Outdoor kitchens are popular addition to your backyard. Homeowners can create a separate space for their friends and family members to ensure privacy and entertainment at the same time. However, the biggest question when it comes to outdoor kitchens is flooring. Usually, outdoor kitchens are built on patios so you should consult patio contractors for the best flooring before building an outdoor kitchen. Let’s know about some of the best outdoor kitchen surface options.
Concrete
The most popular flooring surface for outdoor kitchens is concrete. The best thing about concrete is that it is not only durable and reliable but can also be customized according to your needs and preferences. For instance, concrete flooring can be stamped, polished, or stained to create various colors and textures. This allows the customization to match your design preferences.
Furthermore, concrete is heat resistant. So, it’s a great option for your outdoor kitchen because it won’t be affected with the heat produced during grilling and cooking. Plus, concrete as compared to other outdoor flooring options is relatively low-maintenance. It withstands harsh conditions as good as natural stones.
On the other hand, concrete can also be extremely labor intensive which can raise the overall costs. In extreme weather conditions, concrete can become difficult to stand on. Plus, if not maintained, it can crack over time, which will need repairs, then again leading to expensive labor costs.
Natural Stone
Another noteworthy option when it comes to outdoor kitchen flooring is natural stone. Natural stone is available in a huge variety of colors and types. For instance, granite, slate, or flagstone tend to be among the most common types. The best thing about them is that they give the kitchen a classy and timeless look.
Moreover, natural stone is also durable and extremely reliable. However, it needs to be kept in mind that natural stones come with different natural color finishes and combinations. This means the stones can be slightly difficult to maintain especially if you have opted for a unique pattern.
That said, natural stones as compared to concrete require slightly more effort. Plus, these stones can be expensive as well.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are also commonly found in households with outdoor kitchens. These tiles are known for their versatility, durability, and reliability. Outdoor porcelain tiles have completely different textures, patterns, styles, and combinations when compared to their counterparts.
Porcelain tiles can be used to give your kitchen an old vintage style look or a contemporary style. But you must keep in mind is that porcelain tiles can be difficult to match with the overall theme of the house.
If you are constructing a new outdoor kitchen, you have to be careful while choosing the right colors and patterns. Plus, considering their texture, these tiles require a lot more effort to maintain when compared to concrete and natural stone.
On top of that, based on your needs and preferences, Porcelain tiles can be made to look like natural stones and other materials.
Brick
Brick flooring has been around for years and is known for its rustic and classic look that complements traditional outdoor kitchen designs. Plus, brick can withstand outdoor conditions extremely well. It is slip-resistant. So, it’s a safer option for the elderly and kids to walk on.
Brick outdoor kitchen flooring is a good option if you are tight on the budget. It provides a perfect balance of reliability and budget-friendliness. Brick patios are common so you can add a brick flooring for your outdoor kitchen and the whole space will appear symmetrical.
But it requires periodic sealing to prevent moisture absorption. And, repairing brick flooring is relatively easier as well.
Unlike concrete floors that need almost the entire area to be rebuilt, bricks can be removed and replaced with new ones to make the floor look new.
Composite Decking
Composite decking is a synthetic material. It’s manufactured by combining wood fibers with plastic. It is a popular choice for outdoor kitchen flooring. It is popular due to its low maintenance and durability. Plus, it’s resistant to moisture and UV rays. Moreover, composite decking is can be found in a huge variety of colors and textures allowing for splendid customization options.
A noteworthy property of composite decking is that it is resistant to fading and staining as well. However, on the downside, it can be more expensive than the other options. Plus, composite decking gives a more modern look to the space or area where it is installed.
That said, if you are looking to make your outdoor kitchen appear classy and vintage, this might not be the option for you.
Decking is an excellent option, but it’s still not safe for outdoor kitchens and fireplaces as it’s flammable. If you’re also looking to have an outdoor fireplace with the help of an outdoor fireplace builder Long Island and haven’t built the outdoor kitchen yet, consider concrete, porcelain, bricks, or stones.
Outdoor Rugs
Outdoor rugs are slowly settling in as designers are looking to make outdoor kitchens more modern and sleek. These rugs are available in a many colors, sizes, designs, and textures. These might be a cost-effective option when compared to the other options as rugs completely transform the space where they are installed.
The advantage of choosing outdoor rugs is that they are easy to change and can quickly update the look of the kitchen. However, they can become dirty with time, which means you will need to regularly clean them. Removing stains, oil, grease, and other factors can be difficult.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Outdoor Kitchen Flooring
Now that we have discussed kitchen flooring options and types, it is important to focus on the factors that will help make you the right decision as well. When it comes to choosing the best outdoor kitchen flooring, you need to keep in mind the area, dimensions, needs, preferences, and budget.
If you have a relatively small space for the outdoor kitchen, you should not opt for natural stone but composite decking or rugs. However, if you have a relatively larger space or want a bigger kitchen, you can opt for concrete, wood, or porcelain tiles.
At the same time, you also need to be cautious of the maintenance, labor costs, and the budget. Once you have decided on the flooring option, you should hire a team of experts and professionals who can do the job for you. Keep in mind, while hunting for the right team, you will come across many that are willing to offer their services.
You should be aware of the rates and stay away from someone who is offering lower than the average market rates. It might be tempting but you will simply end up destroying your kitchen and savings. Always work with a team that carries insurance and years of experience working on such projects.
Conclusion
The best flooring for an outdoor kitchen depends on several important factors. If you are tight on a budget, you should opt for gravel but if you are willing to spend some money, you can opt for concrete. And if you want a luxury look, you can choose natural stone. When making a decision, you will need to balance the advantages and disadvantages. Make sure to have an outdoor kitchen contractor Long Island on your side to help communicate the details so that you can make an informed decision.
