BBQ areas are designed to bring people together. It is such a great way to entertain and socialise with friends and family over delicious meals. It gives your outdoor area a different and elevated look that attracts people’s attention. So, it’s important that you design your BBQ area by keeping all the crucial factors in mind. The space needs to be durable, heat-resistant and attractive. Natural stone is a top choice for a BBQ area due to its natural look and functionality and one stone that stands out is Limestone tiles and pavers. Let’s dive into how to choose the right stone and why Limestone floor tiles in Australia is the popular choice for outdoor spaces.
First, Let’s understand the essentials of the BBQ Area.
What Do Your BBQ Area Needs?
Before choosing a specific stone, it’s important to consider the primary needs of your BBQ area. As your space will be exposed to high heat, changing weather and frequent use. Here are some key qualities to look for:
- Heat Resistance
It is important that the stone you choose is able to withstand the high temperature around the BBQ area without cracking. Limestone tiles and pavers are one of the apt choices as it has the ability to handle the heat. This makes it an excellent choice for areas near the grill and oven. While other stones might crack or discolour from heat exposure, Limestone holds up well.
Design Tip: You can go with the light colour Limestone tiles if your BBQ area is in direct sunlight. Lighter tones absorb less heat, keeping the space cooler for bare feet.
2. Durability
Outdoor tiles need to handle wear & tear and weather changes over time. Since Limestone is naturally weather-resistant, it is a solid choice for open setups. This stone can handle seasonal changes, from rain to humidity to the sun’s harsh rays.
3. Easy Maintenance
It is important to look for stones that are easy to clean and resistant to staining, as BBQ areas can get greasy. Well, Limestone is known for its easy upkeep. It is a great benefit for BBQ settings where spills and stains are likely. Simply wiping down the tiles regularly and giving them a good wash every so often will help maintain their look.
4. Aesthetic Appeal
Finally, you want a stone that adds a touch of style and complements the rest of the outdoor space. Limestone tiles and pavers come in a range of finishes from honed to textured options. It allows you to tailor the design according to your needs.
Design Tip: You can use Limestone tiles and pavers for both flooring and surrounding walls to create a cohesive look.
So, Let’s talk about the finishes for the BBQ area that adds up to the overall look and feel of the space.
Choosing the Right Finish for Limestone Tiles
Limestone tiles come in different finishes, each offering a unique look. For a BBQ area, some finishes are better suited to the outdoors and high-traffic spaces. Here is a quick look at the popular finishes and their benefits.
- Honed Finish: This smooth finish has a matte look that’s subtle and elegant, making it a popular choice for outdoor spaces. Honed Limestone tiles are easy to clean and won’t show small scratches, which is perfect for a BBQ area. If you want a more rustic, weathered look then tumbled edges add character to the Limestone’s texture. It’s slip-resistant and adds a bit of traction, making it a safe and stylish option.
- Brushed Finish: This finish adds a textured surface, giving the stone a bit more grip while maintaining the natural beauty of the stone.
Each finish has its own beauty and look so you can choose as per your design requirements.
Consider Limestone’s Colour Options
Limestone comes in a variety of colours, from creamy whites and beiges to soft greys and even darker shades. Choosing the right colour can enhance the atmosphere of your BBQ space:
- Light Tones (Cream or Beige): the light-coloured limestones can brighten up the space, making them feel more open and airier. It will also keep the surface cooler underfoot.
- Grey Tones: Grey Limestone tiles for outdoor areas is a versatile choice that works with many outdoor styles, adding a touch of modern elegance. The grey tones hide away the dirt which can be a plus point for the moderate traffic areas.
- Dark tones: If you want to make a bold statement, then darker Limestone tiles and pavers like charcoal or black create a sleek, sophisticated style that can add contrast in your outdoor space.
Protecting your Limestone Tiles with Proper Sealing
Limestone is a strong and porous stone, which means it can absorb liquids if left unsealed. To protect the limestone tiles and pavers in a BBQ area, sealing is essential:
- Initial Sealing: As a supplier we recommend dip sealing the stone before installation. You can also seal after Installation, by applying a high-quality stone sealant to prevent staining from grease, food and other spills common in BBQ spaces.
- Periodic Sealing: To keep Limestone looking at its best, reseal it every 1-2 years or as needed. This will protect the stone and make cleaning easy after cooking.
With proper sealing, Limestone tiles can handle the demands of a BBQ area while keeping their natural beauty intact.
Also Read : 5 Steps to Declutter Your Outdoor Space
Final Thoughts
Including Limestone tiles in your BBQ area design gives you a versatile and attractive foundation that can handle the demands of outdoor cooking. With its natural heat resistance and design flexibility, Limestone adds elegance and functionality to outdoor kitchens. Whether you want a sleek modern look or a rustic ambience, Limestone tiles and pavers offer a reliable and stylish solution. Stone Centre is one of the leading suppliers of natural stones in Australia. You can contact us to learn more about the outdoor tiles and pavers.