Masonry is mankind’s oldest building material and it has long been used to help homes and landscapes stand the test of time. Over years, innovative landscapers have found many incredible ways to build landscapes stronger, better, and more beautiful. Outdoor kitchens present wonderful opportunities to feed friends and family in your beautiful backyard, but they’re also great opportunities to show off some beautiful masonry. You may be asking: what masonry materials should I consider for a modern outdoor kitchen in Milford and Hollis, NH?
Brick
One of the most commonly used masonry materials around the world for thousands of years has been brick. The classic shape of bricks is the rectangle that is twice as long as it is wide. This basic building block is well-used in building tall vertical structures, allowing for some impressive fixtures of your outdoor kitchen. Beyond the main structure of the kitchen, consider building a wood-fired oven and some permanent seating for dining. These structures will likely use a running bond pattern when built vertically, yet there are more options to use for the paved surface of your outdoor kitchen.
The paved surface can utilize a range of brick patterns, some helping to make the space feel expansive while others make the space feel cozy and intimate. The double basketweave pattern used in bricklaying is a wonderful pattern to draw visual interest and make things slow down a bit. The alternating pattern of squares creates beautiful visuals while keeping the entire space strong and durable.
Natural Stone
For more rustic and traditional applications in an outdoor kitchen and the surrounding space, look for natural stone as your main medium. Natural paving stones can be uncut and placed together like a puzzle; or they can be shaped for easier installation. Either way, natural stone will create a wonderful pattern while also honoring the natural texture and color of the world they came from. For the best effect, use locally-sourced natural stone that will fit in with the surrounding landscape.
Natural stone can be used underfoot and for the walls of your outdoor kitchen. However, stone blocks are heavy and somewhat difficult to work with; you can expand your horizons with natural stone veneer, which will give you the uniqueness of stone with the practicality of a lightweight veneer.
Modern Pavers
For more contemporary applications in an outdoor kitchen and the surrounding space, look for modern pavers from a well-known manufacturer. Modern pavers are concrete composites that have been treated for uniform texture, color, and strength. They have been tested before they ever leave the manufacturing facility and will last for a long time. They feature a variety of colors, finishes, and textures for incredible design versatility. Large format versions of these pavers can make an outdoor kitchen feel larger. Another added benefit is that large format modern pavers will keep the space cleaner with fewer joints that could gather grime.
Mixed Materials
There’s no rule in the playbook that says you need to use just one material throughout your outdoor kitchen and surrounding area. For a more creative application of stonework, set a base of pavers such as brick in a double basketweave pattern. Then, surround the space with a natural cobblestone border. Or, do the opposite: a natural stone floor with brick accents and borders.
Related: HOW TO VISUALIZE THE BEST MASONRY CHOICES FOR A NEW LANDSCAPE DESIGN IN MILFORD AND AMHERST, NH
