Structures that incorporate masonry can be seen as the epitome of sophistication and quality. Whether you choose concrete blocks or large natural stone slabs, masonry is renowned for its strength and beauty. It is also versatile and can be incorporated into an outdoor kitchen in a variety of ways. Here is how you can revive your East Hampton, NY, outdoor kitchen with the help of a mason:
Low walls
Low walls can be used to enclose separate spaces within a single patio, helping to visually distinguish the outdoor kitchen from the poolside, for example. This is important as the low walls organize the area and contribute vertical interest to the patio design. These walls should be strong, as they are continuously exposed to the elements and often double as casual seating space. Low walls built from large concrete blocks, held together by mortar, is guaranteed to withstand the weight of a few guests.
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Grill islands
It has become increasingly fashionable for an outdoor kitchen to contain a central grill island. This is a small counter that houses a grill and is surrounded by open space. The rest of the counter space, where food is prepared and a bar fridge may be housed, is usually nearby but disconnected from the grill island. Natural stone is well suited to these structures as it is aesthetically versatile and can be paired with a great variety of other materials, including metal. A combination of rustic, textured stone and smooth, polished metal can create a gorgeous contrast that contributes towards making the kitchen one-of-a-kind.
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Pizza ovens
Pizza ovens are excellent additions to outdoor kitchens that add a new element of fun to summer barbecues. These structures should be sturdy, however, as they can be exposed to a high degree of heat. Concrete masonry is fire-resistant, especially when thick units are used. This can further ensure your safety when using your pizza oven. An oven utilized during the day can retain its warmth long into the evening, inviting guests to gather around it after sunset. Concrete masonry also acts as an excellent insulator and will improve your pizza oven’s ability to retain heat.
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Platforms
Placing certain outdoor rooms on raised platforms can serve to separate them from the rest of the patio. An outdoor kitchen, for example, can be raised above the rest of the patio, making it a worthy focal point. Focal points are too often in the form of sculptures and motifs that serve no function besides an aesthetic one. An eye-catching outdoor kitchen rebels against this norm, however, and serves as a functional focal point with a dual purpose. Using masonry in the construction of your platforms will ensure a safe and sturdy foundation. The stone or concrete used will likely peek out from beneath the outdoor kitchen, and will flank the stairway that leads to the top of the platform. Using natural rock is a stunning option for this purpose and can make it seem as if the platform was carved out of the earth rather than artificially constructed.
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