2017 Outdoor Kitchen Trends

DKCR305H_Outdoor-Kitchen-Granite-Countertop_4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.960Last year, outdoor kitchens hit their peak popularity, but the design is still going strong as we hit Spring 2017. Not much is really new this year, but focuses are shifting and specific materials are gaining support for their abilities to deal with the environment. To put it in other words, outdoor kitchens and countertops in 2017 are all about refinement.

“A satellite kitchen allows [the consumer] to spend time with guests rather than running back and forth to the house to prepare and serve the food and drinks,” Jennifer Uihlein Straszewski, executive vice-president of under-counter refrigerator manufacturer U-Line told Real Living. “Homeowners are going to great lengths to transform the traditional patio area into a fully functioning outdoor room.”

Trending Features

Following are the features consumers are looking for in their 2017 outdoor kitchens:

  • 62392The grill is the centerpiece of the kitchen. The grills in this year’s installations can do just about anything your stovetop can do and much, much more. Therefore, many households like to feature the grill as the kitchen’s centerpiece. Some prefer charcoal for its rustic flavor while others like the amenities of propane or a direct line of natural gas.
  • Comfort and entertainment are top priorities. Without comfortable lounging areas and several entertainment options, an outdoor kitchen is just a place to cook food. With these amenities, the kitchen becomes the hub of activity in the backyard. Sports, table games, TV and video games are all options today.
  • Find space for appliances…and the kitchen sink. The modern outdoor kitchen is just as self-sufficient as indoor kitchens, complete with refrigerators, dishwashers wine coolers, keg taps, ice machines and much more.
  • Make pizza the Old World way. One of America’s favorite foods is pizza, so it only makes sense that outdoor pizza ovens would eventually see a surge in popularity. Pizza ovens come in several types, such as wood-fired stone, gas-fired stone, stand-alone ovens, solar or stainless steel with a state-of-the-art digital controller.

Countertop Materials

outdoor grill ideas 7Outdoor countertops are not simply for food preparation. Like indoor kitchens, countertops provide a communal area where hosts and guests can gather, talk and enjoy company in the fresh air.

When it comes to outdoor countertops, granite is considered king, but several other materials have also come to the forefront of this milieu, including soapstone, concrete, stainless steel and tile.

While quartz is gaining on granite’s popularity indoors, it is not considered suitable in outdoor settings because the colors often fade quickly in direct sunlight. Along the same vein, laminate cannot be used because exposure to rain and humidity will cause it to bend and warp.

  • Granite – Granite is the top choice for outdoor countertops because it is durable and can withstand a wide range of environmental conditions. The heat of the sun will not damage granite, and it is unusual for colors to fade. With the proper sealant, granite can be protected from mold growth and stains. Finally, according to the average prices set forth by HGTV, granite is quite affordable at $50 to $100 per sq. ft. for the consumer.
  • Soapstone – According to Premier Surfaces, soapstone is an ideal choice for outdoor countertops because its high density makes this surface resistant to heat and stains, colors usually do not fade and it does not require any sealers. However, it is recommended to treat soapstone with a specialized mineral oil that enhances the maturation of the color.
  • Concrete – Although concrete tends to run a little pricier than other countertop materials, it is expected to make the highest gains of them all in 2017. As long as the concrete is reinforced with steel rebar, you don’t have to worry about it cracking. Concrete must also be regularly sealed to prolong its color, finish and overall lifespan.
  • Stainless Steel – Stainless steel is a great option because it is durable and looks great next to a barbecue grill. It is also easy to clean and maintain, and stainless stell can last a lifetime.
  • Tile – At $10 to $30 per sq. ft., tile is, by far, the most affordable option for outdoor countertops. In addition to creating an easy entry into an outdoor kitchen for those on a budget, tile also offers a wide assortment of colors and patterns. The bad news is that in colder regions, temperature changes can cause the grout to crack. The good news is that installers can upsell freeze-proof tiles and other protections.

If you are installing outdoor kitchens or fabricating outdoor countertops, we would like to hear from you. Send us photos of your work to [email protected], and I’ll post them right here with a caption.