4 Things To Think About When Building an Outdoor Kitchen
Now that winter is upon us, you may find yourself dreaming of warmer days. You picture yourself sitting outside on a sunny day. Your loved one hands you a chilled glass of sweet lemonade and you breathe in the air deep noting the smoky aroma of your favorite meat grilling close by. You have all of your side dishes ready to go and now you are just waiting for a few more friends to arrive before you all sit down to a delicious outdoor barbeque. Does that sound about right? Maybe at the moment, you have your dream home but would like to do more with your back patio area. Though chilly temps will be around for a few more months, now is the perfect time to start planning your dream outdoor kitchen so you will be ready to host the first spring barbecue.
Before you begin picking out colors and patio furniture, check out these four important things to think about when beginning the construction of your very own dream kitchen.
Talk to a professional
Not so fast! While the idea of turning the clock forward to get to the part where you are enjoying your new outdoor patio seems great, there is still a ton of work to be done. The best place to begin is by discussing your dream kitchen with a trusted professional who can help you narrow down your goals and give you a realistic plan based on the budget you provide. Asking friends and family for recommendations is great way to find someone you can put a fair amount of faith in to finish your kitchen. Next, go online and look up companies around your area and compare client reviews. Browse websites, and take a good look at before and after photos if you have a chance. It’s good to have a few solid options of what you know you want, but it is also good to be flexible and open to other suggestions.
Construct with purpose
What do you think you will be cooking the most? Is your family more into classic barbecue, or is fried fish more your style? If you prefer red meat and veggies, a larger built-in grill may be what is best for you. If you plan on dishing out a load of fried fish, you may want to look into a good sized fridge to store your fresh fish before you cook it. If you have a small family and do not entertain all that much, downsizing a bit and keeping it simple may prove to be the best plan. But if you hope to entertain the masses and use your outdoor kitchen all the time, prepare for an arrangement with all the bells and whistles, and keep in mind that construction may take longer than you anticipated. After all, you want to make sure you have everything you need to make an amazing meal that is prepared properly with the right equipment all in one place.
Consider your location
Safety is key, so make sure your layout allows everything on your kitchen wish list without placing you or your loved ones in harm’s way. For example, smoke from the grill should push away from where everyone would be seated. Nothing ruins a nice cold cocktail like a face full of grill smoke. Next, take into account the climate of the place you live in. If you experience harsh winters, you will want materials made to withstand the weather. Choosing sturdy materials goes for both countertops and floors as well. Another thing to take into account when building your outdoor kitchen is finding the right light. How much do you need? If you already have external light fixtures, lighting may not be a huge problem. If you live somewhere more secluded and need all the illumination you can get, consider putting more money and space into making sure you have enough light to entertain all night long. Touching more on location, vamping up your outdoor area can increase the value of your home when you are ready to sell and move elsewhere. It is a win-win!
Focus on final touches
Once you have a great contracting team, and the larger pieces pulled together, you can get to picking out more of the details. Choose a theme if you would like to give decor and design an easier structure. Again, keep in mind the climate around you so you can can be certain each piece works in your new outdoor space. Stick to strong furniture and accessories specifically intended for the outdoors and keep it simple enough to move if necessary in case of a storm. When it comes to the kitchen itself, stay away from porous surfaces so that everything you cook for those you love stays clean and sanitary. Stainless steel is great for cooking and makes cleaning a whole lot easier as well. Use cabinet space to your advantage as they may often store items like cleaning supplies and dish trays. Remember, you want to keep your counter space as clear as possible so things are not so exposed to the elements.