Designing a garden kitchen with a concrete look: Instructions for robust outdoor walls
In my garden kitchen, I designed the walls in a concrete look to create both a modern design and an easy-care surface. The design of my garden kitchen not only offers functional extensions for the outdoor area, but can also be a visual highlight.
The concrete look is particularly popular in combination with the spatula technique, which gives the kitchen an industrial flair and creates a durable, weather-resistant surface.
In the article, I describe how I proceeded step by step: from preparing the Ytong walls to the filling technique and sealing.
I also compare alternatives such as tiles and clinker bricks and provide insights into the challenges of implementation. Anyone looking for a robust and stylish solution for outdoor use will find it here.
Initial situation
The garden kitchen has been in place for more than two years and is already in full use. The exterior walls made of Ytong aerated concrete blocks were primed and plastered to protect them from moisture. In addition, the stones are provided with a barrier strip at the bottom to prevent soil moisture from penetrating.
This protection is necessary because aerated concrete is a porous material that easily absorbs moisture. Without a barrier membrane, the rising damp could affect the stability of the walls and cause damage in the long term.
You can find an overview of the construction of my garden kitchen in the articles Building your own garden kitchen – Masonry walls with aerated concrete and Building your own garden kitchen – Solid half-timbered roof with OSB and welded sheeting.
The sides of the walls also had to be protected despite the roofing. Because even with a covered outdoor kitchen, rainwater and moisture can hit the walls due to wind or condensation.
Protection is particularly important at the edges and in the gaps to protect the aerated concrete blocks from penetrating moisture.
Inside, we used OSB boards for the jamb and the substructure of the worktop, which I sealed with special boat paint. This sealant makes the surface hard-wearing and weather-resistant – ideal for use in an outdoor kitchen.
Risks and disadvantages of untreated walls in the outdoor kitchen
Despite these measures, one major problem remained unresolved: the untreated interior walls of the garden kitchen were not only visually unappealing, but also extremely susceptible to dirt and moisture.
This was particularly evident in the area of my Napoleon Phantom P500 gas barbecue. The grill not only generated intense heat, but also greasy vapors and smoke, which over time settled on the walls.
These deposits were stubborn and difficult to remove, as the raw, porous wall surface absorbed everything.
Over time, two key challenges emerged: firstly, the walls had to be protected from these grease and smoke influences in order to facilitate cleaning and prevent long-term damage.
On the other hand, the wall design should also be visually appealing and robust in order to meet the requirements of an outdoor kitchen.
It was therefore clear that we had to find a solution that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
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Why a concrete look is ideal for the garden kitchen
A garden kitchen is constantly exposed to the elements. Rain, sun, heat and cold challenge the material, especially when the barbecue and other cooking appliances generate additional heat.
This is where the concrete look comes into its own. It not only looks modern, but also protects the kitchen walls from external influences in the long term. But that’s not all.
Functionality meets aesthetics
The industrial concrete look has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially for outdoor projects.
Concrete conveys robustness, durability and minimalism. The rough, gray surfaces create a perfect balance between modernity and naturalness and blend seamlessly into the garden design.
At the same time, the sealing of the walls ensures that they are easy to clean and resistant to grease, moisture and dirt – a must if the outdoor kitchen is used intensively.
Creative ideas and commitment in our team
My wife Sylvia put a lot of thought into the design of our garden kitchen. In our team, she is the one who comes up with the creative ideas and never lets up when it comes to implementing tedious and labor-intensive tasks.
She was the one who came up with the idea of giving the walls of our outdoor kitchen a concrete look and insisted on doing it herself.
Sylvia not only dealt intensively with the processing of the spatula technique, but also with the advantages and possible disadvantages of this design. Their thorough preparation was crucial to the success of the project.
Advantages and disadvantages of the concrete look
Advantages of the concrete look:
- Longevity
Concrete is extremely resistant to weather influences such as rain, sun, frost and heat. Especially in the outdoor kitchen, which is constantly exposed to the weather, concrete offers long-lasting protection. - Easy care
The sealant keeps the wall dirt and water repellent. Grease and smoke deposits that occur during grilling can be easily wiped off. This eliminates the need for time-consuming scrubbing and cleaning. - Heat resistance
Concrete really comes into its own near the barbecue. Despite high temperatures, the wall does not deform and the structure remains intact. This is particularly important if the outdoor kitchen is used intensively. - Modern design
The concrete look is on trend. Its simple, raw aesthetic fits perfectly into modern garden designs and lends the kitchen a minimalist, industrial charm that looks timeless. - Weather resistance
Thanks to its natural robustness and additional sealing, the concrete look withstands even extreme weather conditions and remains stable and beautiful for years to come.
