Are you thinking about adding an outdoor kitchen to your home but don’t know where to begin in the planning process? If so, we are here to help by giving you a guide on how to design outdoor kitchens.
We have come up with a few ways on how to get inspired with the planning process and even have listed a few things you should consider including in your outdoor kitchen. Keep reading below to see our guide on how to design your outdoor kitchen.
Get Inspired
The first step to designing the best outdoor kitchen is to first get inspired. The first thing you should be thinking about is how an outdoor kitchen can benefit you.
First off, adding an outdoor kitchen onto your home will help to raise the value of your property. This means that if you plan on selling down the line you can add a few extra digits to your home resale value.
Another benefit that an outdoor kitchen will provide you is that is makes cooking easier. In the summer months people love to be outside, so if you love hosting you don’t have to be inside cooking. Instead, you’ll be outside with your guests and not missing out on anything.
Outdoor kitchens will also keep smoke outside and keep your house from filling up with it. In addition, your air conditioners won’t be trying to compete with the heat that comes from cooking and it will keep energy costs down.
Now that these benefits have inspired you, you should be thinking about what you want your outdoor kitchen to look like. You can give it a rustic theme with bricks or more of a Napa Valley feel with wood paneling.
Start Planning Your Kitchen
Now that you’re inspired, it’s time to start planning your outdoor kitchen. You will need the basics such as a grill and counter space. After having these two essential items selected it’s time to think about your additions.
Some people put a small fridge outside in their outdoor kitchens. Others add cabinets under the counters for more storage space. People will even add a bar to their outdoor kitchen plan to be the ultimate entertainers.
If you like having specific equipment for cooking the best part is that your outdoor cooking area isn’t limited to what you can add. There are options to add special cooking equipment such as griddles, pizza ovens, charcoal grills, BBQ smokers, and Kamado grills. Overall, the way you plan your outdoor kitchen is limitless and it can be tailored to fit your specific cooking or entertaining needs.
In addition to cooking equipment, you should also be thinking about adding a sink to your space. If so this will require a bit more set up during the construction phase. Sinks can be very convenient when it comes to cleaning dishes quickly or washing your hands in a matter of seconds without running back and forth from the house.
When Planning Remember Your Zones
The best and easiest way to plan your outdoor kitchen thoroughly is to plan it out in zones. Each zone should have a specific purpose and be big enough to fit it.
If you like to entertain a lot then you should have a zone for entertaining. This means having the equipment to mix drinks and places to store mixers. You can have a small sink, ice maker, and fridge in this area.
The cooking zone is going to be the biggest section of your outdoor kitchen. This space should be big enough to fit your grill and also give you enough space to actually cook. This is where you’ll decide if adding more counter space and cabinets for storage is useful for your cooking tendencies.
If you’re going to add more cooking equipment other than your grill you should be thinking about how big everything is, how much space you’ll need, and where to position everything for ease of use. Lastly, in your cooking zone, you will want ventilators so the space doesn’t fill with smoke, but you should be thinking about the size of the ventilator you want and where to place it.
Another zone you’ll want to consider is a prep zone. If you plan on prepping your food outside then you will need a larger counter space, hidden trashcans to keep pests away, and even a storage pantry to keep non-perishable items in.
The last zone you should think about is the plating and serving zone. If you want to keep plates warm while cooking the rest of the meal you may consider adding a warming drawer or two.
The best way to plan your zones is to create a rough sketch. This sketch can then be used as a diagram to help workers achieve your dream.
Think About How Much You’ll Entertain and Your Budget
Before hopping onto constructing your outdoor kitchen you should think of how often you’ll be using it and your budget. If you will be using your kitchen a few times a week then you’ll need to invest in a grill that’s durable and can cater to your cooking needs.
If you’re only grilling once in a while you can get a cheaper grill since it won’t be used as much. Lastly, you should be thinking about your budget before starting construction.
The more you invest in to your outdoor kitchen the more value you’ll add to your home. When creating your budget remember to keep an amount set aside (usually 10 percent of your set budget) for any bumps in the road.
Get Ready for Construction
Now that you have your layout completed and know what zones are going where, it’s time to prepare for construction. Most people will build outdoor kitchens themselves depending on how big and intricate it is. Others will hire a company to build their dream entertaining space.
No matter what you choose, you’ll have to prepare for construction by cleaning the area that will be transformed. Take away any patio furniture, decorations, and even transplant any plants that may be disrupted during the construction process.
No matter if you’re building your kitchen or going through a construction company there are a few things you should keep in mind when making decisions for the outdoor kitchen. The first thing you should do is select only all-weather materials.
This will make your kitchen durable to the elements and help to ensure that your kitchen lasts for a while before any needed repairs. If you’re adding a deck to your outdoor kitchen then make sure it’s being made with treated lumber to ensure that it will last and be durable during any time of the year.
Some outdoor kitchens will include walls that are made of concrete blocks. When covering these blocks you should be selecting materials that are also weatherproof and durable such as brick, stone, or stucco.
When it comes to having durable and weatherproof countertops any granite or stainless steel selection is ideal. If these finishes don’t really appeal to you, then you can opt to have tiles as your countertops in any color or style of your choice.
Remember the Plumbing and Electrical that Will Need to Happen
When it comes to construction there will most likely be a rerouting of electricity and plumbing to make your outdoor kitchen functional. Even if you’re thinking about adding a gas line for your grill, there will be a bit more work involved with rerouting the gas line or adding it.
When it comes to running lines and adding things such as a gas line, you should be using a professional. Unless you’re well seasoned in plumbing and electrical work, hiring a professional will save you headaches later and ensure that the job is done right.
Another tip you may forget is that you will need plenty of electrical outlets in your kitchen. Make sure to add a few and to place them in places that are functional.
Now You Know How to Design Outdoor Kitchens
We have given you the best guide on how to design outdoor kitchens. From getting inspired for your new project to outlining what materials you should be placing outdoors for maximum durability, you now know how to design an outdoor kitchen that will look beautiful and last. For more outdoor renovation tips and information be sure to check out the rest of our website.