Building an Outdoor Kitchen? Here’s What You Should Know
An outdoor kitchen is a great way to spend time with family and friends. You may imagine yourself creating amazing food while enjoying the weather and company of your guests. Whether you are dreaming of an outdoor pizza oven or stainless steel appliances, adding an outdoor kitchen can create the outdoor living space of your dreams. When you reach the planning stage for your new kitchen, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating an awesome outdoor kitchen of your own.
Plan your layout carefully
The layout of your outdoor kitchen varies on the space of your yard. Many outdoor kitchens are L-shaped, lending a sense of room division for the area. Another key layout decision includes appliance placement. There are different options for what you can include, but most outdoor kitchens have a few basics. These include a grill, a small refrigerator, and a storage area. If you are working with limited space, you may not want much more than this. If you have a large amount of space, additional options include extra burners, a sink, a pantry, or a bar. It may be beneficial to build your outdoor kitchen close enough to your house that you can easily access your indoor kitchen. This provides extra cooking and food storage areas, which can come in handy when you have a large number of guests to feed.
The right materials
Choosing the materials for your outdoor kitchen is another key consideration to creating an awesome environment. Most importantly, it needs to hold up to different weather and extreme weather conditions such as: high winds, heavy rains, extreme heat and snow storms. As you design your kitchen, select materials that are tough to withstand these elements but are also easy to clean and maintain.
Avoid porous surfaces that stain easily or absorb grease, ruining the look of your countertop or flooring. If you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures, consider alternatives to tile, which can crack from exposure to cold. There are abundant options for materials that will match the existing decor of your patio or backyard as well as the exterior of your home. You’ll want to enjoy your outdoor kitchen for years to come, so make sure you take the time to choose the right materials.
Consider comfort
Once you have installed an outdoor kitchen, you’ll want to enjoy it throughout the year. Consider features that will shelter you and your guests from the elements. Awnings and umbrellas are a convenient way to provide cover from rain, strong sun, or the wind. A natural gas heater designed for outdoor use can keep everyone comfortable during cold weather. Since barbecues and parties may extend well into the night, you want to have access to good lighting in the cooking area as well as the seating area. Small halogen light fixtures are great if you are working with limited space, providing plenty of light despite their small size. If you have an overhead cover on your patio, you can install pendant lights or track lighting for illumination with a decorative touch.
Hook up utilities
To make your outdoor kitchen fully functional, you need to hook up utilities such as electricity, water, and gas. Appliances such as a refrigerator, an ice machine, or a blender require you to put in electrical outlets. These outlets are also useful for lighting or media equipment. Most outdoor kitchens use gas grills, which requires hooking up a line to your home’s gas supply. If your outdoor kitchen includes a sink, you must connect a water line. The most common option is to install a single line for cold water since you can heat it as needed or get hot water from inside the house. However, some people prefer the convenience of a second outdoor line for hot water. Safety is paramount when hooking up utilities, and the process requires expertise and knowledge of local building codes and regulations. It is best to consult with a licensed contractor for assistance in this regard.
If you are looking for advice or assistance with building an outdoor kitchen, contact us today. We love creating and making our customers dreams into reality. Let us customize the perfect outdoor kitchen for you!