Disadvantages of the concrete look:
- Elaborate processing
The application of the spatula technique requires patience and skill. Applying the compound evenly and creating a coherent pattern is particularly laborious and time-consuming. - Costs for material and tools
The materials required for the concrete look, such as high-quality fillers and sealants, are not cheap. Special tools such as trowels and spatulas are also required. - Sensitivity to cold
In winter, the concrete surface can appear cold, which may be unpleasant for some. Although the wall is very resistant, the visual and physical coldness must be taken into account. - Renewal of the sealing
To maintain the dirt and water-repellent properties, the sealant must be renewed after a few years. This requires additional work and regular maintenance.
Alternatives to the concrete look and how they compare
In addition to the concrete look, we could also have considered other design options that are suitable for use in the outdoor kitchen.
Two alternatives that we also considered were tiles and clinker bricks. Both offer interesting advantages and disadvantages that should be considered in comparison to the concrete look.
1. tiles as an alternative
Advantages of tiles:
- Resistance: Tiles are extremely robust and can easily withstand moisture and high temperatures. Heat-resistant tiles in particular would have met the requirements near the barbecue very well.
- Easy to clean: tiles are easy to wipe clean and are resistant to grease and smoke deposits, making them a practical solution for outdoor kitchens.
- Diverse design: There is an enormous selection of tiles in different colors and patterns. This would give you the opportunity to give your outdoor kitchen an individual and decorative design.
Disadvantages of tiles:
- Cost: High-quality tiles for outdoor use are often more expensive than the materials used for the concrete look.
- Complex laying: Laying tiles requires precise work and is time-consuming. In addition, you need special tools and often the help of a specialist, which further increases the costs.
- Grout care: Grout between tiles can absorb dirt and grease over time, resulting in a time-consuming cleaning process. Joints also tend to crack or become unsightly over time.
Comparison with a concrete look: Compared to a concrete look, tiles offer easier cleaning and a greater variety of designs. However, the purchase and installation costs are higher and the maintenance of the joints requires additional effort. A concrete look offers a more modern, industrial look that is more robust and less maintenance-intensive, which is an advantage for an outdoor kitchen.
2. clinker brick as an alternative
Advantages of clinker:
- Durability and weather resistance: Clinker bricks are extremely resistant to the effects of weathering and retain their texture and color for many years. They are virtually indestructible and perfect for outdoor use.
- Easy to clean: The smooth surface of clinker bricks is dirt-repellent and easy to clean, even grease and smoke can hardly harm them.
- Natural look: Clinker bricks have a natural, rustic look that goes particularly well with traditional or rural garden designs.
Disadvantages of clinker:
- Costs: Although clinker bricks are very durable, they are also expensive to buy. Especially for larger areas, such as the walls of a garden kitchen, the costs can quickly mount up.
- Limited design options: In contrast to the flexible concrete look or tiles, the color spectrum for clinker bricks is limited. They are usually available in various shades of red and brown, which limits the scope for design.
- The effort involved in laying: Clinker bricks require professional laying, which takes a lot of time. As with tiles, the support of a specialist would probably have been necessary here.
Comparison with the concrete look: Clinker bricks offer extreme durability and are even more resistant to weathering than the concrete look. However, they are more expensive and offer less design flexibility. The concrete look offers more options for customizing the desired look and is quicker and cheaper to implement.
