Mar 13 2006
According to The Concrete Network, the largest and most comprehensive source for concrete information online, outdoor kitchens are becoming one of the most popular amenities featured in the backyard. And using concrete for the design and building of outdoor kitchens is steadily growing as the material of choice.
Because of the versatility and durability of concrete, many homeowners are choosing concrete for a variety of applications in their outdoor rooms, especially for their outdoor kitchen. “We’ve come a long way from the charcoal grill by including gas ranges, sinks, faucets and countertop prep areas along with pizza ovens, fireplaces and even concrete seating,” said Jim Peterson, CEO of The Concrete Network. “Long gone are the days of drab, grey concrete. Through methods of stamping or staining, there are hundreds of color choices, patterns and designs that can be used to create any shape you can imagine.”
The Concrete Network offers a few key factors to consider when designing an outdoor kitchen, including selecting kitchen materials, creating the dining area, furnishing the outdoor room, and incorporating an outdoor fireplace. You can also get design ideas from the outdoor kitchen photo gallery on The Concrete Network website which includes images of furnished outdoor rooms, pizza ovens, concrete kitchen countertops, concrete fireplaces, and more.
The first key factor to consider when designing your space is how the outdoor elements are going to affect your kitchen materials. For countertops and prep surfaces concrete is a safe bet.
Concrete has the ability to handle a large range of temperatures – it will stay the same through the dead of winter to the height of summer. Sealers can be applied for water and stain resistance and clean-up can be as simple as hosing down the area. Since concrete countertops are poured into custom molds of any shape you desire, you can integrate soft curves or sharp angles to your outdoor areas, creating motion and rhythm to the space. You can also design a regular countertop as well as a bistro bar area for eating and sharing conversation with the cook.
Another way to bring design to the outdoor dining space is to create a permanent rug through the use of decorative concrete. Creating a pattern on the floor helps define the area and also brings visual interest and color to the area. A concrete rug will be able to handle sun, rain, snow and foot traffic and is easy to keep clean. You can add a colorful rug to your existing concrete patio by scoring a pattern with a concrete saw and masonry blade. Colors can be added to the design with a special concrete staining system.
An outdoor concrete fireplace is essential to creating an intimate space for relaxation. Create a comfortable space by creating a conversation area that centers around the fireplace. If you are looking for minimal care of outdoor furniture, consider having permanent furniture made of concrete. By casting couches, chaises or chairs of concrete, it is easy to soften the look with the use of cushions of vibrant colors and textures.