Do you enjoy eating outdoors a lot? Do you have fun on poolside barbecues or garden parties? Then chances are you will love having an outdoor kitchen for your outdoor cooking-and-dining fix.
Before you get to the actual work, you have to carefully plan your move. Identify your outdoor layout and determine where you want to place your outdoor kitchen set-up. You may even consult with some reputable planners or contractors like ACS Concrete & Construction for ideas, costs, and best practices before proceeding.
Budget
Your budget will determine how much you can do at a certain time. There are a lot of ways to work around your budget without compromising the design. You just need to be more creative and resourceful. There are a lot of outdoor kitchen ideas available online that won’t break the bank.
Design
Depending on your style and preference, you can come up with the design that’s right for you. Whether you prefer a more neutral and natural look or a contemporary design, having the right layout and feel in mind can help get you in the right direction.
Climate
Some areas have extreme weather conditions, which can be harmful to your equipment and fixtures. If you are investing a lot in your outdoor kitchen, you might as well set aside some money for its protection and covering.
Materials
Your design will determine the materials you need to use for your structures and furniture in your outdoor kitchen. Choosing the right material also has certain factors to consider, like if it is made for external use, how it fares against high heat, how easy it is to clean and maintain, and will it require finishing.
Frequency of use
A good question to ask yourself is “How often will you use it?” If you are not the type to host outdoor dinners or barbecues regularly and only do it once a year, then it may not be wise to invest in an outdoor kitchen. However, if you thrive on doing it weekly, then have at it.
Equipment
There are a lot of great options for kitchen equipment and fixtures in the market. You can take a look at your local kitchen specialists shop or hunt online. The concept of bringing the kitchen outdoors has created a market for modular and prefabricated kits in different makes, configurations, and sizes.
Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance is also a consideration. Clean-up is almost always never a fun chore. Picking the right material and layout for your kitchen that will make clean-ups easier can add to its value and appeal.
Codes and regulations
Like any construction project, building an outdoor kitchen is subject to certain laws. You are required to comply with your local building code and regulations for your safety. While normally an outdoor kitchen is similar to an indoor set-up, there are a few differences that could be uncommon to your department so it is always best to consult the experts.
Having an outdoor kitchen could mean hours of fun with family and friends over food and drinks. Regardless of the design or size, what matters is you enjoy it with the most important people in your life.
