Pembroke Tile & Stone has a new owner and a fresh taste for the outdoors.

New company president Ray Beaulne is expanding the almost 40-year-old business by adding Outerior Living, showcasing outdoor kitchens, cabinetry, grills, furniture and surfaces.

He said PTS complements the businesses he already has.

“Originally, I was in the electrical business,” he said. “I was at Universal Electric for 20-something years. I was managing director there. In 2012 I acquired Bermuda Interiors, a general contracting firm specialising in commercial and hospitality fit outs. Then in 2017, I bought Bermuda Rentals.”

After purchasing 5 and 7 Serpentine Road, Pembroke, where PTS is based, he converted the lower showroom into a display space for Outerior.

“The biggest challenge was just the time it took,” he said. “The renovation began in January and was completed in September.”

Outerior is intended for anyone looking to make more use of an outdoor area.

Mr Beaulne cited his own home as an example.

“I thought about expanding and renovating my kitchen,” he said. “I decided I did not want to go through that expense. I’d rather keep the kitchen the way it is and add a second kitchen outside. An outdoor set-up lets homeowners create a second living environment outdoors.”

Outerior sells brands such as NatureKast, Crown Verity, Saffire and Berlin Gardens, alongside Pembroke Tile & Stone’s countertops, tile and stone.

Products in these new lines were chosen for their suitability to Bermuda’s hot, muggy climate.

Mr Beaulne said people in Bermuda are fortunate to enjoy outdoor living throughout much of the year.

“We wanted to offer products that not only look beautiful but are built to withstand our island’s sun, salt air and weather conditions,” he said. “Every brand has been carefully selected with quality, durability and design in mind.”

On the tile and stone side, PTS has upgraded displays and is looking at onboarding new vendors.

“We just came back from a big show in Italy,” Mr Beaulne said. “We are excited about that on the tile and stone side.”

So far, feedback from customers has been positive.

“People who come to look at tile have to pass through the lower showroom,” the president said. “The response has been encouraging.”

Melinda DeCosta, PTS design director, acts as a dedicated resource for architects and designers working with Outerior Living’s product collections, providing expertise, selection guidance and vendor coordination to support their projects.

“Having visited our manufacturers and seen first-hand what goes into their products, I’m excited to share that knowledge with Bermuda’s design community,” Ms DeCosta said.

“There are so many options when it comes to finishes, configurations and materials. My role is to help architects and designers navigate those choices, find the right solutions for their projects and make the selection process easier for them and their clients.”