A patio does not have to be just a space for folding chairs any more. For many people who really enjoy being outdoors, turning your patio into a comfortable living space that includes cooking and seating areas make entertaining so much more fun. Adding fire pits, a fireplace, or a hearth product can extend the season so you can enjoy your outdoor space during the cooler months.


In the past, people decorated their patios and decks with flowers, comfortable furniture and a grill. Now you don’t have to limit yourself to just a grill. Adding the same features and accessories that you use in your kitchen can make grilling much more easier and enjoyable. One major benefit to having an outdoor kitchen is getting you and the kids out of the house, so you do not feel like you have been cooped up in the kitchen all day. It’s a nice change of pace.


There are certain details that are necessary for a complete outdoor kitchen such as a water source and cook top. You should plan your outdoor kitchen with the same considerations as an indoor kitchen. Here are some must haves:

1. COUNTER SPACE: A requirement for food preparation is adequate counter space. You want to make sure you have enough room to not only prepare food but also to serve it. Having people and children mingling around the grill can be a hazard. The type of countertop material needs to be durable if it will be exposed to the outdoor eliminates such as rain, sun, etc. Some recommended materials for outdoor kitchen countertops are granite, tile and concrete.
   
   Granite, Tile vs. Concrete Countertops:
   
   • Concrete has no grout lines, unlike tile. It is easier to seal and keep clean.
   • Concrete has endless edging options. Because it is customformed, you have a lot more options for edging details than granite ortile.  Detail edging for granite and tile typically cost more.
   • Concrete can be cast in any shape and practically any size.
   • Concrete is weather resistant. Concrete countertops can be formulated to withstand freezing better than granite.
   • Concrete offers endless color options with integral color, staining or both.
   • Concrete countertops can be personalized with unique embedded items such as pebbles, recycled glass and seashells.

2. RUNNING WATER: A sink is a necessity when handling raw meats and preparing food. Add convenience to an outdoor grilling area by planning for plumbing for a sink. There are lots of innovative options for outdoor sinks such as portable and drop-in sinks. Stainless steel is most recommended type. A shut off value is a requirement so in the winter-cold weather months you can turn the water off to prevent frozen pipes. If you decide hot water is need consider using solar heater under the counter for hot water.  
3. APPLIANCES: To add more convenience to outdoor kitchen use appliances such as a small refrigerator, cook top, warming drawers, ice machine, wine storage, etc.
4. MUSIC: Adding a wireless audio system to your outside space will make it much more enjoyable. There are a lot of reasonable priced systems available.
5. COVER: Never use a grill under a solid roof. If you must have a roof, make sure it is tested and well ventilated with a ventilation hood to remove heat and carcinogens away from walls and other structures. Do your research before buying a hood to make sure it is the proper one for your area. Consider the size of the area and the size of the grill. How much space does the grill take up of the covered area will determine how powerful the hood should be.  
6. FLOORING: There are lots of decorative design options for outdoor concrete surfaces. Consider what type of atmosphere you want to create when deciding on the decorative surface. You can add color and texture to plain old concrete to make it look extraordinary. Color stains also protect concrete and make your investment last much longer, so you can enjoy it for years. Here are just a few options for concrete decks, patios and walkways:

• Color and Protect: Reactive stains, paints and dyes can be used to create unique designs, textures and environments. They can be a very inexpensive way to add atmosphere and mood to a space. You can also use stencils, ragging, sponging or other faux techniques to give the surface texture.
• "No Show" Waterproofing: A Siloxane based, long term waterproofing system for stone, brick, rock or tile that doesn't have that "candy apple glaze" look. Unique small molecules allow for deep penetration on dense surfaces. Ideal for surfaces where an invisible barrier of water protection is needed.
• Colorseal is a decorative and protective coating that is applied to exterior concrete surfaces to provide a more uniform color, protection from water penetration, and subsequent freeze damage. Colorseal contains a penetrating concrete stain plus a 100% siliconized acrylic that gives you saturation for color and weather proofs the concrete. It’s a two- for- one product.
• Texture: Give your surface unique texture using stamping, spray-texture, broom finish.
• Acid Reactive Stains: A blend of naturally occurring mineral salts and acids that react with the existing chemicals in concrete to achieve a mottled, more "natural stone" look. Each installation is as unique as a fingerprint.

Contact CRS and put our experienced design specialist to work for you.
423-593-7413 or info@concreterepairspecialist.com