In the majority of homes, the kitchen is the heart of activity. It makes sense, given that food is a basic necessity for living and socializing with others while preparing it is a pleasurable and engaging activity. The construction and use of an outdoor kitchen can enhance this delightful experience. Imagine spending a warm summer afternoon outdoors with friends, family, and neighbors while enjoying the sensory experience of cooking meals! You may be able to taste it while reading this. Wait till you use your outdoor kitchen for the first time, it will be fantastic.
Why Build an Outdoor Kitchen?
As previously noted, an outdoor kitchen can increase the enjoyment of preparing a meal. Guests may like being outdoors near your new outdoor kitchen more. Guests will be close, but not in the way or on the feet of those cooking the meal if adequate planning has been executed. You'll discover that constructing an outdoor kitchen will definitely serve as the ideal gathering place for your guests and family when you're entertaining outdoors. There is a significant probability that one of the best realtors in your area will affirm that an outdoor kitchen can increase the value of your house.
Read more: The 9 Best Deck Boxes for Outdoor Storage
Things to Consider When Building an Outdoor Kitchen
There are numerous factors to consider while constructing an outdoor kitchen, including site, climate, material selection, selecting weather-resistant décor and furnishings, and more. You must also consider whether you possess the necessary expertise to construct an outdoor kitchen on your own. If you are unable to install electrical wiring or water pipes, it may be worthwhile to contact a contractor with the appropriate knowledge.
Budget
Creating an outdoor kitchen entails a large number of modifiable parts, which can make budgeting difficult. The price of constructing an outdoor kitchen can be impacted by a variety of factors, including the type of materials used, the size of the space, the need for appliances, and the need for permits.
How Much Does it Cost to Have an Outdoor Kitchen Built?
Local Permits and Building Restrictions
Many homeowners wonder, "Do I need permission to construct an outdoor kitchen?" The answer is variable. If you do not intend to construct a roof and do not require electrical or plumbing work, you will likely not require a permit.
If your plans for an outdoor kitchen contain electrical appliances or heat sources, you will likely need a permit. You may also be required to adhere to state and local regulations while building grills and fireplaces.
Climate
The climate where you construct your outdoor kitchen has a significant impact on its design, materials, and operating season. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
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Saltwater and sea air can be particularly corrosive in coastal climates. Consult with architects or seasoned remodelers/builders to determine the non-damaging materials and appliances.
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Desert Climates - Intense, harsh sunlight may be your worst adversary. Consider how you'll keep the outdoor kitchen in the shade, especially in the late afternoon when the sun is at its hottest.
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In cold climates, it is essential to keep your outdoor kitchen open for as long as possible. Consider portable heaters, outdoor fireplaces, and windscreens, which can provide an additional 4-6 weeks of use.
Size of the Kitchen Area
The size of the kitchen space will influence the kitchen's layout and how each component relates to its surroundings. Do you want your outdoor kitchen to occupy only a small amount of your deck, leaving space for a lounge area or other section? Or, do you prefer the concept of an expansive outdoor kitchen that covers your entire deck and was designed with entertaining and cooking for guests in mind?
If you have adequate space to construct a larger outdoor kitchen, incorporating islands, built-in grills, and other utilitarian elements are much simpler. On the other hand, working in confined places can necessitate greater ingenuity and spatial planning.
Location and Layout
Your outdoor kitchen design should suit your space both aesthetically and functionally. For instance, when building an outdoor kitchen, you may want it to be protected from the elements. Size, shape, format, and movement are also important in outdoor kitchen ideas.
Considerations should go into placing your outdoor kitchen. For instance, does your deck have a wind direction? Cooking smoke should not be downwind of your guests. Consider the chef and guests' solar exposure. You don't want them looking into the strong late afternoon sun as they chat.
Distance from the house is also significant. You don't want this outdoor kitchen far from the usual gathering spot. Keep in mind that it will be the center of the action. Therefore, it shouldn't be where neighbors may see it.
Cabinet Materials
There are numerous possibilities for outdoor kitchen components. Your material decision will have a substantial effect on design, functionality, and price. It is crucial to use climate-appropriate materials. Even minute amounts of material expansion or contraction can impede sliding doors and hinges, and the vast majority of materials are susceptible to extreme temperature variations.
Typically, powder-coated stainless steel cabinets are the ideal choice when constructing an outdoor kitchen in climates where weather variations are a problem. In addition to being resistant to the elements, stainless steel is also resistant to a range of chemical reactions, which is one of the reasons it is so popular in industrial kitchens.
Outdoor Lighting and Appliances
A compact outdoor refrigerator can keep beverages and condiments cool, while power burners expedite the cooking process. And for some individuals, barbecues are vital. To make the most of your outdoor kitchen space, you have a large selection of equipment to pick from, provided they are made to handle outdoor circumstances.
You'll learn without a doubt that these are essential outdoor cooking appliances:
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Sink
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Refrigerator
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Freezer
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Grill/Oven
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Burners
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Optional Wood-Fired Pizza Dome
When evaluating lighting alternatives and selecting the one that best meets your needs, weatherproofing is of special significance.
Proper Ventilation Between Appliances
For adequate ventilation, you should leave around 1"-2" of space around the top and bottom of cabinets and between appliances. Poor ventilation can result in increased energy consumption, a higher danger of fire, maintenance issues, and a shorter lifespan. The greatest resource for finding optimal ventilation spacing is the appliance manufacturer.
Delivery and Installation
DIY-inclined homeowners may find that installing an outdoor kitchen is considerably simpler than they anticipated. In fact, certain kitchens are designed with installation in mind. However, if you lack confidence in your ability to construct an outdoor kitchen, you may always hire a local professional to do the job for you. The installation of an outdoor kitchen is a very inexpensive project, and depending on a professional can prevent unforeseen complications.
Routine Maintenance and Care
The quantity of upkeep necessary for your outdoor kitchen will rely largely on the materials you choose. Routine maintenance entails cleaning off countertops and removing char from the tops of grills. Most spills on stainless steel surfaces can be cleaned with a basic all-purpose cleanser. However, you should avoid immediately cutting on the surface.
