Are you considering adding an outdoor kitchen to your home?
If so, you certainly aren’t alone. This is a hot trend right now, and for good reason! Outdoor kitchens go a few steps beyond simply enjoying a deck and a grill; it is a literal extension of your home that reaches into the outdoors. Luxuries and amenities that are normally surrounded by four walls and a ceiling are left out to the open air, with just the sky overhead on a warm summer evening.
But, before you do dive into the design/building stages, we have a few ideas and tips for you to consider.
Creating a Beautiful, Functional Outdoor Kitchen
1. Choose the Best Floor
Whether your home construction project is indoors or out, the material under your feet should never be overlooked. A variety of flooring can be used, but it’s important to make sure that it is in good condition, easy to keep clean, and that it meets the needs of your family and friends. Choosing a product that has a little grip to it, for example, can be helpful if your kitchen is poolside. Otherwise it might become slick when wet.
If it’s not by water, on the other hand, and you have small children or elderly family members, a smooth surface that is easy to navigate might be a good option.
2. Plan Your Layout Carefully
It’s important to carefully plan the layout of any room, but it becomes especially important for a kitchen because of the permanence that goes along with the choices you make. Making sure it is designed to accommodate the flow of traffic to and from your home is necessary, as well as ensuring that any hot cooking surfaces are not in the mainstream.
As an added tip, be careful to keep your grill away from the entrance to the house. Smoke that continually blows inside can be a frustration, especially if you don’t want the living room furniture to smell like the last thing you had for dinner.
3. Make Sure Your Kitchen Meets Your Needs
The beauty of a customized outdoor kitchen is that it can be very simple and basic or have all the capabilities of an open-air commercial powerhouse. You know your goals, so be sure to tailor the design you choose to meet your needs. If you aren’t going to be making complicated dishes or feeding huge crowds, a smaller counter and cook station may be fine. If, on the other hand, entertainment is your passion, you’ll never regret investing in adequate storage and appliances.
4. Consider Your Climate
If you live in a warm area of the country, your outdoor kitchen can be a hub of activity year round (lucky you!). If you live in a climate that is more dictated by seasons, it is important to plan ahead. You can extend the seasonal use of your space by adding features like a fire pit, heat lamps, or even a fireplace. Investing in a roof of some sort can help to capture heat, and of course provides the dual benefit of shelter from rain.
5. Let There Be Light!
Speaking of extending seasonal use, including appropriate lighting not only adds ambience but also will let your outdoor kitchen be more easily used later into the night and during the times of year that create shorter days. Keep your cooking area well-illuminated for safety’s sake, as well as any stairways or paths.
Talk to a Professional Builder
It is hugely valuable to discuss your goals with a professional. They can then help you navigate the decisions involving materials, design, layout, size, etc.
If you have any home remodeling, building, or construction questions, we hope you won’t hesitate to reach out to us at Gerety Building and Restoration! It would be a pleasure to serve you.
