Designing The Perfect Outdoor Kitchen
Anything you can do in your indoor kitchen can also be done in the outdoor kitchen, but there are some particular types of meals that require the outdoor surrounding – like barbeque for example. Additionally, your walls and furniture can absorb various smells of the indoor kitchen if isn’t properly separated, and sometimes even that doesn’t help.
The only real problem for the outdoor kitchen is the fickle weather and unwanted visitors. However, this can all be circumvented if your contemporary outdoor kitchen is designed right.
How did this all begin?
In the 1950s, the barbeque culture has swept over the world, which gave way to the birth of the contemporary outdoor kitchen.
Since the beginning of civilization, humans have been preparing their meals outside. Prehistoric humans have prepared their meals on the pyres that were mostly moved out of the cave in order to avoid the buildup of suffocating smoke.
In the 1950s, the barbeque culture has swept over the world, which gave way to the birth of the contemporary outdoor kitchen.
These days, the outdoor kitchen can be its own pavilion, equipped with high-tech appliances, electricity and connected to the water system.
First, before you even start thinking about setting up an outdoor kitchen, you have to check if you have enough space in your backyard. If you think it would take up too much of your grass area, you should avoid building it since it could make your backyard look too cluttered.
On the other hand, if you have a lot of backyard space, make sure the outdoor kitchen is not too far from the main house, especially if there is only one interior dining room.
What about the exposure to the elements?
These days, if you plan to make a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, it might be best to think of it more as a separate building than a mere additional area. Adding a roof over the cooking area and walls to protect it from the elements and insects might be a good idea.
You could also opt for a glass wall on one side, to keep the outdoor feeling alive.
Moreover, getting enough daylight and utilizing it is a good way to save on additional electrical bills.
What material should you use?
If you are going to create a permanent kitchen, use the same materials that are utilized in creating the outer shell of your home. In this case, we are talking about brick, concrete or stucco. Wood and metal details can be added later if there is time and if the style is important to you – there is no reason for your kitchen to look ugly.
Concrete floors are the best solution in this case and using a premium concrete floor sealer will make it last for a long time. Moreover, since concrete floors are easy to clean, you won’t have to worry too much about stains and dirt.
How much will it cost you?
Materials, plumbing, electrical installation, and labor will add up to a hefty sum, so you should plan it all ahead. As far as other bills go – you might have to spend some money obtaining permits, tools and services of the designer.
After everything is finished, the outdoor kitchen will add to the monthly bills when it comes to electricity and water, and that’s unavoidable. However, if you live in a mild environment that warrants the building and use of the outdoor kitchen, there is no reason not to go through with your plan.
Key Takeaway
All things considered, the outdoor kitchen can be an amazing addition to your household. Since it’s separated from the living area, you have a lot of elbow space to experiment and improve your culinary skills. If it’s designed and built solidly, you’ll be enjoying your outdoor meals before you know it.
Blog Contributor: Lilian Connors
Lillian Connors can’t resist the urge to embark on a myriad of home improvement projects and spread the word about them. She cherishes the notion that sustainable housing and gardening will not only make us far less dependent on others regarding the dwellings we inhabit, but also contribute to our planet being a better place to live on. You can check her out on LinkedIn.
Image Credit: https://outdoorcookingpros.com/blogs/news
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