You will be floored with all the choices!

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Outdoor kitchens are known to be a beautiful extension of your home that can be used to relax or enjoy your time with family and friends. Transform your existing patio into an outdoor kitchen or create a new outside addition in a space that isn’t currently being used for anything else. Aside from size and location, one of the key and first areas to consider when you’re thinking about outdoor kitchen remodeling is your outdoor flooring.

Flooring
Outdoor kitchen floors should be a flat surface where you can comfortably walk and stand. Choose a material that is durable when exposed to the elements and materials that meet the safety criteria include concrete, brick, engineered stone and natural stone. After safety, consider your design needs and budget. Because of its affordability and durability, concrete is still one of the most popular outdoor flooring options – there is stamped, colored or a rock-salt finish.

Surfaces that work well for outdoor living space remodels include:

  • Flagstone is a durable option as these stones aren’t easily damaged when exposed to the harmful elements. Flagstone does not crack easily and it is not destroyed by termites or other such insects as compared to wood patios which can have both of those problems.
  • Slate is available in a variety of colors and textures as these are made up of a fine type of rock that retains its natural appearance and is smooth and flat.
  • Ceramic tile is a popular choice that offers a variety of colors and finishes to choose from and, in most cases, is adequate in terms of slip resistance.
  • The old standby is brick and is a traditional favorite for a reason – it’s attractive, water and heat resistant, easy to clean and blends in well with all types of furnishings.
  • Porcelain tile – this durable, low maintenance material is making a grand re-entrance with texture, color, the ability to mimic most stones and even wood surfaces, and is a great choice for those who are budget minded, Steer clear of surfaces that are easy to crack or are slippery when wet, like glazed ceramics, porous surfaces, polished stones and glass. Crush-and-run stones are uneven and impractical for a kitchen floor.
  • Field stone / Blue stone – a natural and rustic touch is created when Fieldstone is used in an outdoor living space, especially if the natural stone hasn’t been cut. For a more formal and elegant look, you can use Field stone that is shaped into rectangles and squares.

If you’re not sure what you need or want, talk things over with our Harrell Design + Build design + build team, we’ll walk you through the options and the process so you can have an outdoor kitchen that you’ll truly love.

A Closer Look at Stone Surface Countertops

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Natural stone surfaces have grown in popularity throughout the home. Choosing sturdy and sophisticated surfaces for your countertops and backsplashes adds an unmatched level of beauty to any kitchen.

Granite
Made from natural igneous rock, granite is a durable and distinctive countertop surface for kitchen remodeling projects in the Bay Area. It has a different look when polished, adding a look of elegance to kitchens and baths. Variegated, or veined, granite has deep contrasting colors. Consistent, or speckled, granite offers depth and texture.

Marble
Some people simply can’t resist the appeal of marble. A softer surface, it is equally beautiful but not as durable as other kitchen countertop surfaces. It will pick up stains and nicks, so if you plan to do much meal preparation, other surfaces are probably better suited. Marble should be sealed at least once a year to help it wear better.

Quartz
Quartz is a natural crystallized mineral surface that is a popular countertop option in kitchens and baths for Bay Area remodeling projects. It is an alternative to natural stone that that offers a different look and sophistication. Quartz is a naturally occurring mineral in crystalline form. It can be cut in slabs from the quarry, but it more commonly appears as engineered quartz ordered through a manufacturer or distributor to create a beautiful and sturdy countertop surface.

Silestone®
As the largest producer of quartz surfaces, Silestone® offers a diverse range of more than 60 colors and patterned countertop finishes. It is available in single-dimensional, three-dimensional and five-dimensional color processing for added depth.

Microban®
Microban® is an anti-microbial technology built into kitchen countertops. You’ll find it in Silestone quartz countertops and in other products. It minimizes the presence of bacteria, fungi and mold, which is always good for kitchen and bath surfaces. When a quartz countertop is treated with the protective Microban technology, it’s permanent. It doesn’t wipe off or wash away.

Zodiaq®
Zodiaq® quartz surfaces are made by DuPont™. This scratch-resistant and heat-resistant engineered quartz crystal surface is rich in depth. It, too, is available in a wide array of colors and textures. Zodiaq®
is well-known for its brilliant colors.

Natural stone countertops can be coordinated with other surfaces in the home during your design and build remodeling project. It’s also a fashionable choice for flooring, walls, tabletops, vanities and backsplashes. Despite the material’s popularity, it is rare to find two stone surfaces in different Bay Area homes that ever look alike.

Flooring Choices and Where to Use Them

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When it comes to Bay Area home remodels, flooring options can affect the look, feel and sound of any room in the home. Some types are more environmentally-friendly than others. While flooring choices are nearly endless, here are four popular choices in Bay Area remodeling.

Marmoleum
Marmoleum is a type of linoleum made by Forbo Flooring Systems. Its roots are in the phrase “marbleized linoleum.” Marmoleum is anti-static, anti-microbial, is easy to keep dust-free and is ideal for people with allergies. It’s a solid choice for kitchens and bathrooms because of its naturally clean features and lasts between 25 and 40 years. Vibrant color and pattern choices are diverse, separating it from its stereotypical ancestry of linoleum. This green material is not based in petroleum, but in linseed oil. It is one of the greenest flooring materials on the market today.

Amtico
Vinyl flooring has long been a popular choice in flooring for any room in the house. From kitchens to living rooms to hallways to bedrooms, Amtico flooring is a popular choice for remodeling projects. Manufactured by a British company, this is a higher line vinyl floor known for use with accents, designs and patterns. It discolors with high heat, and protective floor guards will keep it from getting scratched by furniture. An Amtico floor dressing will provide added protection from scuffs, spills and scratches.

Cork
Cork flooring is a sustainable material that comes in as many as 40 different shades of color and a variety of patterns. It is comfortable to walk on in bare feet and is an excellent choice as a noise barrier. Use it for upstairs floors or for rooms where quiet is appreciated. Although it is insect-resistant and can last for years, it is susceptible to scratches and dents from furniture, sharp objects and high heels. Cork flooring is practical for people with allergies, but fades under constant light and warps with high humidity. Use it in any room in the house except the bathroom and laundry room.

Hardwoods
Hardwood floors are durable, ranging in color from blond to black. Exotic and domestic woods offer high-quality. They blend well with any decor and will last for years when sealed. Medium shades show less dirt than dark or light hardwoods, and placing mats by high traffic exterior doors is wise. Hardwood flooring lasts more than 100 years and can be refinished or repurposed to extend its life. Hardwood floors are good for people with allergies and are easy to keep clean.