Covered Outdoor Kitchen Ideas and Thin Brick: Create a Space Guests Will Never Forget
- Milan Mrmos
- Aug 26
- 9 min read
A covered outdoor kitchen gives you a space that works in every season. The roof adds shade, shelter, and comfort so you can cook and host without watching the weather.
Thin brick adds structure and style that lasts. It holds up under heat, grease, and constant use while giving the floor, backsplash, and island face a clean, timeless surface.
A covered outdoor kitchen with thin brick is a project that adds real value to your home and lifestyle. Start planning your design today and create a space guests will never forget.
What Makes Thin Brick the Right Choice for a Covered Outdoor Kitchen?
Thin brick adds durability and style to a covered outdoor kitchen. Heat, grease, and moisture do not break it down, and once sealed, the surface stays strong for years. Texture and color bring character that other finishes cannot match.
Strong Enough for Outdoor Cooking
High temperatures from grills and ovens leave no impact on clay-fired thin brick. Sealed joints block stains and protect against moisture that enters under the roof.
Easy to Keep Clean
Grease and dirt are common in outdoor cooking areas. A thin brick surface only needs sweeping, rinsing, and resealing every few years to stay fresh.
Style That Fits Any Backyard
Color and finish options give every homeowner freedom. Dark shades like charcoal create modern appeal, reds bring warmth, and light tones deliver a clean surface that brightens the space.
Best Uses for Thin Brick
Floors provide grip and long-term strength
Walls and backsplashes shield surfaces from grease and heat
Islands and bars gain a solid and finished look
With thin brick, a covered outdoor kitchen becomes the centerpiece of a backyard, built to serve and built to last.
Design Ideas That Define the Character of Your Outdoor Space
Crafting the right mood for a covered outdoor kitchen hinges on your brick choice.
Thin brick gives you raw texture, enduring strength, and aesthetic flexibility—all without repeating the same phrase at every line. Let’s break it down.
Rustic Warmth That Feels Real
Red and terracotta tones connect to nature and tradition.
Recommended Brick
Real Thin Brick’s Antique Collection, especially custom mixes, delivers that aged, hearth-like feel.
You get real clay molds inspired by antique bricks and handcrafted detail.
Where to Use It
Floor: warms underfoot, hides wear
Island face: becomes casual centerpiece
Support posts: add grounded charm
Modern Depth with Charred Finishes
Dark tones bring sharpness and drama to outdoor kitchens.
Recommended Brick
Choose the Georgetown Thin Brick tiles: charred-and-black mix with faint red tones beneath.
It fits modern aesthetics while tolerating high-traffic areas.
Where to Use It
Grill wall: camouflages soot and smoke
Back bar area: contrast with light countertops
Accent niches: draws the eye purposefully
Bright Neutral Tones That Open the Space
Soft tan, white, or off-white shades brighten under-covered kitchens.
Recommended Brick
Custom options in the Antique Collection, like light whitewash mixes Snohomish, bring brightness without glare.
Where to Use It
Range side wall: reflects light for better prep visibility
Bar front: keeps seating spaces welcoming
Upper walls: prevent shadowed corners
The Best Ways to Use Thin Brick on Floors, Walls, and Islands
Thin brick shapes the feel of a covered outdoor kitchen. Each surface—floor, wall, and island—plays a different role, and smart choices make them work together.
Thin Brick on Floors
Floors take the most abuse. Heat, grease, and traffic all end up here. Thin brick gives traction and strength when installed the right way.
Tips for Floors
Choose rough textures for safer footing near wet areas
Darker shades under grills hide stains better than light tones
Lay herringbone or basketweave patterns to cut slip risk and add visual interest
Keep a slight slope so water drains away from the cooking area
Use a matte sealer for protection without creating a slick surface
One clever touch is framing the cooking zone with a border pattern. It defines the space and makes the floor look like it was designed, not dropped in.
Thin Brick on Walls and Backsplashes
Walls catch smoke, splatter, and grease. Thin brick turns them into a shield that looks sharp.
