Outdoor Kitchen Fundamentals from Duradek

Outdoor kitchens are a feature that homeowners are increasingly interested in adding to their residential outdoor living space. Whether expansive roof decks or small ground level patios, cooking outdoors is on the top of the list for many homeowners.

Barbecue grill manufacturers are making huge advances in grilling equipment that are very functional and have features similar to interior kitchens making old table-top hibachis nearly as obsolete as cassette tapes. Deck designs that include built-in grills with counter space, refrigerators and warming drawers and now becoming common place. When it comes to outdoor cooking space, it seems that the larger the space to work with, the larger the kitchen being installed.



Duradek gives outdoor kitchens attractive outdoor flooring
as well as roof grade protection above for year round use.

One fundamental outdoor kitchen design detail in which Duradek is proud to contribute allows homeowners to use their outdoor kitchens year-round. By providing a roof-grade waterproof surface on upper level decks, homeowners can enjoy the advantage of a lower level deck protected from the elements so they can cook and be out of the rain or the hot sun.

The ideal place for kitchens is under or below an existing 2^nd level deck and we offer several solutions keeping the under deck dry and waterproof. The most common deck we see is wood boards on the deck surface with space between the boards. When it rains water will leak through to the lower deck, leaves and other debris fall through to the area below, or leaves and pine needles end up stuck between the boards holding moisture for a breeding ground for insects.

Duradek 60 mil vinyl decking membrane is one easy way to waterproof an elevated deck making the upper deck look great, and at the same time, keep the under deck dry.

Duradek vinyl provides complete waterproof protection with an attractive look that truly transforms deck surfaces into designer outdoor flooring. Extending the design of the interior of the home to the outdoors, Duradek helps to create outdoor living space and makes outdoor kitchens a cohesive part of the home’s design.

For a Lower Deck: If you have waterproofed the upper-deck, it is likely your under-deck will be a concrete surface. If you’re installing a new kitchen under your protected deck, you are going to want the flooring in your outdoor kitchen to look good as well….solution: Duradek.

Prefer the look of tile for your outdoor kitchen? Don't forget to
include Tiledek under-tile waterproofing membrane below.

Now on both upper and lower level decks, Duradek provides the homeowners with more usable space for outdoor living and gives outdoor kitchens a polished look and the ability to be used year-round.
Prefer the look of tile? Another option Duradek presents is Tiledek, an under-tile waterproofing membrane. Tile deck surfaces are a popular choice for outdoor kitchens, but it is important not to overlook the critical detail of waterproofing. Many homeowners have been caught off-guard with expensive repairs because proper waterproofing consideration was not given to outdoor tile projects.

You can do it right the first time with Duradek’s Tiledek membrane specifically designed for use in exterior tile assemblies.



This elevated poolside deck uses Tiledek under-tile membrane
to provide roof grade waterproof protection for the kitchen below.

The full outdoor kitchen below with plumbing and electrical
is totally protected from above and can be used year round.

Whether you prefer the look of tile or one of the many attractive colours and patterns of Duradek vinyl membranes, outdoor kitchens get a great foundation and can be used year-round when the design includes Duradek.

Contact a Duradek dealer in your area to discuss your decking needs.

Latest Outdoor Design Trends for 2015

The most recent survey highlighting top outdoor design trends for 2015 was released a couple of weeks ago by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and it reveals that sustainable and low-maintenance design is the top trend for residential landscape projects.

These trends have further developed from the 2014 survey results that had attractive spaces for entertaining and relaxing on the top of the list, demonstrating that outdoor places of leisure are most desirable when they require little to no labour to maintain.

The 2015 ASLA Design Trends Survey was redesigned, introducing a new methodology to more clearly rank the popularity of different types of landscape projects. While the top landscape project type was indicated as Native Plants (85 percent), the three most popular outdoor design elements include fire pits/fireplaces (78 percent), lighting (72 percent) and grills (63 percent). Spa features like hot tubs, Jacuzzis and swimming pools were indicated as the most popular outdoor recreation amenities (40 percent).

See Article: 4 Ways Pool or Hut Tub Areas Benefit from Duradek

Hot Tub and Pool surround areas benefit from Duradek.

Decks remain a popular design element in the increasing trend of outdoor space and are ideally included in design plans with the low-maintenance expectation in mind. Duradek has been a leader in this product category having introduced its low-maintenance deck waterproofing vinyl over 40 years ago.

In an article “Products for Creating an Outdoor Oasis” in Hanley Wood’s Remodeling magazine online, Steve Van Kouteren of Principia Consulting says, “The outdoor living trend has been talked about since the early 2000s. As the trend develops and more manufacturers produce products, more options and price points are available, so more consumers can take part. Synthetic decking used to be one or two products and now there are all types of products. When you add the new products and price points to a recovering economy, you get a growth in a trend.”

See Article: Overload of Options Cloud Decking Decisions

The Hanley Wood Remodeling article also features a slide show of New Products for Outdoor Living Spaces that support the trends most in demand and includes the latest Duradek vinyl deck membrane offerings in the all-new ‘Legacy’ line of its walkable roofing grade membrane. The Legacy line offers faux-natural finishes in Barnwood (brown), Driftwood (grey) and Pebble Beach in Duradek’s reliable low-maintenance waterproof vinyl.

See the Press Release: Duradek Introduces the Natural Choice for Deck Surfaces.

