Build the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen

Adding an outdoor kitchen to your home is a great way to expand your indoor living space. It will create wonderful opportunities for entertaining, family gatherings, and relaxing outdoor dinners. With proper planning, you can build the perfect outdoor kitchen that will add years of outdoor enjoyment to your home. Here are some important planning tips to help you build a great outdoor kitchen.



Choosing the Location

If your existing patio or deck is attached to the house, try to locate your outdoor kitchen within close proximity to your indoor kitchen. This will create more convenience for cooking and cleaning. If you plan to entertain, large parties may require the use of both kitchens at once to accommodate food and drinks. Close proximity to the indoor kitchen will make food preparation and serving for large groups easier.

Planning Your Kitchen

When planning your outdoor kitchen, consider how you will use it. Do you want to entertain? Do you want to provide a place for outdoor dining? Do you prefer large parties or small intimate gatherings? How you plan to use your outdoor kitchen will help determine space requirements and kitchen equipment. Outdoor kitchens can range in price from $2,000 to $25,000 based on equipment options, so you don't want to pay for kitchen equipment you won't use.

Design Kitchen Zones

For a more functional outdoor kitchen, create zoned areas for specific tasks that will create a natural flow between cooking, dining and entertaining. Equipment options for each zone include:

* Preparation – Sink; cutting boards; storage drawers; trash bins
* Cooking – Grill; oven; smoker; griddle; deep fryer; pizza oven; side burners
* Entertaining – Refrigerator; ice bins; ice machine; blender; wine cooler; beer tap
* Serving – Warming drawers; utensil drawers; storage cabinet; garnish center

A professional contractor can help you build the perfect outdoor kitchen for your home. Get your estimate now for an outdoor kitchen that fits your needs and budget.

Choose Low-Maintenance Materials

Flooring - Choose a patio or deck flooring material that's easy to maintain like natural stone, brick, tile, concrete or composite decking. With an outdoor kitchen, flooring should be grease and stain resistant and easy to clean.

Countertops - Countertops should be easy to clean. Granite, stone pavers, slate, cultured stone, ceramic tile, concrete and stainless steel are easy to maintain and clean outdoors. Avoid porous materials like limestone and marble unless they are sealed regularly.

Posted in: Outdoor Kitchen