Outdoor living has evolved far beyond a simple patio and barbecue. Today’s homeowners are investing in fully equipped outdoor kitchen spaces that rival their indoor counterparts in both performance and design. At the heart of these luxury environments lies one crucial decision: choosing the right surface materials.
The Project
When Aaron at Outdoor BBQ Kitchens approached us about specifying materials for their new showroom displays in Nursling, Southampton, we were delighted to be involved. Outdoor BBQ Kitchens designs and supplies some of the most exciting outdoor kitchen units and BBQ setups available, and they wanted surfaces that would do justice to the quality of their products.
The Challenge
Outdoor kitchens demand more from materials than almost any indoor space. Surfaces need to withstand:
- Extreme temperature fluctuations
- Prolonged UV exposure
- Moisture, rain, and the unpredictable British weather
- Heavy use from cooking and entertaining
Getting the material choice wrong isn’t just an aesthetic issue – it’s a costly one. The specification needed to perform as well as it looked.
Why Corestone Lapis Blue Ceramic?
For the display, Outdoor BBQ Kitchens chose our Corestone Lapis Blue from the Italian ceramic range, a bold, striking choice that immediately sets the tone for the space.
Beyond its visual impact, Italian ceramic is one of the best-performing materials available for outdoor applications:
- Exceptional heat resistance – ideal for BBQ zones and hot cookware
- UV stability – colour and finish remain vibrant even in direct sunlight
- Non-porous surface – resistant to stains, moisture, and bacteria
- Scratch resistant – maintains its finish even in high-use areas
- No sealing required – minimal upkeep and easy to maintain
- Long-term durability – a surface built to last decades
For outdoor kitchens specifically, the combination of industrial-level performance and a sleek, contemporary aesthetic makes ceramic the standout choice.
The Result
The finished displays are visually striking, luxurious, functional, and exactly the kind of environment that helps customers imagine what’s possible in their own outdoor space. A huge thank you also goes to the team at Change of Style for their outstanding craftsmanship in bringing the displays together.
What Aaron Said…
“A huge thanks to Michael Shaw and the team at Corestone for the professional advice on what to use. It was a real treat to have them involved. Their attention to detail ensures that our displays don’t just look like a premium product, they feel like one too.” – Aaron, Outdoor BBQ Kitchens
Built for Year-Round Outdoor Living
Outdoor kitchens are no longer seasonal; they are year-round living spaces. Choosing premium materials like Corestone’s ceramic and natural stone range ensures your installation will not only look exceptional but perform flawlessly over time, regardless of what the British weather has in store.
If you’re planning an outdoor kitchen and want to get the material specification right from the start, get in touch with the Corestone team – we’d love to help.
