Spending summer outdoors often revolves around cooking and sharing meals with family and friends. A practical outdoor kitchen makes life more enjoyable (less fuss, more fun). So which patio pavers work best in a State College, PA, outdoor kitchen? Here are some great choices from our stone supply.

Related: REMODELING AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN? VISIT OUR MASONRY SUPPLY IN HARRISBURG, PA

Pavers with Non-Slip Textures

Kitchen safety is paramount. Any paver chosen for an outdoor kitchen should probably be non-slip even when wet. Textured pavers are a good starting point. High-quality pavers that feature a flagstone texture will offer surefootedness. We also carry a variety of smooth-textured non-slip pavers by trusted manufacturers. 

Low-Maintenance Pavers

We know that everyone wants to spend more time enjoying the outdoor kitchen than cleaning it. Since a kitchen floor sees frequent use—along with plenty of spills—it’s important to choose stain-resistant pavers. Some pavers come factory sealed with a protective surface finish that simplifies cleaning and prevents spills from setting into stains. These finishes also protect the paver surface from scratches, help maintain its color, and extend its lifespan. 

It’s often advisable to avoid brushed-finish pavers for outdoor kitchens: These finishes are inherently more difficult to clean, and are rarely comfortable on bare feet (when the kids come asking for seconds).

Most pavers are set in polymeric jointing sand, which hardens to keep the pavers securely together and prevent weeds from growing between pavers. Sealing prevents wine, ketchup, salad oil, coffee, and other foods and beverages from causing unsightly stains. Such stains could be more visible in light-colored jointing sand, which is something to consider when choosing paver colors.

Style Considerations

Nearly any style of patio paver can be used successfully in an outdoor kitchen. Brick pavers offer a classic look that’s also warm and welcoming. Flagstone-inspired pavers add a rustic and relaxed touch. Large-format pavers with a satin finish add a chic freshness along with unique colors. Pavers with a granite-inspired finish bring to mind ancient plazas and offer a timeless appeal. Achieve a fresh and fun effect with hexagonal pavers or trendy plank-style pavers.

Color Choices

Some people like to define spaces using different colors—creating “area rugs” if you will. This creates a more dynamic outdoor space, but this approach should be done with care to prevent an overly busy appearance. Other people prefer to keep the colors consistent throughout their outdoor living spaces. This presents a cleaner and more unified appearance. 

In general, if you do want to use more than one color throughout, it’s best to stick with no more than three colors in total for the outdoor kitchen: the floor, the walls, and one accent color (if desired).

Lighter colors can make an outdoor kitchen feel more spacious, but they also show dirt more easily than dark pavers. Mid-tone pavers, such as those that feature earthy browns or medium grays, are some of the more popular choices for outdoor kitchens. 

Be sure to choose the right color jointing compound, too. Contrasting jointing compound creates a more visually dynamic look, while same-color jointing compound gives a more seamless look. 

Our experts are always happy to assist you in choosing patio pavers that are ideal for the demands of an outdoor kitchen.

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