Tips for Walls
Put darker colors directly behind the grill to hide smoke stains
Keep lighter tones on the side walls so the area does not feel closed in
Shape grout joints concave or V so grease wipes off easily
Run brick at least a foot past the grill line to protect side zones
Mix in open shelving or hooks to add function, not just decoration
A recessed nook built out of brick near the grill can double as a spice or utensil shelf. It blends storage into the wall without breaking the design.
Thin Brick on Islands and Bar Faces
The island is the hub of the kitchen. Thin brick makes it tough enough for daily use while giving it the look of permanent construction.
Tips for Islands and Bars
Wrap corners with vertical rows for a crafted, tailored detail
Lighter tones on bar faces bounce light at night, making the area more inviting
A grout color that contrasts with the brick outlines the island’s shape
Combine rough brick near the base with smoother units higher up for balance
Plan outlets into the island face early, so brick courses line up cleanly
A raised ledge along one side of the bar works well. It separates prep from seating and gives guests a natural spot for plates or drinks.
Balance Across Surfaces
When all surfaces relate, the kitchen feels like one design, not three separate parts.
Tips for Cohesion
Stick to one color family across multiple zones for harmony
Vary patterns between surfaces to add interest without clutter
Contrast brick with wood beams or stone counters for depth
Keep grout color consistent so the space feels unified
Repeating a small detail, like a border color on both floor and island, ties the design together in a way that guests notice without needing it explained.
Patterns and Colors That Elevate Covered Outdoor Kitchens
Pattern and color decide the atmosphere of a covered outdoor kitchen. Thin brick gives full control, so the space can feel classic, bold, or relaxed.
Running Bond Holds Everything Together
Running bond is the standard layout, but in an outdoor kitchen, it does more than provide order. It calms large areas and gives them a steady flow.
Light grey or off-white in this pattern brightens a roofed space, while warm reds add comfort. It works best on walls or the base of an island where stability is the goal.
Herringbone Draws Attention
Herringbone shifts the rhythm. The zig-zag design pulls the eye and creates energy. On a floor near the grill, it sets the cooking zone apart.
In darker shades such as charcoal or deep brown, it feels grounded and powerful. Keep it to one feature zone so the effect stays clear.
Basketweave Brings Handcrafted Detail
Basketweave has a woven look that feels intentional and unique. On a backsplash, it adds depth that plain layouts cannot achieve.
Red or tan tones make it rustic, while pale shades keep it light and fresh. It works best on smaller areas, so the detail does not overwhelm the entire kitchen.
Shades That Shape the Mood
Red tones give warmth and connect to tradition
Charcoal and black build a sharp modern edge and hide soot
Light shades, such as cream or white, reflect light and open the space
Mixed blends create natural variation and break up solid surfaces
How to Tie It All Together
The best outdoor kitchens balance simple layouts with one bold move. A running bond wall with a herringbone floor.
A dark grill wall next to a lighter bar. A steady base that holds the space together, with one accent that defines character. Balance is what makes the design memorable.
Installation Steps for Reliable Performance
A covered outdoor kitchen lasts only as long as the materials are set the right way.
Thin brick is strong, but the prep and installation decide how well it holds up.
Prepare the Base
Every project starts with a solid base. Concrete slab works best for floors. If the kitchen sits on wood, lay down cement board before setting brick.
Walls need clean surfaces—cement board or masonry—so the thin brick bonds correctly.
Apply the Mortar
Use polymer-modified thinset mortar. Spread it evenly with a notched trowel to give grip. Press each thin brick firmly so no hollow spots form behind the surface.
For vertical walls, apply mortar directly and work in small sections so the mix does not dry before the brick is set.
Set the Pattern
Decide the pattern before laying the first row. Running bond, herringbone, or basketweave must stay consistent from the start.
Mark lines with chalk on the slab or wall to guide alignment. For islands, begin at visible corners so the layout looks sharp where people notice it most.
