Grafite

An outdoor kitchen throws fat and smoke at the floor beneath it, and a pale paver keeps a record of every barbecue. Graphite grey does not. Grafite is rated for outdoor use, and its deep matt texture holds grip while somebody carries plates from the barbecue with wet feet crossing in front of them. Three random faces is a low count and the one real limitation here, so give it a defined area such as the paving under a pergola rather than a whole yard, and mix boxes as you lay. Planks are 200 x 1200 mm in glazed ceramic at 9 to 9.5 mm, 5 per box, 1.20 m2 and 25 kg.

• How many square metres are in a carton of Grafite?

  Each carton holds 5 planks of 20 x 120 cm and covers 1.20 m², at about 25 kg. Grafite is a timber look tile with a matte textured face.

• How many cartons of Grafite for a 16 m² rumpus room?

  Add 10 percent to 16 m² for cuts and breakage, which gives 17.6 m². At 1.20 m² a carton that is 15 cartons.

• Can Grafite go in an alfresco area?

  Yes. Grafite is rated for outdoor use, so a covered alfresco, verandah or balcony can have a timber deck look that never needs oiling or re-staining.

• What grout joint should Grafite be laid with?

  Grafite is a curve-edge plank rather than a rectified one, so lay it with a 3 to 5 mm joint. That spacing takes up the small natural variation along the plank and reads like the gap between real boards.