| Feature | Concrete look | Tiles | Clinker brick |
| Design | Modern, industrial look, customizable | Wide variety of designs, many colors and patterns | Rustic, natural look, limited colors |
| Longevity | Very durable, especially due to sealing | Very durable, resistant to heat and moisture | Extremely durable, weather-resistant |
| Weather resistance | High resistance with sealing | Very durable, even at extreme temperatures | Highest resistance to weathering |
| Easy care | Sealed surface is water and dirt repellent | Very easy to clean, easy to wipe clean | Easy to clean, resistant to dirt |
| Heat resistance | Withstands high temperatures near the grill | Heat-resistant, perfect for barbecues | Absolutely heat-resistant, ideal for barbecues |
| Dirt and grease resistance | Grease and dirt-repellent thanks to sealing | Highly resistant to grease and smoke | Resistant to grease and dirt, easy to wipe clean |
| Processing effort | Time-consuming: Filling technique requires skill and patience | Very time-consuming: precise installation necessary, often requires a specialist | Very complex: Installation requires specialist knowledge |
| Renewal and maintenance | Sealing must be renewed every few years | Joint maintenance required, tiles themselves remain stable | Hardly any maintenance, except for occasional cleaning |
| Material costs | Medium to high costs (filler, sealant) | High costs (high-quality tiles and grouting material) | High costs (clinker bricks and laying material) |
| Price for tools | Medium costs (spatula, trowel, brush) | High costs (tile cutter, laying tools) | High costs (special tools for clinker laying) |
| Flexibility in design | Very flexible (color, structure) | Very flexible, many design options | Limited selection of colors and patterns |
| Sensitivity to cold | Can look cold, especially in winter | No sensitivity to cold | No sensitivity to cold |
| Total costs (material + labor) | Average total costs | High total costs (material and skilled labor) | Very high total costs (material and skilled labor) |
Conclusion
- Concrete look: Flexible and modern, offers a robust and low-maintenance solution, although the troweling technique requires some skill. In terms of price, the concrete look is in the mid-range, especially compared to tiles and clinker bricks.
- Tiles: Very easy to clean and heat-resistant, but costly and time-consuming to lay. However, the variety of designs is a major advantage.
- Clinker: Extremely durable and robust, but expensive to purchase and lay. The rustic look goes particularly well with traditional designs, but is less flexible.
By weighing up all these factors, we ultimately opted for the concrete look. It offered the best combination of robustness, ease of care and a modern, timeless design that perfectly matches our garden kitchen.
Zuletzt aktualisiert am 14. November 2024 um 13:00 . Ich weise darauf hin, dass sich hier angezeigte Preise inzwischen geändert haben können. Alle Angaben ohne Gewähr. (*) Bei den verwendeten Produktlinks handelt es sich um Affiliate Links. Ich bin nicht der Verkäufer des Produktes. Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen. Dein Preis ändert sich jedoch nicht.
Step-by-step to a concrete look in the garden kitchen
1. preparation of the walls
Before we could start with the filling technique, the walls had to be thoroughly prepared.
I had already filled the walls with a reinforcement fleece over a year ago. This fleece is used to prevent cracks and increase the stability of the surface.
It acts as an additional protective layer that strengthens the substrate and makes the walls more resistant to stresses caused by weather or temperature fluctuations.
Despite the reinforcement fleece and the application of an adhesive, the aerated concrete blocks were only partially better protected than without these measures.
Aerated concrete is naturally susceptible to moisture, which is why it was necessary to additionally prime the walls. The primer protected the walls from moisture penetration, which was particularly important for the long-term durability of the filler.
- Einfach anzuwenden: der Haftgrund Eco ist gebrauchsfertig und leicht anwendbar
- Top-Qualität: Spritzgehemmt und verarbeitbar mit Rolle oder Pinsel
- Schnelle Verarbeitung: Schnelltrocknend mit circa 30 Minuten
- Vielfältiger Anwendungsbereich: der Haftgrund ist für dichte, glatte und nicht saugende Untergründe, wie z.B. glasierte und unglasierte Fliesen geeignet
- Zusätzliche Vorteile: Zur Sichtbarkeit gestrichener Flächen ist er blau eingefärbt
2. selection of the filler
For the concrete look, we used a special filler that is particularly suitable for outdoor use.
This compound is characterized by its weatherproof composition and is resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations.
It consists of a cement-like base that forms a robust and resistant surface after drying.
Another advantage of the Ultrament concrete look is its ease of processing, which makes it possible to create both smooth and textured surfaces.
The material is available in different shades of gray, so we were able to combine both light and dark shades for our garden kitchen to create depth and texture in the wall.
3. application of the spatula technique
The most exciting part began with the application of the spatula technique. Sylvia had been working intensively on this and wanted to create the concrete look herself.
She mixed the filler carefully so that it had a creamy, easy-to-work-with consistency. She then applied the compound to the wall with a Venetian smoothing trowel.
She started at the top of the wall and worked her way down with long, even strokes.
She held the trowel at an angle to apply the compound in a thin layer. It was important that the layer was evenly distributed to create a smooth base.
As soon as the first layer had dried slightly, she applied the second, darker filler.
This is where things got creative: Sylvia combined the two colors by painting them into each other. With targeted but loose movements, she created an irregular, lively pattern that imitated real concrete.
In some places, the lighter layer shone through, while in others the darker color dominated. This created an interesting structure that gave the wall a special depth.
- Klingen blank
- Material: Federbandstahl
- Gute Qualität
4. structure and smoothing
Once the filler had been applied, Sylvia left the surface to dry for a few minutes. She then began to smooth the structure with a soft grating board.
