
Have an Outdoor Kitchen? Take a look to this Porcelain and Ceramic Tile

Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular as a way to create more outdoor living space and enjoy the natural beauty better.
Nature isn’t the only beautiful thing to behold in an outdoor kitchen: with stunning porcelain and ceramic tile options, you can make an outdoor kitchen worthy of rivaling any indoor or outdoor area of your home.
Here are some porcelain and ceramic tile ideas that will stand out in any outdoor kitchen.
Outdoor Kitchen Applications
The versatility of design within the “ceramic tile family” (porcelain tile, stoneware tile, wall tile, pressed floor tile and mosaic tile) gives you a wide variety to specify the right choice for these outdoor kitchen uses. Although each subgroup of the ceramic tile family shares the general advantages of ceramic tiles, each is produced slightly differently and therefore may have additional advantages that lend themselves to specific applications. For clarity in this article, although porcelain tile is part of the larger ceramic family, we will distinguish between porcelain and non-porcelain tiles, referring to the latter as ceramic.
Water resistance is especially important in an outdoor kitchen due to weather and temperature fluctuations. Fortunately, all porcelain and ceramic tile options are water resistant and will not warp or degrade with moisture. In addition, porcelain, stoneware tiles and some pressed tiles and mosaics can easily withstand repeated freeze-thaw cycles, including prolonged contact with snow and ice. Look for a freeze/thaw resistance rating for horizontal applications subject to icy conditions.
Porcelain and ceramic tile flooring for outdoor kitchens
Kitchen flooring choice is an important selection inside your home, and outside is no different. You’ll likely want a material that is both practical (think weather-resistant) and aesthetically pleasing (think design impact).
Porcelain and ceramic countertops for outdoor kitchens
Countertops are another chance to display a beautiful ceramic or porcelain tile backsplash in your outdoor kitchen.
Calibrated porcelain tile panels/slabs are an extremely popular choice for countertops because their oversized size enables them to look like large slabs of natural stone.
You can rely on the durability of all ceramic and porcelain tiles, especially when exposed to unfamiliar elements, such as falling branches, heavy outdoor utensils and décor, and a range of climatic conditions.
Porcelain and Ceramic Tile Kitchen Island or Outdoor Bar
An outdoor bar is essential if you plan to use your outdoor kitchen for your entertaining. Prepare cocktails and/or pour your gathering delights from a bar created with porcelain or ceramic tile.
Porcelain and ceramic tile provide an easy-to-clean outdoor surface. Resistance to bacteria, stains and scratches makes cleanup as simple as removing debris and wiping with water. For a bit more cleansing power, choose a neutral cleaner tailored specifically for tile and grout or a mildly alkaline detergent.
Porcelain and ceramic swim-up bar
If you have a pool and an outdoor kitchen, why not combine the two?
Don’t worry about pool damage to your tile (or water rings from your drink, for that matter): porcelain and ceramic tiles are water-resistant and won’t discolor or be damaged by pool chemicals or sun exposure. Dip and drink.
Porcelain and ceramics for outdoor stoves and ovens
That’s right, outdoor kitchens are for cookouts!
Regardless of whether you have a stove, conventional oven or pizza oven, porcelain and ceramic tiles are ideal fire-resistant options for tiling these areas. Both porcelain and ceramic tile do not smoke, burn, or give off toxic fumes when they are exposed to fire.
Porcelain fireplace and tile for outdoor fireplaces
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are ideal for use around stoves and ovens for the same reasons that they are a great choice for outdoor fireplaces and fire pits. Tile around your outdoor fireplace to create a stunning fireplace surround, or use calibrated porcelain tile panels/slabs to create a unique fire pit, such as the one pictured above.
Cobblestone pathway
When you have larger than one defined area in your outdoor space, a pathway is a must; porcelain and ceramic pavers provide the ultimate material for pathways.
Bulkier than typical ceramic and porcelain tiles, pavers can either be fitted as part of a larger paving system or as individual tiles to create a typical cobblestone look. However, that doesn’t mean you have to choose stone-look tiles. Pavers offer many different styles, including wood-look tile.
Porcelain and ceramics for indoor and outdoor kitchens
Porcelain tile and ceramic have long been relied upon as premium quality materials for indoor kitchens. Now we’ ve shown you the beauty of outdoor kitchens with porcelain tile and ceramic tile. Bring these two materials together to create an indoor-outdoor kitchen area that gives your household optimal functionality.
The versatility of porcelain tile and ceramic allows you to use the same material in the transition from indoors to outdoors. In addition, the use of the same pattern unifies the indoor and outdoor spaces with a consistent aesthetic.
Popular Porcelain and Ceramic Tile Looks for Outdoor Kitchens
So, now that you have an insight into where you can use porcelain stoneware and ceramic tile in your outdoor kitchen, check out here are some of the hottest looks for outdoor kitchen tile applications.
Concrete-Look Porcelain and Ceramic Tile
Since concrete-look tile floors are ceramic tile and not concrete, there is no need to worry about the extra maintenance that is usually associated with concrete.
Stone-look ceramic and porcelain tiles
The stone look is probably the most traditional choice for outdoor spaces, since it integrates seamlessly into the outdoor environment.
Ceramic and porcelain wood-look tiles
Wood-look tiles are still great for outdoor kitchens.
While with real outdoor wood you may worry about water damage, freeze/thaw cycles, mold and mildew, and discoloration from the sun, with porcelain and ceramic tile none of these issues arise.
Slate-Look Porcelain and Ceramic Tile
Slate-look tiles offer you many versatile options. Go for a subtle, neutral-toned slate look, or a look with strong color contrasts, or something in between.
Patterned porcelain and ceramic tiles
Who says you have to go for a more natural look for your outdoor kitchen? All kinds of patterns – including graphic designs, flowers and leaves, Art Deco prints, etc. – suit outdoor kitchens.