Four Trends for Outdoor Kitchen Spaces

Spring is in the air and our thoughts are turning to beautiful and functional outdoor kitchens. While most of us already have a backyard grill, there are many ways to enhance your outdoor spaces no matter your budget or climate. Let’s take a look at some of the top trends in outdoor kitchens!

Trend #1: Go beyond the slab

Looks like wood…without the trees!

We’ve all seen patios consisting of a sad little square of grey concrete. Concrete is durable, cost-effective, and low maintenance. However, with so many tinting and stamping options available, concrete can be versatile and beautiful! Don’t settle for a boring slab. Proline’s concrete stamps will meet any design needs, whether you want the look of brick, reclaimed wood planks, stone, or slate. (Contractors will especially love Proline’s Seamless Magnetic Pattern Concrete Sets, which are lighter than traditional skins but twice as rigid and practically indestructible.)

And what about color? Concrete can shine thanks to acid stains, color hardener, antiquing wash, and acrylic stains in any color and combination you could want. There are a variety of methods that professionals use for tinting concrete. Ask your contractor about the optimal method for your particular project, climate, and usage.

Trend #2: Concrete patio edging

A patio needs edging to define the space and keep grass at bay. Concrete edging is popular because not only does it give you a clean look, but it’s durable and easily cleaned. Consider adding in planters, flowerbeds, or even low walls to help define your patio. For a utilitarian option, concrete countertops can be incorporated into the edging to give your patio a seamless, custom look with plenty of workspace.

Trend #3: Amp up the grilling situation

A simple gas or charcoal grill can get the job done but today there are so many luxury-style grills available at affordable prices. Why not upgrade? If you walk into any big box home improvement store, you’ll find a wide variety of options that offer flexibility and quality.  Thanks to the proliferation of add-on features, such as side burners, variable temperature control, warming racks, and even searing grills, you can find exactly what you want. Hybrid grills even give users the option to switch between charcoal and gas. Once you have your grill, think about other types of cooking options you might enjoy, like a smoker, open-flame cooking, or even a pizza oven. If your budget is on the high end, outdoor sinks, wine coolers, refrigerators, and more are becoming increasingly popular.

Trend #4: Cover it up

To ensure your area can be used no matter the season, consider partially enclosing your patio to protect it from heat and rain. A closed-roof awning can be as simple or as complex as you like, while protecting your valuable furniture and appliances. From metal, glass, or plexiglass canopies, to a variety of wood options, a roof over your patio is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in comfort. If you don’t mind being exposed to the elements, options like fabric covers, vine-covered lattices, or exposed beams can provide shade with max style.

To find more incredible concrete ideas, visit our idea gallery!

Categories: Color & Stain, Concrete Stamps, Concrete Trends