For the hard-to-reach corners and edges, she used her hands to create an even surface. Equipped with gloves, she was able to spread the filler precisely in the smallest cracks.
It was important that the mass was smoothed again and again during the drying process to create a harmonious overall appearance. The surface was not allowed to become too smooth, as the rough character of the concrete look had to be retained.
5. final details and finishing touches
Sylvia took the time to work in small details such as fine lines and slight indentations with the spatula.
These details added the finishing touches to the wall and made it look even more authentic. She deliberately left the corners a little rougher to reinforce the industrial look.
Summary of the 5 steps to a concrete look (approx. 12-15 m²)
- Preparation of the walls: Priming and sealing of the walls (1-2 hours).
- Selection of filler: material preparation and color selection (30 minutes).
- Mixing and application: Layer-by-layer application of the compound and structuring (4-6 hours).
- Structure and smoothing: Finishing the surface with a grating board and hands (approx. 2 hours).
- Finishing: work out edges, corners and small details (1-2 hours).
Total time: Approx. 8-12 hours for complete processing of the area.
- Eigenschaften: Venezianer Kelle mit Naturholzgriff für ermüdungsfreies Arbeiten | Solide Verarbeitung mit stabiler Verbindung vom Griff zum Blatt sorgen für eine lange Einsatztauglichkeit
- Verputzer Werkzeug Aufziehkelle aus hart gewalztem rostfrei Edelstahl für zuverlässigen Korrosionsschutz | Hochwertiges Profi Stuckateur Werkzeug für eine lange Einsatztauglichkeit
- Anwendung: Die Venezianer Kelle wird zum Glätten und Aufziehen von Putzmassen oder Spachtelmassen verwendet | Zudem wird Sie zum Verdichten und Glätten von Kalk Spachtelputzen verwendet
- Individuell Einsetzbare Glättekelle für sämtliche Bau- und Renovierungsarbeiten | Ideal zum Verdichten, Verpressen und Glätten bei Spachteltechniken
- Lieferumfang: 1 x Venezianer Glättkelle 20 x 9 x 8 cm mit Naturholzgriff für den professionellen Einsatz | Glättekelle Trockenbau Presskelle Spachteltechnik
Sealing – protection against moisture and dirt
Once the filler was completely dry, the floor was sealed. This ensures that the surface is water and dirt repellent, which is particularly important near the barbecue.
In addition, the concrete filler is better protected overall by the sealant and also has a somewhat stronger appearance.
Application of the sealant
I applied the sealant generously with a brush in 2 coats. Each layer took about 4-6 hours to dry.
After application, I noticed that the surface became slightly darker and lost its rough texture. Instead, it was now very smooth – almost as if it had been painted.
Advantages of sealing:
- Long-term protection against dirt and grease
- Smooth, easy-to-clean surface
- Colors are retained due to UV resistance
- Gebrauchsfertig
- Vergilbt nicht
- Schafft kratz- und wasserfeste Oberflächen
- Wasser- und schmutzabweisend
- Seidenglänzend – nach der Trocknung transparent
Video: Concrete look in the garden kitchen
I recorded the preparation of the walls, the filling and the final finish in an exciting and informative video.
You can find more videos about building my outdoor garden kitchen in my YouTube playlist Build your own garden kitchen.
If you want to see more of me and my projects, feel free to check out my YouTube channel.
Zuletzt aktualisiert am 14. November 2024 um 13:00 . Ich weise darauf hin, dass sich hier angezeigte Preise inzwischen geändert haben können. Alle Angaben ohne Gewähr. (*) Bei den verwendeten Produktlinks handelt es sich um Affiliate Links. Ich bin nicht der Verkäufer des Produktes. Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen. Dein Preis ändert sich jedoch nicht.
Visual result and practical test
I was impressed by the final result. The wall of my garden kitchen shines in a modern concrete look that perfectly matches the industrial style.
The combination of light and dark fillers creates a lively texture, and each surface is unique with no pattern repetition.
The surface looks clean and cool, which provides a successful contrast to the rest of the kitchen.
Endurance test: Water, grease and cleaning
When testing the sealant, water beads up immediately and grease was easy to wipe off.
Although the surface does not have a lotus effect, I was able to remove grease deposits easily with warm water and a little grease-dissolving washing-up liquid. At first glance, there were no visible changes to the wall, which confirms the resistance of the sealant.
