Do you dream of an outdoor kitchen that looks as though it came straight from the Algarve? Portuguese tiles are unmistakable: those beautiful blue and white patterns, the warm earth tones, the geometric motifs that transport you to southern Europe on sight. But real tiles in an outdoor kitchen bring quite a few challenges with them. Grout that discolours, upkeep that never stops and a job that calls for a skilled hand.
There is a smarter alternative. With a backsplash in a Portuguese tile look you bring that same Mediterranean feel into your outdoor kitchen, but without the drawbacks. No grout, no mould, no endless scrubbing. In this article you will find out why more and more outdoor kitchen owners choose a backsplash with an antique tile look, and how you can build that dream kitchen under your veranda.
Why Portuguese tiles are so popular for outdoor kitchens
The popularity of Portuguese tiles, also known as azulejos, has grown enormously in recent years. And that is no surprise. They combine centuries of craft with a timeless look that suits classic and modern outdoor kitchens alike.
What makes the Portuguese tile look so appealing?
- Timeless patterns: from fine floral motifs to bold geometric prints, Portuguese tile patterns suit every style.
- Mediterranean warmth: the typical palettes of blue and white, terracotta and olive green bring back a holiday feeling straight away.
- Versatility: they combine effortlessly with wood, natural stone, concrete or steel in your outdoor kitchen.
- Personality: every pattern tells a story and gives your outdoor kitchen a character of its own.
It is no surprise that many people want to carry this look through to their outdoor kitchen. But anyone who has ever had real tiles outdoors knows the story does not end there.
The drawbacks of real tiles in an outdoor kitchen
Let us be honest: real Portuguese tiles are beautiful, but in an outdoor kitchen you run into serious practical objections. A northern European climate is simply not a Portuguese one.
Grout: the weak point
Grout is by far the biggest problem with outdoor tiles. It draws in moisture, discolours through exposure to the weather and makes an ideal breeding ground for mould and algae. In an outdoor kitchen where you barbecue, grill or bake regularly, grease spatter and food residue come on top of that. The result? Grout that no longer looks fresh after a single season, however hard you scrub.
Frost damage and cracking
Winters with freeze and thaw cycles are ruinous for outdoor tiles. Water works into the grout and the tile surface, freezes and expands. The consequence: hairline cracks, tiles coming loose and a surface that looks worse and worse. Handmade Portuguese tiles, which are naturally more porous, suffer most of all.
Labour intensive upkeep
Anyone with real tiles in an outdoor kitchen knows the upkeep is a recurring chore. Resealing grout, impregnating tiles, removing algae, refixing loose tiles. It is an ongoing project that costs time and money.
Costly and time consuming fitting
Laying real Portuguese tiles on an outdoor kitchen wall calls for an experienced tiler. The surface has to be perfectly prepared, the tiles have to sit level and the grouting has to be done professionally. Reckon on several days of work and the labour costs that go with it.
The backsplash as the smart alternative: the advantages in a row
A backsplash with a Portuguese tile look gives you the best of both worlds: the look you want, without the problems you do not. Below we set out the advantages.
No grout, no worries
The single biggest advantage? There is simply no grout. A backsplash is one continuous panel with the tile pattern printed on it at high resolution. No seams for dirt, grease or moisture to work into. After cooking or barbecuing you take a damp cloth, wipe the panel down and you are done. It really is that simple.
Weatherproof and UV stable
Designerwand backsplashes are built to take a knock. The material is moisture resistant, UV resistant and copes with swings in temperature. Under a canopy or veranda your backsplash will last for years without discolouring or taking damage.
Quick and straightforward fitting
Where laying tiles can take days, you fit a backsplash in a couple of hours. You need no tiler and the job works perfectly well as an outdoor kitchen backsplash DIY project. The panel is delivered made to measure, so there is no sawing or cutting to do. Want to know more about putting it up? See our fitting information.
Made to measure
Every outdoor kitchen is different. A backsplash is made exactly to your measurements, whether you need a wide back wall or a narrow strip beside the barbecue. Enter your dimensions in the online calculator and you see the price straight away.
