It’s fun to dream about a new or upgraded outdoor kitchen. Take the time to plan your kitchen to avoid the disappointment of design afterthoughts. To help inspire the new hub of your outdoor living, consider these materials for your Huntington, NY, outdoor kitchen.
Walls
The facade of your outdoor kitchen makes your kitchen a focal point and at the same time helps ties it in with the rest of the hardscape. Most homeowners value not just looks but simplicity and ease of maintenance with their outdoor kitchen.
Stacked stone walls impart a luxury-rustic vibe that honors the surrounding landscape and integrates the space into the surroundings. Two of the most common materials are slate or flagstone, each of which has distinct characteristics.
River rock (or faux river rock) is often used in areas near a lake or river. River rock requires precise, careful installation, but it’s hard to beat its rustic charm.
A faux-stone facade is a great option for many homeowners because it’s easier to clean than natural stone. High-end manufactured stone can be virtually indistinguishable from natural stone and offers many color and size choices.
Concrete wall units can provide an unexpected pop of modernist flair. If you’re thinking ugly cinderblocks, think again! Concrete wall units can look just like stone, or even like wood planks. They feature superior durability and low maintenance.
Flooring
Flooring must stand up to a lot of heavy wear and tear. Choose the most durable materials that are also easy to clean.
Concrete pavers have come a long way. Today, it’s hard to distinguish quality manufactured stone from natural stone. Concrete pavers are extremely durable, many are sealed for easy maintenance, and they are available in a virtually unlimited selection of styles, shapes, sizes, and colors.
Natural stone is a timeless classic. The main reservation with natural stone could its availability should you ever need to replace a stone or want to expand the space. Natural stone needs to be sealed to prevent staining from spilled drinks, food, and household chemicals.
Not sure what flooring option is best for your outdoor kitchen? Our outdoor kitchen experts will be happy to guide you toward the best material for your budget and design style.
Countertops and Bar Tops
Durability and ease of maintenance are the name of the game. Many homeowners choose granite or sealed poured concrete for countertops and bar tops. It’s often advisable to avoid tiles, since grout is hard to clean and won’t stand up well to the Huntington, NY, winters.
Appliances
Whether you want a simple grill or a gourmet kitchen with all the bling, outdoor appliances must withstand inclement weather and heavy use. No material may be better suited to outdoor cooking than stainless steel—it’s an investment in durability, practicality, and aesthetics.
Fire Features
Nothing makes your kitchen feel more homey than a fire feature, especially when it uses the same masonry wall materials to integrate it into the kitchen.
Related: HOW AN OUTDOOR FIREPLACE CAN TRANSFORM YOUR OLD OUTDOOR KITCHEN IN THE WESTBURY, NY, AREA
Seating Walls
A seating wall defines your cooking and dining area, and provides additional seating. For a cohesive look, use the same wall materials as on the walls of your kitchen, retaining walls, or fire features.
Related: 5 PATIO DESIGNS TO ENTERTAIN LARGE FAMILIES ON LONG ISLAND, NY
