16 Mar Tips for Designing the Best Outdoor Kitchen
Nothing is better than uncovering the grill and throwing a barbeque for all of your family and friends. But what if you didn’t have to dust off the grill every time you wanted to host guests? With an outdoor kitchen, you will be the envy of your friends and neighbors. Use these tips to design the best kitchen for your property.
Set a Budget
Figure out exactly how much you want to spend on the outdoor space and stick with the budget. As with all home renovations, it’s easy to go over budget because of unanticipated needs or accidents. Ensure the budget is thorough and includes everything needed, such as materials, labor, appliances, tools, and permits. You should also consider budgeting for professional services like outdoor kitchen designers, electricians, and plumbers.
Cooking Style
What kind of food do you picture yourself cooking in the new outdoor kitchen? Are you grilling burgers on the barbeque or making fresh pizza in a brick oven? Anything you can do inside, you can also do outside. Outdoor kitchen equipment includes ovens, stoves, and electric, gas, propane, and charcoal grills. You can add other features like a sink or a wet bar, too. In addition to your cooking style, consider how many people you will be cooking for. You want the kitchen space to handle the prep and cooking for the number and size of the meals you want to serve.
Open Space
If you live on a large property with tons of acreage, available space will not be an issue for you. Your primary concern will be selecting which spot to install the outdoor kitchen. Most people, however, have smaller yards. This offers fewer options for kitchen locations, so plan carefully. Consult with the outdoor kitchen contractors in Vero Beach, FL, to choose the right spot and amount of space to use for the kitchen.
Materials
Think about the materials used to build the home. Then, consider selecting materials that correspond with them. For example, if you live in a brick house, use brick as the main material in the outdoor kitchen. This creates continuity and looks attractive on the property. However, this is not the only option. Aside from the look, consider the budget, the material availability, installation costs, and the size of the kitchen. Even if you choose a material that’s different from your home, the outdoor kitchen can still look amazing.
Maintenance
Just like indoor kitchens, outdoor kitchens require a lot of care to ensure they look great for a long time. They may even require more maintenance than indoor kitchens because they are directly exposed to the elements. When not in use, surface and appliances should be covered and maintained. Consider the effort it will require to upkeep the kitchen. If you’re not a fan of cleaning, simpler may be better.