Affordable
Comparing the total cost, including material, labour, adhesive, grout and finishing, a backsplash often works out cheaper than a tiled wall. And that is before you count the upkeep over the years.
Which Portuguese tile look suits your outdoor kitchen?
At Designerwand you will find a wide range of antique tile look backsplashes that suit a Mediterranean outdoor kitchen perfectly. But which pattern do you choose? That depends on the style you want to create and the materials already in your outdoor kitchen.
Classic blue and white
The most iconic Portuguese tile look: cobalt blue patterns on a white ground. This combination radiates calm and elegance and sits perfectly with an outdoor kitchen with white or light grey worktops. Combine it with wooden accents for a warm, southern feel.
Warm earth tones
Do you prefer a warmer look? Then choose Portuguese tile patterns in terracotta, ochre and sand shades. These colours pair beautifully with outdoor kitchens containing natural stone or brick elements. They give your terrace a Tuscan feeling.
Colourful patchwork
For the bold: a patchwork of different Portuguese tile patterns in various colours. This gives your outdoor kitchen a lively, bohemian look. Combined with a simple worktop and plain units it works surprisingly well.
Weathered and vintage
Do you like a lived in look? There are also tile look designs that imitate the patina of centuries old tiles, complete with subtle worn patches and faded colours. That gives your outdoor kitchen instant character, as though it had stood there for decades. Have a look at Portuguese tiles in the interior too, for more on carrying this style through indoors.
Styling tips: the perfect Mediterranean outdoor kitchen
A backsplash with a Portuguese tile look is a fantastic starting point, but how do you create a complete Mediterranean feel in your outdoor kitchen? Here are our tips.
Natural materials
Combine your tile look backsplash with materials you find around the Mediterranean: untreated wood, natural stone, terracotta pots and wrought iron details. A wooden chopping board on the wall, an olive tree in a pot or a rattan shade above the island completes the picture.
Open shelving and kitchenware as decoration
Instead of closed units you can put open shelving against or beside your backsplash. Set out your best crockery there, a few bottles of olive oil, fresh herbs in pots and a stack of linen napkins. That way your outdoor kitchen becomes not just functional but a pleasure to look at.
Lighting for atmosphere
The right lighting lifts your outdoor kitchen to another level. Think warm white light strings along the canopy, lanterns with candles on the worktop or a statement pendant above the dining table. The light catches the tile patterns of your backsplash beautifully and reinforces the Mediterranean feel.
A herb garden within reach
Nothing says Mediterranean quite like fresh herbs. Plant basil, rosemary, thyme and oregano in terracotta pots beside your outdoor kitchen. They are always within reach while you cook and they strengthen the southern character of your cooking spot.
Colour accents that pick up the tile pattern
Take one or two colours from your tile look backsplash and let them return in the accessories: cushions on the outdoor bench, tablecloths, napkins or even the colour of your outdoor kitchen doors. That ties everything together into a coherent whole.
Materials for your outdoor kitchen backsplash
At Designerwand you can choose from several materials for your backsplash. For an outdoor kitchen the choice of material matters that bit more, because the panel is exposed to changing weather.
- DW Original: lightweight and easy to fit. Suitable for outdoor kitchens under a canopy. This is the most chosen option for outdoor kitchens, thanks to its excellent value for money.
- DW Solid: a solid aluminium panel that is extra sturdy and hard wearing. Ideal if your outdoor kitchen sees heavy use or if you want a premium look.
- DW Glass: tempered glass with the print behind it. Particularly stylish and extremely easy to keep clean. Perfect for anyone who wants the very best.
Which material suits your situation best depends on your budget, where your outdoor kitchen is and your personal preference. Have a look at the full backsplash collection to compare all the options.
From idea to reality: how to order your backsplash
Ordering a backsplash with a Portuguese tile look for your outdoor kitchen is simpler than you think.
- Choose your design: browse the antique tile look backsplash collection and pick the pattern that suits you.
