How to Build Your Own Outdoor Kitchen And Be the Life of The Party!

 

If you like to grill and spend time outside, then you may have put some thought into building an outdoor kitchen. While it is a big investment of your time, the payoff can be incredible.

To build your own outdoor kitchen, you’ll need to do some planning. There are a host of different options and things to take into consideration before you start.

Luckily, we’ve got a guide here for you that should get you well on your way. So check out the scoop on how to build your own outdoor kitchen.

Think About Placement First

Ever hear the adage, “Measure twice, cut once?” It applies here, as well.

Before you start building or landscaping, you need to think strategically about the placement of your kitchen. First, identify how far from the house you can actually place it. If you put it too far away, the back and forth travel could dampen your enthusiasm for cooking outside.

Once you know where you want to place it generally, then you can start thinking about flow. How will people use this space? And how should it be set up to make the most of those uses?

A grill right next to the back door? Maybe not the best idea.

A huge space available for a grill and bar, but nowhere to sit? Again, that could be an issue.

Realize that people will likely be moving through the outdoor kitchen in a specific manner. You can even build it to facilitate that movement.

Remember that people will probably be using this space to eat, too. Build your own outdoor kitchen and position the furniture for a view of any landscaping in your yard.

Give It A Solid Foundation

Whether it’s brick, concrete, or paver stone, you need solid footing underneath the kitchen. This will also act as a visual barrier between the kitchen and the rest of your yard.

It’s pleasing to the eye to see the even break between grass, mulch, or other plants and the stone or concrete. And remember, people are going to be moving around in this area constantly.

Foot traffic, along with chairs and tables, will tear up any soft surfaces. Get something that will last and can take a chair being dragged across it.

Choose Your Materials Wisely

You want to build your own outdoor kitchen; you don’t want to be constantly performing maintenance on it. This is why it’s so important to choose your materials and appliances carefully.

I’ve found that most people are happiest with the outdoor kitchen that needs the least amount of upkeep. So ditch the limestone and go with sealed granite countertops and stainless steel. These won’t stain as easily and are easy to clean.

Make sure any appliances that you buy are outdoor rated. Just because something looks like it will work, that doesn’t mean you want to take a chance on it.

Build Your Own Outdoor Kitchen With Separate Zones

You’re going to want to want to be able to do a lot with your kitchen. Think of all the tasks that go on in your actual kitchen. Food prep, cooking, clean up, tossing leftovers in the fridge–the list goes on.

So your outdoor kitchen should be able to do most of that as well. The key is to keep separate “zones” for each task.

There should be enough counter space for both food prep and clean up. If you want a bar with it, that should have its own zone, too.

And remember to keep your heating zone away from any cooling areas. Separating the grill and the mini-fridge will ensure that they both work properly. They’ll also last longer if they aren’t placed right next to each other.

How Will You Cover It?

And I don’t mean the actual kitchen appliances themselves. If you’ve done your homework, your kitchen will be able to withstand the elements.

You know who has a harder time withstanding those same elements? You and your guests. Remember that you’ll probably need to erect some type of covering over your patio. At the very least, you need to keep the sun off everyone.

Luckily, you have plenty of options. An awning extending from the house, or even just an umbrella over the table can work.

Another choice, and one that looks fantastic, is a pergola. It won’t keep the rain off, but it will provide some shade, and it gives you plenty of decorative options.

You can hang lights or plants from it, but the best option may take years. Pergolas are perfect for vines like wisteria, honeysuckle, clematis, and many others.

After a few years of growth, you’ll have a beautifully covered outdoor kitchen that still lets grill smoke out.

Other Points To Remember

Lighting

If you build your own outdoor kitchen, you’ll probably get the most use out of it in the evening. Depending on the time of year, you could have plenty light, or none at all.

Don’t forget about lighting as you’re building your kitchen and the surrounding patio area.

Privacy

Even if you already have a big fence around your yard, you may want some additional privacy. A great way to do this is with a hedge or some strategically placed bushes on one or two sides of the patio.

It doesn’t look imposing, but it will get the job done and give you a little more cover.

Think Ahead

Even if you don’t want to install a TV or sound system outside, you may want to install the wiring anyway. Why? Because if you change your mind, it’ll be a much bigger pain to do it after everything else is finished.

Plus, if you decide to sell your house, you can tell potential buyers that it’s all ready to go. All they need to do is hook up the electronics.

Final Thoughts

Does it seem like a lot of work to build your own outdoor kitchen? Well, you’re right, there are aspects of it that can be a challenge for the average homeowner.

If you are looking for professional help, call us today at Pebble Creek Landscaping. We’re here to serve you!