drains water and is easy to maintain.

PebbleLock is perfect for defining spaces within your patio, such as a BBQ area. It’s just as stable as concrete, but it lets water and spills from the BBQ pass right through, keeping the area dry and safe. Plus, you can get creative with PebbleLock by filling the pavers with different coloured stones, adding a personal touch to your patio by defining various areas for your family and guests to enjoy.

Installing PebbleLock is super straightforward. The lightweight panels clip together on top of a layer of compacted aggregate and crusher dust, with a SureTex geotextile layer placed in underneath. This setup not only makes for excellent drainage but also keeps the surface flat and stable, so no more worrying about potholes or pooling after a storm. SureTex will also help keep your patio area weed free. And unlike concrete, PebbleLock won’t crack, meaning the only maintenance you’ll need to do is occasionally sweep the odd loose pebble back into place.

Complement Your PebbleLock Patio

Once your PebbleLock patio is in place, it’s time to get creative with your outdoor space. Don’t limit yourself to just the area where your BBQ will go. Because PebbleLock is versatile, you can create multiple areas within your patio just by using different coloured stones. And as the system is free draining, these spaces can be used year-round without getting wet feet or bogged down.

Enhance your patio’s functionality and comfort by adding outdoor furniture. Whether you prefer a dining table and chairs for alfresco meals or something more relaxed like an outdoor ottoman or chaise lounge, PebbleLock provides a stable surface that ensures comfort, support and peace of mind. You can also bring some greenery into the mix with GardenStax raised garden beds, creating a garden feel that ties in beautifully with the natural stones of PebbleLock, all while having fresh herbs and salads handy when the grill is ready to go.

For those cooler nights, why not add a fire pit? It’s a great way to warm up your outdoor space and makes your patio a cozy spot for gatherings, no matter the season. Imagine roasting marshmallows with friends or simply enjoying the flicker of flames on a quiet evening over a beer or a wine. PebbleLock makes it all possible.

PebbleLock isn’t just about looks. It’s about making your outdoor space more functional, too. Its permeability means you can use your patio and pathways in all weather conditions, with excess rainwater draining away quickly. This keeps your paths and patio areas stable and dry, so you don’t have to worry about muddy footprints or slipping on wet surfaces. Whether you want clean, straight lines or something a bit more curved and organic, PebbleLock gives you the flexibility to design the patio of your dreams. You can define your edging with PaveMaster. Plus, you can easily create connecting paths to different outdoor areas, so no more tiptoeing across wet grass.

The Strol SmartScreen 

While PebbleLock is perfect for defining the floorplan of your outdoor areas, Strol SmartScreen helps create privacy and shade, adding another layer of comfort to your outdoor space. SmartScreen is available in multiple designs, each offering different levels of privacy and shade, making it easy to tailor your outdoor space to your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to create tall walls for maximum privacy or install lower walls to help separate seating areas without obstructing the view, SmartScreen offers a variety of appealing solutions.

The versatility of SmartScreen extends beyond just privacy. The panels can be used to hide unsightly areas, such as rubbish and recycling bins, or as a wind shield for your seating or BBQ area. If your outdoor space is exposed to neighbours, SmartScreen can create intimate, comfortable spaces perfect for summer gatherings. SmartScreen makes a stylish addition to any outdoor area, with the option to choose from classic or iconic Kiwi designs. SmartScreen panels are also made from Weathertex, a 100% natural blend of hardwood and wax.

SmartScreen panels aren’t just functional. They’re also a great way to create cozy, inviting spaces perfect for summer. Imagine using SmartScreen panels to section off a quiet corner of your garden or patio, where you can set up a few comfy chairs and relax with a good book or a glass of wine. Add some soft lighting, a few potted plants, and you’ve got yourself a private retreat right in your backyard.

Tips for Summer-Ready outdoor spaces

Integrating PebbleLock and SmartScreen into your outdoor design is easier than you might think, and the results will have you spending more time outside than ever before. Here are a few tips to help you get your space summer-ready:

• Cohesive Design: Use PebbleLock to define your patio and pathways, and SmartScreen to create privacy and shade. Together, they form a cohesive design that enhances both the functionality and aesthetics of your outdoor space. Keep complementary colour in mind by using the right stones and panel material to blend naturally into your local surroundings.
• Outdoor Furniture: Choose furniture that complements the natural look of PebbleLock and the modern design of SmartScreen. Consider materials like wood, rattan, or metal for a stylish and durable outdoor setup.
• Set the Mood with Lighting: Install soft, ambient lighting around your patio and garden to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere after the sun goes down. Solar-powered lights are a great option—they’re eco-friendly and pair well with the Strol sustainable approach to landscaping.
• Keep it Green: Plants and garden beds are the perfect way to soften your space and blend the built elements with the natural environment. Place them strategically around your PebbleLock patio and along your SmartScreen panels to create a lush, vibrant outdoor space.

By following these tips and using the Strol range of innovative products, you can transform your outdoor spaces into beautiful, functional areas that are ready for summer. Whether you’re planning a BBQ with friends or simply want a quiet spot to relax, your Strol-enhanced outdoor space will be the perfect setting for enjoying the best that summer has to offer.