- Enter your measurements: use the online calculator to give the exact dimensions of your outdoor kitchen wall. You see the price straight away.
- Order a sample: would you like to see the material and the print for real first? Order a sample so you can judge it at home in the light of your outdoor kitchen.
- Request a free simulation: send in a photograph of your outdoor kitchen and we will place the chosen design into it digitally. That way you see exactly what the end result looks like. Make use of our free simulation.
- Order and fit: happy with it? Order your made to measure backsplash. It is delivered within a few working days and fitted in a couple of hours.
Inspiration: outdoor kitchens with a Portuguese tile look
To give you some inspiration, here are a few popular combinations we see regularly.
The modern villa kitchen: a clean lined outdoor kitchen with a concrete look worktop and matt black units, combined with a backsplash in a classic blue and white Portuguese tile look. The contrast between modern and traditional makes this combination particularly stylish.
The country outdoor kitchen: a kitchen built from old wood and natural stone, with a backsplash in warm earth toned Portuguese tile look. Together with terracotta pots and wrought iron hooks it creates a rustic, southern feel.
The garden pavilion: a compact outdoor kitchen under a wooden pergola, with a striking patchwork tile look backsplash as the eye catcher. The lively colours turn a simple cooking corner into a festive spot.
Incidentally, the Portuguese tile look does not only work in the outdoor kitchen. In the bathroom this style is beautiful too. Read more about it in our article on the Provencal bathroom backsplash. And if you want the tile look in your indoor kitchen as well, have a look at our page on the tile look kitchen backsplash.
Frequently asked questions about outdoor kitchens and Portuguese tiles
Are Portuguese tile look backsplashes suitable for outdoors?
Yes, Designerwand backsplashes are UV resistant, moisture resistant and cope with swings in temperature. That makes them excellently suited to use in an outdoor kitchen, provided they are fitted under a canopy or veranda. Direct exposure to prolonged rainfall is not recommended.
How do I look after a backsplash in my outdoor kitchen?
Very simply: with a damp cloth and if needed a mild detergent. There is no grout to discolour or grow mould in. Wipe it down after the barbecue and your panel looks as good as new. Compare that with scrubbing tile grout.
Can I order a sample to see the tile look first?
Certainly. You can order a sample to judge the material and the print at home. That way you see exactly how the Portuguese tile look reads in the light of your own outdoor kitchen. On top of that you can use our free simulation, where we place the design into your space digitally.
What does a Portuguese tile look backsplash for an outdoor kitchen cost?
The price depends on the material you choose and the dimensions. The online calculator on the product page shows straight away what your made to measure backsplash costs. In general a backsplash works out cheaper than real Portuguese tiles, certainly once you count the labour for a tiler, the adhesive, the grout and the surface preparation.
What is the difference between Portuguese and Moroccan tiles?
Portuguese azulejos are usually square, often blue on white, and their pattern tells one continuous story across a whole wall. Moroccan zellige tiles are smaller, more irregular in shape and far richer in colour, with a glaze that catches the light unevenly. For an outdoor kitchen it makes no difference to the material: both looks sit in the antique tile collection and are printed on the same weatherproof panels.
In closing: the Mediterranean outdoor kitchen within reach
An outdoor kitchen with Portuguese tiles need not be an expensive, maintenance hungry undertaking. With a backsplash in a Portuguese tile look you enjoy the same Mediterranean feel, but without grout, without endless upkeep and without high fitting costs. You choose exactly the pattern that suits your style, the panel is made to measure and you fit it yourself in a couple of hours.
Ready to give your outdoor kitchen that dream look? Have a look at the antique tile look backsplash collection, request a free simulation or order a sample to judge the material at home. Your Mediterranean outdoor kitchen is closer than you think.
Further reading
- Portuguese tile backsplash DW3301. The design from this article, made to measure in three materials.
- Antique tile designs. Portuguese, Delft blue and other tile prints together in one place.
- Making an outdoor kitchen backsplash yourself. What to watch out for when the panel goes outdoors.
