Your outdoor kitchen is a great place to enjoy cooking your food, hosting friends, and creating some great family memories. Have you considered what you will put underneath your outdoor kitchen?
Yes, flooring!
Choosing the right decking for your outdoor kitchen is just as important as choosing the right barbecue, countertops, and outdoor furniture. You need the right flooring to cope with any mess, grease, and weather changes while you are cooking and the added footfall and occasional water splashes.
Here are 5 practical decking options that will give your outdoor kitchen style, comfort, and durability. Especially for those in Dubai.
1. WPC Decking
If you love the natural look of wood but don’t want to spend your time sanding, polishing, and sealing your decking, then WPC decking may be the option for you.
WPC decking is made from a combination of wood fibers and recycled plastics. It provides the look of natural wood but is easier to maintain. It is available in multiple colors, textures, and finishes to help match your outdoor kitchen.
Why choose WPC decking?
- Low maintenance
- Modern natural wood finish
- Weather resistant
- Will help create a seamless area for your outdoor cooking and eating area.
Pro tip: To keep it safe around your sink and cooking areas, go for textured decking to avoid slipping. Dark decking can get very hot in direct sunlight in Dubai.
2. Natural Wood Decking
There is something magical about natural wood. The grain, warm tones, and organic look create a warm and luxurious feel. Hardwoods such as Teak and other suitable outdoor timbers are popular choices but will require regular maintenance.
Why choose natural wood?
- Creates a warm feel to your outdoor kitchen
- Looks amazing with stone countertops and greenery
- Gives a high quality and natural look
- Will look amazing with rustic and modern designs
However, due to the high temperatures and UV in Dubai, this can cause the wood to fade, dry out, and deteriorate. Ensure you use suitable outdoor-grade timbers and have a proper maintenance schedule.
3. Porcelain Decking
For a modern look to your outdoor kitchen, porcelain decking could be perfect.
Porcelain tiles are available in natural stone, concrete, and wood finishes. They also have a nonporous surface, making them easy to clean after cooking.
Why choose porcelain?
- Easy to clean after cooking and oil splashes
- Nonporous
- Available in multiple colors and textures
- Will look amazing with a modern outdoor kitchen design.
Ensure you choose an outdoor grade porcelain tile with a suitable slip rating.
4. Natural Stone Decking
If you want to create a luxury resort feel for your outdoor kitchen, then natural stone would be a great choice.
Travertine, granite, and other suitable natural stones can create a beautiful outdoor kitchen floor. Each stone will have a unique texture and color.
Why choose natural stone?
- High-quality timeless finish
- Looks amazing with outdoor countertops and landscaping
- Offers a range of natural colors and patterns
- Can last for years if installed and maintained properly.
Consider the porosity, finish, heat retention, and sealing of the stone. Some polished stones can be quite slippery when wet, so it is best to go for a textured finish.
5. Concrete Pavers
Sometimes the cheapest and most practical choice is the best. Concrete pavers are a great option for homeowners wanting a neat outdoor cooking area. They are available in multiple shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns.
Why choose concrete pavers?
- Suitable for multiple outdoor kitchen designs
- Easily create a bespoke pattern
- Individual pavers can be replaced if they become damaged.
- Looks great with modern, industrial, and minimalist designs.
Ensure that your base is prepared correctly and has good drainage. If your pavers are uneven, this can be a tripping hazard.
Comparing the 5 Outdoor Kitchen Decking Options
Still struggling? Here is a table showing the differences between the decking options.
| Decking Material | Appearance | Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| WPC decking | Natural wood | Low | Modern outdoor kitchens |
| Natural wood | Warm & organic | High | Luxury & rustic |
| Porcelain | Modern & clean | Low | Easy-to-clean cooking areas |
| Natural stone | High-quality & natural | Medium | Luxury outdoor kitchens |
| Concrete pavers | Minimal & versatile | Low/medium | Practical outdoor kitchens |
Depending on how you install and maintain the decking, the maintenance will vary.
Things to Consider When Choosing Outdoor Kitchen Decking
Many homeowners forget that the decking itself is not the only thing to consider. Here are some things to consider:
- Heat — How hot will your decking get?
- Slippery — Choose a suitable textured finish, especially around your sink.
- Greasy — You will need a decking that is easy to clean around your cooking area.
- Water runoff — Ensure you have suitable drainage.
- Furniture — Ensure your outdoor tables, chairs, and kitchen units are stable.
- Expansion — Allow for suitable expansion gaps as recommended by your decking manufacturer.
Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas
Outdoor kitchens are becoming more popular as an extension of our living rooms. Many homeowners now create a seamless area by using decking, pergolas, outdoor eating areas, greenery, and lighting.
Some ideas to consider:
- Mix your materials — Use a wood look decking with stone countertops.
- Cooking areas — Use different patterns for your cooking and eating areas.
- Neutral tones — Beige, grey, and natural wood will create a relaxed outdoor feel.
- Lighting — Add some subtle lighting to your steps and pathways.
- Match your interiors — Try to match your outdoor finishes to your interior flooring.
Ensure your outdoor kitchen looks great but also feels comfortable.
How Progren Flooring Can Help
We know that your outdoor flooring needs to be not only beautiful but also suitable for the area, able to withstand the outdoor elements and fit your lifestyle.
Whether you are creating a small BBQ area or a large outdoor kitchen with an eating area, choosing the right decking will make all the difference.
Working with some of the best landscaping companies in Dubai can help you to create a seamless area with your decking, drainage, pergolas, lighting, and landscaping.
FAQs
1. What decking is best for my outdoor kitchen in Dubai?
WPC decking, outdoor porcelain, and suitable natural stone are popular choices. It really depends on how much sun your area gets, how much cooking you will be doing, how much maintenance you want, and your budget.
2. Can I use WPC decking around my outdoor kitchen countertops?
Yes, as long as you are using an outdoor-grade decking and following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Ensure you leave suitable gaps around your grills and other heating appliances.
3. Does natural wood decking require regular maintenance?
Yes, natural timbers will usually require regular cleaning, sealing, and/or oiling.
4. How can I prevent my outdoor kitchen flooring from getting slippery?
Use suitable slip-rated products, ensure you have good drainage, and clean up any greasy or food splashes quickly.
5. Can I mix decking types?
Yes! Using WPC decking and natural stone can create some great cooking and eating areas.
Final Thoughts
Your outdoor kitchen should be a place you enjoy cooking, entertaining and relaxing so you shouldn’t have to worry about cleaning and maintaining your flooring.
Consider how you will be using your outdoor kitchen. Are you frequently having BBQ evenings? Do you want something low maintenance? Or would you like to create a luxurious outdoor eating area?
Once you understand what you need, choosing the right flooring will be much easier.
The best outdoor kitchen is one you will love using!