Builder magazine recently reported on the inclusion of outdoor living space in floor plans and Hanley Wood’s house plan sales group content director Hillary Gottemoeller states, “My general impression is that more plans are incorporating outdoor living space than previously.” Before, she says, “designers may have left this more to the discretion of the buyer, but now in response to consumer demand (or really expectation), they are at the very least showing it on their floor plans and even incorporating it into the footprint/design.”

So if a new or remodelled deck, patio or balcony is part of your residential landscape design plans, be sure to consult with a Duradek Dealer for your low maintenance waterproof deck surfaces.

Deck Remodelling Inspiration on Houzz

From Inspiration to Source in a Few Clicks

Finding ideas for your deck remodelling projects is easier than ever with Houzz.com!

Houzz is a web site and online community about architecture, interior design and decorating, landscape design and home improvement. With almost 150,000 photos specific to decking and over 33,000 decking products you are guaranteed to find a great assortment of ideas to consider.

Read the full article Deck Remodelling Inspiration on Houzz

Outdoor Living Top 10 Trends for 2014

More and more homeowners are taking their renovation plans to the great outdoors and instead of adding additions to their homes they are extending their everyday living space outside by adding or renovating their outdoor spaces. Renovating outdoor living space is not just for the ‘staycation’ but for an elevated quality of life every day, all year long.

It is no surprise then that a survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) showed a 97.7% popularity rating for terraces, patios and decks. The survey details cover a wide range of outdoor living trends but the common consensus was that people want low-maintenance design suited for entertainment and relaxation. People simply want more time to enjoy their outdoor living space and less time maintaining it.

It is relatively easy to adapt what add-ons you select for your outdoor living space as the latest trends or your personal preferences change, but it is imperative to start out with a solid foundation like you can get with a deck protected with a Duradek membrane. Professional Builder Magazine shows off Duradek’s latest color ‘Graphite’ from the ‘Ultra Cork’ line of waterproof vinyl. The beauty of Duradek is not just that it gives your deck an attractive surface, but it also provides warrantied, roof-grade waterproof protection.

Duradek 'Graphite' as seen in Professional Builder Magazine.

This is a fundamental and very important detail to remember…no matter what kind of details or features you want on your deck; it is the foundation that is critical to get right the first time. The First and most important part of moving your living space outdoors is to create a safe, waterproof outdoor surface, on which you can build your outdoor living area. A properly built structure that has reliable waterproof protection means that you will have a deck you can rely on for decades.

After reviewing a wide variety of design, architectural and landscaping opinions, we’ve compiled a list of the top trends in outdoor design for 2014.

Size and Shape is Right Out of the Box
The traditional 10 x 20 foot rectangular deck is giving way to expansive deck and patio areas in a variety of shapes and sizes. While the average size of decks seems to be increasing, the trend is towards multi-level structures with unique shapes that can flow and carry the design of the house out and into the landscaping.

Multi Level Deck with custom shape protected by Duradek.

Sustainability – Eco Friendly Design Practices
People want something cost effective, but they also want to act in environmentally conscious ways that minimizes the impact on the environment at both the point of installation and with maintenance and long-term sustainability.

Lighting
Outdoor lighting has a bright outlook for 2014, particularly with creative uses. Cleverly designed lighting systems worked into ornamental post caps, decorative balusters and outdoor furniture are making an appearance. Unique, simple lights strung above a deck have replaced the old patio lantern strings and are a simple way to update your outdoor design.

Seating and Dining Areas
Always popular for the central entertainment area of a deck, seating and dining areas are taking on new forms as built-in seating is incorporated into deck designs. Additionally, furniture elements are trending to ‘natural’ forms such as rough-wood or stone structures.

Customization
People’s outdoor living areas, like their homes’ interiors, are a unique expression of their character and preferences. Pergolas, walls, functional areas, planter boxes, storage and accessories are all ways in which homeowners will be expressing that individuality in 2014. Functional design is key!

Creative Outdoor Storage Space Waterproofed with Duradek.

Accessories
While neutral tones will always have a place in residential exteriors, they are being splashed up with accessories like pillows, rugs and other fabrics. Popular options for 2014 include bright, cheerful colors, geometric art deco-like patterns and ethnic, tribal themed patterns.

Outdoor Kitchens
Beyond the basic grill, complete outdoor kitchens with cooking surfaces, sinks, fridges and yes, grills are carrying on from 2013 trends and are an example of how home owners are extending their day-to-day living outdoors.



An outdoor kitchen with a good foundation of
Tiledek waterproofing membrane.

Fire Features
Whether it is a small, lantern style accent, set within a pond, or completely built into a full exterior wall; fire features are incredibly popular and with many options available, there is a fire feature in virtually an size and shape you desire.

Outdoor Recreation
This one is definitely not new, but there’s nothing like an old favourite to help you get the most out of your outdoor living space. Whether it is a swimming pool or a hot tub, a little liquid R&R is a time honored back yard favorite. What is new for 2014 is an increase in desire for outdoor saunas.

Gardens
It may have fallen down the priority list for a couple of generations, but today’s homeowners are gardening enthusiasts. With the increased desire for sustainability and healthy living, a place for growing fruits, vegetables and herbs is a top priority with homeowners. For those that want to garden for the sheer pleasure of the greenery, lush gardens rife with Native Plants is a top trend and these natural looking landscape are much more forgiving when behind on maintenance than their sculptured counterparts.

We hope this has inspired you with some ideas for your deck makeover plans. But remember to start with a good foundation...and a great way to start with that is to talk to your local Duradek expert.