Using your home’s outdoor spaces is trending among homeowners more and more. These spaces provide a place for special experiences to be enjoyed with family and people close to you. Outdoor kitchens especially are catching all the buzz lately as it not only gives your meals a whole new element but you also let you make the most of your home and its outdoor space.
Evaluating Outdoor Space
If you have a lot of space surrounding your home, choose the area you want to build an outdoor kitchen and grill not too far from the house, so that you have amenities – like hot water – close by. However, for smaller outdoor spaces, opt for smaller grills and a minimalist kitchen design. Fortunately, there are an endless variety of outdoor kitchen designs, outdoor appliances, and counter space options for almost any type of requirement. To get an idea of the space you will be working on, measure its dimensions so you can decide on the appliances to use.
Setting a Budget
Dedicate some time to research, set a budget, and stick to it. When shopping for materials and appliances, it is really easy to let your spending get out of hand if not handled properly. Other costs that you might want to take care of include labor wages, hiring a kitchen designer for appropriate planning, securing permits, paying for plumbing and electrical services, and purchasing construction tools. Getting quotes from different vendors can help get the materials, appliances, and tools that fall within your budget.
Know Your Cooking Style
Do you love to have a nice BBQ cooked on a grill or pasta baked in an outdoor oven? Depending on your favorite cooking methods, you can choose from several options that include ovens, charcoal grills, griddles, stoves, and a plethora of variations that will suit everyone’s requirements. Deciding whether you will prep meals indoors and bring everything outside or you’ll be cooking meals from scratch outside will determine what appliances you will most likely be buying.
Furthermore, the number of people you’ll be cooking for will also influence what appliances you buy. Planning a few outdoor meals can be a great exercise to guide you in determining appliance sizes and the seating you’ll need. Having done all this research and testing will assist you when you plan a DIY kitchen, however, you might still need professional help to do the necessary electrical work. When it comes to designing an outdoor kitchen in particular, it’s important to remember that the requirements do differ from an indoor option, and this is why you need to do your research because implementing any plans.
Permanent or Temporary Construction
If you are living in a rented home, buy portable appliances that are easy to take with you should you need to move out. For example, a grill with a moving cart would be an excellent choice to make when compared to a standalone grill. However, if you are constructing the kitchen on your own property, choose the safest location and never compromise on the quality of materials to achieve the best results.
Considering Weather Conditions
When constructing your outdoor kitchen in regions with a warm climate, a larger setup would be a good choice as most of the time you would be spending more time outside. For regions with extreme climates, ensure the location is not directly under the sun, too windy, or cold so the space could serve its purpose. Lastly, if you live in an area with massive rainfall, opt for a patio-styled outdoor kitchen so you can enjoy the cooking experience to the max.
Selecting Materials
Pay special attention while picking outdoor building materials like bricks, tiles, concrete, and any other material required for detailing the outdoor structure. As mentioned earlier, never compromise on the quality of construction materials, especially if it’s a permanent structure. However, your budget, the availability of materials, and any additional cost for material installation will affect the outcome.
Maintaining The Kitchen
As outdoor kitchens will be exposed to the ravages of the weather,, it is crucial to maintain their cleanliness. Even if you don’t use the kitchen often, appliances will still need some sort of protection and maintenance due to changing weather conditions. Keeping to a minimalist approach while constructing your kitchen would work best if you want to spend less time and effort cleaning.
Depending on your budget, you can tweak the kitchen flooring, lighting, and surroundings to create a dreamy environment. If you have additional outdoor space available, consider building a garden beside the kitchen to further elevate the aesthetics of the surroundings. Nevertheless, planning out an outdoor kitchen is a great way to use outdoor space while staying trendy and in style.
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