Outdoor kitchens are popular home features today. Property owners love entertaining outside, and the kitchen ensures they can partake in the fun as they prepare a meal for friends and loved ones. Planning the kitchen takes time, as people want to ensure they select the right materials and design. How should you go about this process?
When the time comes to begin choosing outdoor kitchen materials, men and women must know how many people they plan to regularly entertain, who will be on the guest list, and how the space will be used. Some individuals want people to gather around the kitchen, but others want people to have seating slightly away from the kitchen but still within speaking distance. These factors come into play when selecting the materials.
Countertops
Cooks need a clear surface to prepare foods, so every outdoor kitchen should have at least one countertop designated for this purpose. When choosing a countertop, consider granite, as it is water-resistant. Avoid dark colors because they absorb heat and make the countertop too hot to touch. Marble, on the other hand, absorbs stains and the finish fades with time.
Countless individuals want stainless steel, and this serves as an excellent option for an outdoor kitchen. Concrete remains another option that is affordable for most people. However, professionals need to install the concrete to avoid cracks. Finally, tile serves as a cost-effective choice but cannot be used in extremely cold climates. Exposure to low temperatures leads to the tile cracking.
Flooring
Flooring is always important when designing an outdoor kitchen. Homeowners must know the advantages and drawbacks of different flooring materials to ensure they make the right choice. Brick serves as an attractive surface that requires little maintenance, but the surface may become uneven over time. Furthermore, the cost leads many to look at other options.
A cement floor in an outdoor kitchen offers versatility and is affordable for most. Nevertheless, individuals in cold parts of the country find they are limited in their options, and professionals must handle the installation process. Stone provides an attractive surface but may absorb grease and oil. In addition, the cost remains higher than many homeowners wish to spend.
Tile is both versatile and affordable. As with cement, however, homeowners find they are limited in their choices if they live in a cold region as the stone becomes slippery when it gets wet. Finally, wood serves as a cost-effective option that is easy to use, but it comes with a shorter life span and must be cleaned and sealed routinely.
Safety always needs to be the top priority when it comes to flooring surfaces. Homeowners should also consider the home’s architecture, traffic in the area, and the local climate when making their choice.
Hardscaping
Consider the entire landscape when planning an outdoor kitchen. Choose materials that match or complement the home’s architecture and finish or those that blend with other landscape features. Brick, stucco, and stone serve as popular options, as they achieve this goal.
Choose materials that have the features you need and will use regularly. Turn to the pros if you need help when making the selections. Those experts help clients visualize how the space will come together based on the choices made. Don’t stress over the process. The goal is to create a space you love to use. When you choose materials you love, this is exactly what you will get.