An outdoor kitchen is a high-traffic area that requires substantial flooring that can withstand food and beverage spills, household chemicals, and of course plenty of use. Selecting the right pavers will give you peace of mind. Here’s how to select the right brick pavers for a Macomb, MI, outdoor kitchen.
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The Essentials
First, any pavers used in an outdoor kitchen should ideally be non-slip even when wet to prevent accidents. This does not mean that pavers need to be textured, however. While textures naturally add a level of surefootedness, some pavers are smooth (with a slight pebbled texture) that is surprisingly grippy. Your landscaping contractor can help you choose brands that feature smooth yet non-slip textures if a smooth surface is your preference.
Another key feature is that pavers should be easy to clean. Pavers that are not designed to be sealed (such as tumbled pavers that feature a weathered appearance) may not be the best option since they could absorb oils, acids, and debris, and become stained. You may want to limit your choices to pavers that are factory-sealed with stain resistance. Another way to ensure the continued cleanliness of your outdoor kitchen is to choose large format pavers, which minimize joint lines. Even though joint lines can be protected with sealant, they do create a depression where food spills could potentially accumulate.
Beyond these practical considerations, you’ll want to give careful thought to the style that will achieve you the look you want. Here are some ideas.
Modern and Sleek
Two trends tend to define modern spaces: large formats and linear shapes. Both options would give your overall patio a clean, uncluttered look. Square pavers are often laid corner-to-corner while plank-style linear pavers are often laid in a simple running bond or sometimes a herringbone pattern for a more dramatic appearance.
When it comes to colors, neutral grays often dominate the modern palette. It’s a sophisticated effect that can look stunning next to wood, such as a wood deck or benches.
Warm and Relaxed
For a relaxed backyard atmosphere, you could choose pavers that deliver the warm look of flagstone. Whether you prefer a textured or smooth surface, just be sure that the pavers are sealed to prevent spills from setting into stains. You may find many flagstone- or bluestone-inspired pavers available in random bundles of at least three different pavers designed to be laid in an ashlar pattern, which gives your outdoor kitchen an easygoing “down home” look.
Traditional
You likely can’t go wrong with choosing classic brick-shaped pavers, since they adapt easily to both sophisticated and relaxed outdoor living spaces. Whether you are choosing the classic “brick red” look or branching out to incorporate more modern sizing and colors, you will enjoy a variety of laying patterns for a wonderful opportunity to personalize your outdoor kitchen. No other material quite lends itself to such a range of artistic expression.
If you love the look of granite (if you have granite countertops, for instance, and want to carry the look over to the floor of your outdoor kitchen), be prepared that granite used underfoot is not honed and polished to a deep luster, like countertop granite. The look will be more subtle. For long-lasting flooring, look for pavers that use real granite particles.
Related: 6 Backyard Design Ideas From Masonry Contractors in the Sterling Heights and Macomb, MI, Areas