- Einfache Anwendung: der Pulverspachtel ist leicht zu verarbeiten
- Top-Qualität: feuchtigkeits-, wetter- und frostbeständig und UV-beständig
- Schnelle Verarbeitung: Nach ca. 24 Stunden durchgetrocknet
- Vielfältiger Anwendungsbereich: Für die vollflächige Spachtelung und Erstellung betonähnlicher Oberflächen von Wandflächen im Innen- und Außenbereich.
- Zusätzliche Vorteile: bei unserem Spachtel gibt es kein Schrumpfen und Reißen
Summary and conclusion
This article describes the design of the garden kitchen with a concrete look. The Ytong gas concrete walls were first primed and then treated with a special filling technique.
This technique gives the kitchen a modern, industrial look that is both robust and easy to clean.
The sealant protects the walls from grease and moisture, especially in the grill area.
Various alternatives such as tiles or clinker bricks were also considered, but ultimately rejected due to the advantages of the concrete look.
- Einfache Anwendung: der Pulverspachtel ist leicht zu verarbeiten
- Top-Qualität: feuchtigkeits-, wetter- und frostbeständig und UV-beständig
- Schnelle Verarbeitung: Nach ca. 24 Stunden durchgetrocknet
- Vielfältiger Anwendungsbereich: Für die vollflächige Spachtelung und Erstellung betonähnlicher Oberflächen von Wandflächen im Innen- und Außenbereich.
- Zusätzliche Vorteile: bei unserem Spachtel gibt es kein Schrumpfen und Reißen
FAQ on designing a garden kitchen with a concrete look
1. what are the advantages of the concrete look for a garden kitchen?
The concrete look offers a durable and easy-care surface that is particularly resistant to weathering. It gives the kitchen a modern, industrial look, is heat-resistant, easy to clean and protects the walls from moisture and grease deposits.
2. what materials were used for the walls of the garden kitchen?
The walls were built from Ytong gas concrete blocks, which were primed and plastered to protect them from moisture. A special, weatherproof filler was used to create the concrete look, which was sealed after application.
3. what are the steps to designing a concrete-look garden kitchen?
- Preparation: The walls were protected against moisture with a barrier membrane and primer.
- Filler: A weatherproof filler was applied in several layers.
- Spatula technique: The compound was applied with a smoothing trowel in an irregular pattern to achieve the concrete look.
- Sealing: The surface has been sealed in two layers to make it water and dirt repellent.
4. what alternatives are there to a concrete look for a garden kitchen?
Tiles and clinker bricks are popular alternatives. Tiles offer a wide variety of designs and are easy to clean, but are more expensive and more difficult to lay. Clinker brick is extremely durable and weather-resistant, but cost-intensive and visually less flexible.
5. how easy is the concrete look to maintain?
Sealing makes the concrete look water and dirt repellent. Grease and dirt can be easily wiped off, which makes cleaning the walls in the garden kitchen particularly easy.
6 What are the disadvantages of the concrete look?
The filling technique requires patience and craftsmanship. The sealant must be renewed every few years to maintain the protection of the surface. The concrete look can also appear cool in winter.
7. what costs are associated with the design of the concrete look?
The costs for the concrete look are in the medium range. The filler and sealant required are relatively expensive, but cheaper than tiles or clinker.
8. is the concrete look for outdoor use weatherproof?
Yes, the concrete look is ideal for outdoor use as it is extremely weather-resistant. Thanks to the special filler and sealant, the surface is resistant to rain, UV radiation, frost and heat, making it perfect for garden kitchens and other outdoor projects.
9. how long does the concrete look last in an outdoor kitchen?
With the right care, especially by regularly refreshing the sealant, the concrete look can last for many years. The filler is robust and resistant to external influences, meaning that it can last 10-15 years or longer depending on weather conditions and maintenance.
10. is the concrete look also suitable for DIY projects?
Yes, the concrete look can be implemented as a DIY project. Although the application of the filling technique requires some skill and patience, it is easy for DIY enthusiasts to do with the right materials and good instructions.
- Einfache Anwendung: der Pulverspachtel ist leicht zu verarbeiten
- Top-Qualität: feuchtigkeits-, wetter- und frostbeständig und UV-beständig
- Schnelle Verarbeitung: Nach ca. 24 Stunden durchgetrocknet
- Vielfältiger Anwendungsbereich: Für die vollflächige Spachtelung und Erstellung betonähnlicher Oberflächen von Wandflächen im Innen- und Außenbereich.
- Zusätzliche Vorteile: bei unserem Spachtel gibt es kein Schrumpfen und Reißen
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