3 Suggestions for Designing Your Outdoor Kitchen

Designing Your Outdoor Kitchen

Looking to bring your backyard full circle? Already have a pool? Why not add an outdoor kitchen to the mix to really experience the beauty of your backyard in the summer? Think of all those fun summer barbecues you can hold without having to go back and forth to your indoor kitchen. Keep these tips in mind when designing your outdoor kitchen:

1. Learn the Layout: It’s all about flow. If you don’t take this into consideration, you’ll find that it will be pretty inconvenient to navigate around the area. Think about where you should position your appliances and make sure they’re close to existing plumbing, electrical or gas lines. This is something your contractor can advise you on. He or she can also assist you on where to place your ventilation and lighting. It’s helpful to sketch it all out on paper beforehand and make sure your contractor can make it all work with the least amount of disturbance possible.
2. Work Around Your Budget: Selecting quality materials that won’t break the bank is easier than you think. You don’t have to spend a ton of money on authentic natural stone when faux granite will have the same effect. Just make sure any material you choose for your countertops and patios is resistant to grease stains and can withstand the high temperatures of the warmest months. Sealing your patio pavers is a must in order to preserve the floor and save cash on replacement or repair down the road.

Handy around the house? You can approach this as a DIY project without having to hire a contractor to build the whole thing. Purchase a prefabricated or modular outdoor kitchen kit available in many customizable styles including things like compact refrigerators, stainless steel cabinets, countertops and complete dining spaces. Just be sure to apply sound kitchen design principles for functional zones, as HGTV recommends keeping cold areas (refrigerators and freezers) separate from hot areas (grills and stovetops), as well as wet areas (sinks) separate from dry areas (prep counters and storage).

3. Sketch out a Plan: Before making any other move, you should first write out a list of your must-haves. Love the convenience of cooking and cleaning in one spot? Incorporate island areas that have a sink and dishwasher or drying rack as well as stove and prep areas. Enjoy making your own pizza for the kids? Include a brick pizza oven in the plans. For those on a budget, make a list of nice-to-haves as well as must-haves, with the knowledge that you can firm things up later once you see the overall costs.

It’s time to kick your outdoor entertainment space up a notch with a functional yet beautiful outdoor kitchen.