Fill the Joints
Once the bricks are set, fill the joints with sanded grout. Use a grout bag or tuck-pointing tool for control.
Shape the joints concave or V form, which sheds grease and water better than flat joints. Wipe surfaces before grout dries to avoid haze.
Seal the Surface
Sealing protects thin brick from stains and moisture. Use a penetrating sealer with a matte finish so the surface stays natural.
Reseal every few years, especially on floors where spills and traffic wear the surface faster.
Small but Vital Details
Leave slight slope on floors so water runs away from the cooking zone
Plan outlets, lighting, and gas lines before covering walls or islands
Keep expansion gaps where surfaces meet structural elements to prevent cracks
Let mortar and grout cure fully before placing heavy appliances or furniture
How to Keep a Covered Outdoor Kitchen Safe and Comfortable?
A covered outdoor kitchen works best when it feels safe to cook and comfortable to spend time in. Smoke, heat, and moisture can take over if the space is not planned the right way. Small details make the difference.
Clear the Smoke and Heat
Grills push out smoke fast. Under a roof, that smoke lingers unless you give it a way out. A proper vent hood above the grill pulls the smoke and heat up and away.
Match the hood size to the grill, and make sure it vents outside rather than into the roof cavity.
Light Where You Need It
Cooking after dark is hard without targeted light. Place bright task lights above the prep areas and the grill.
Around seating, switch to softer lighting that sets a relaxed mood. Brick surfaces look even richer under warm-toned LED strips, especially under a bar counter.
Floors That Stay Safe
Moisture always finds its way under a roof. A slick floor creates accidents. Thin brick naturally provides grip, but only when sealed with the right finish.
Use a matte penetrating sealer to protect against stains without creating shine. Avoid glossy sealers that make the surface slippery.
Guard Against Weather
Rain and wind can drift sideways into a covered space. A slight slope in the floor pushes water out instead of letting it sit.
Roll-down shades or screens block wind and protect food when storms hit. Drainage around the kitchen keeps the base dry and stable.
Features That Add Comfort
Ceiling fans keep air fresh in summer
Mounted heaters extend use through cooler evenings
Cabinets and drawers protect utensils and keep counters clear
Outlets in smart spots prevent clutter from cords
Real Thin Brick as the Centerpiece of a Memorable Outdoor Kitchen
A covered outdoor kitchen comes to life when one material ties the whole space together. Thin brick fills that role.
It brings texture, strength, and a sense of permanence without the heavy structure of full brick. Floors, walls, and islands all gain a surface that looks solid and built with care.
Real Thin Brick delivers the look of authentic clay with a format that suits modern projects. Reds add rustic charm, dark charcoals sharpen the style, and soft neutrals keep the kitchen bright under a roof.
Patterns change the mood as well, shifting from a steady running bond to a bold herringbone or a detailed basketweave.
Strength is where thin brick stands apart. It handles heat from the grill, grease from daily use, and moisture that drifts in under the roof. With simple upkeep, the surface stays strong year after year.
A covered outdoor kitchen is not only for cooking. It is where family and friends gather, share meals, and spend time together. Real Thin Brick gives that setting character and presence.
When you choose it as the core material, the space does not just work well; it leaves an impression people carry with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does thin brick last in an outdoor kitchen?
When installed and sealed correctly, thin brick lasts for decades. It resists heat, grease, and weather, so you only need to reseal it every few years to keep it strong.
Does thin brick change color in sunlight?
Thin brick holds its color well because it is clay all the way through, not just a surface coating. Direct sun may slightly soften lighter tones over many years, but sealing helps protect against fading.
Can thin brick be installed over existing concrete patios?
Yes. Thin brick can be bonded directly to a solid concrete patio with thinset mortar. Make sure the surface is clean, level, and free of cracks before starting.
What tools are needed to install thin brick?
Basic tools include a notched trowel, level, spacers, grout bag, and tuck-point tool. For cutting pieces to fit, a wet saw or angle grinder with a masonry blade works best.
