Though outdoor grilling spaces have been around for decades, fully furnished outdoor kitchens have become much more popular over the last years and more and more home are considering building a new one or upgrading an existing one. But, before you dive into a big DIY project, there are a lot of questions to consider. Take some time to think about some basic questions and they can help you figure out exactly what will fit your and your family’s space and needs!
Who?
Who do you see using the space? An outdoor kitchen can be a great space to simply grill dinner for your family every so often or it can be an amazing entertaining space for having guests over. If you’re more of a people person, it might make sense to look at outdoor kitchens that are open and include some grill-side seating, along with space for tables or open space for standing. If you like to fly solo in the kitchen, you may want to use some of that space for extra counter space, appliances, or storage to really customize your grilling station.
What?
More and more companies are creating appliances that can withstand all types of weather conditions specifically for outdoor kitchens. From hybrid grills that can accommodate charcoal and gas grilling to sinks, refrigerators, and even dishwashers, there are endless ways you can customize your space to be as much of a full kitchen as you want. But it’s important to think about what kinds of appliances you may want before you start designing and building your kitchen – some appliances may have specific electrical or water needs, or there may be certain building codes in your neighborhood that you have to follow. Incorporate the appliances you use often into your design plans, and note where there may be space for upgrading later.
Where?
If you already have an outdoor kitchen, you may not have as much choice about where to place your kitchen but you may still be able to move where particular appliances are. On the other hand, if you’re starting from scratch designing a new outdoor space, you’ll want to think about how the kitchen will fit within the rest of your outdoor space. Do you want guests to walk right into the outdoor kitchen space, or should it be set back from your house and a little bit of a removed space? Do you need to keep the seating area nearby to stay under the cover of a partial roof, or because you’ll need to carry dishes back and forth from inside to outside? All of these questions might help you imagine what your perfect space should look like.
How?
Some outdoor kitchen projects can be easy, DIY projects, but for some projects you’ll need extra hands or potentially a professional’s opinion. Don’t be afraid to do your research and try your hand on some smaller projects but also don’t be afraid to consult local contractors if you need to. How much rebuilding do you need to do, and what other appliances do you need to buy? In addition, kitchens in general, and especially outdoor kitchens that require specific types of appliances are incredibly finance- and time-consuming. Before taking on a huge remodel, plan for the amount of time it’ll take and try to choose more budget-friendly options. Once you’ve really considered all of these questions, you’ll be much better prepared to create the perfect kitchen for your outdoor entertaining needs!