Top 3 Tips for Designing an Outdoor Kitchen
Top 3 Tips for Designing an Outdoor Kitchen
Looking to expand your home and bring the luxuries of a kitchen outside? This is a great way to gather with family and friends during nice weather. Just as important as beauty is functionality when it comes to your outdoor kitchen. Check out these tips for designing your own outdoor space for cooking, entertaining and making memories.
- Come up with a Plan
First, make a list of your must-haves. If you love baking your own pizza, a pizza oven should be on that list. If you prefer to do all cooking and cleaning in one area, you should plan to incorporate island areas that have a sink and dishwasher or drying rack in addition to stove and prep areas. Consider a shed to tidy up various items. On a tight budget? Make a list of nice-to-haves as well as must-haves. You can always firm things up later once you take a look at what everything costs.
- Stretch Your Budget
You don’t necessarily need a contractor to build your own outdoor kitchen if you’re quite handy yourself. These days, there are prefabricated and modular outdoor kitchen kits available in a wide spectrum of customizable styles. These kits may include anything from compact refrigerators and stainless steel cabinets to countertops and dining spaces. This will allow you to save on cost as well as time. Choose surfaces that are easy to clean and maintain, such as high-quality stainless steel, which is sanitary and corrosion-resistant. Make sure your counters and patios are resistant to grease stains and can stand up to high temperatures in the summer. Seal your pavers when it comes to your flooring to preserve the materials and save money on replacement or repair later.
- Think About Layout
The flow of your outdoor kitchen is important. Too cramped and you will find it difficult to navigate the space. Also, think about where you’re placing your appliances and make sure they’re close to plumbing, electrical or gas lines. This is where a contractor comes in. He or she can help you position your outdoor kitchen to ensure easy access to utilities. You’ll also need to think about ventilation and lighting. Again, consider where you’re putting these elements so that’s easy to connect to electrical outlets. Sketch it all out on paper beforehand and consult with your contractor to make sure it will all work for you with the least amount of inconvenience and relocation of utility lines.
Keep in mind that using prefab kits still means you have to apply sound kitchen design principles for functional zones. Keep cold areas (refrigerators and freezers) separate from hot areas (grills and stovetops), and likewise with wet areas (sinks) and dry areas (prep counters and storage), advises HGTV.
A pool is an excellent complement for your outdoor kitchen, completing the whole experience for your guests and family. Call Central Jersey Pools to see how we can help you incorporate an above ground or in-ground pool – or even a spa -- at 732-462-5005.