Who says the kitchen needs to be inside? Lately, outside kitchens are having a second, and it’s simple to see why. For those who’ve ever dreamed of flipping burgers underneath the solar, mixing margaritas whereas the youngsters splash within the pool, or internet hosting a comfortable banquet with twinkle lights overhead, now’s the proper time to learn to construct an out of doors kitchen and convey that imaginative and prescient to life. Sounds dreamy, proper?
Whether or not you’re ranging from scratch in your new dwelling in Newnan, GA, seeking to stage up your patio sport at your condo in Rocky Mount, NC, or are on the point of host at your rental home in Suffolk, VA, this information has every little thing you want, from structure tricks to must-have home equipment and all the gorgeous particulars in between.
On this article: Kinds of outside kitchensPlanning and design considerationsKey options to think about when studying the right way to construct an out of doors kitchenChoosing sturdy and classy materialsMaintenance and seasonal tipsShould you DIY your outside kitchen or rent a professional?
Kinds of outside kitchens
Not all outside kitchens are created equal—and that’s an excellent factor. Right here’s a better take a look at the several types of outside kitchens that can assist you determine what works greatest on your house and magnificence.
Transportable
Consider these because the meals truck model of yard cooking; compact, versatile, and able to roll. Transportable setups normally embrace a standalone grill, possibly a prep cart, and a few intelligent storage options. They’re nice for small patios, renters, or commitment-phobes who need all the flavour with out a everlasting setup.
Prefabricated (modular)
For those who love the thought of constructing one thing your self (however not from scratch), modular kitchens are your greatest buddy. These kits include pre-built models which you could combine, match, and snap collectively like outsized LEGO bricks. They’re excellent for DIYers who need fashion and performance with out hiring a full development crew.
Customized-built
That is the posh route. Customized kitchens are totally customized and constructed to mix seamlessly with your own home’s structure and your cooking goals. Desire a wood-fired pizza oven? Carried out. A wine fridge, smoker, or a weatherproof TV above the grill? You bought it.
Satellite tv for pc
These are just like the sidekick to your indoor kitchen however are smaller, less complicated, and nonetheless tremendous efficient. Satellite tv for pc kitchens normally embrace a primary grill or beverage station and are designed to enrich your essential cooking space, not exchange it.
Planning and design issues
Earlier than you begin selecting out shiny home equipment and pinning dreamy patio pics, let’s discuss in regards to the fundamentals of the right way to construct an out of doors kitchen. A well-thought-out plan makes all of the distinction between an exquisite yard design and a chaotic (and dear) mission.
Assess house and site
Take an excellent take a look at your outside house. Each yard (or patio or balcony) is completely different, so it’s all about working with what you may have.
“You don’t need a full-on chef’s kitchen, but make sure there’s enough counter space and maybe a little shade (because cooking in the blazing sun? Hard pass),” shares Julia Rumenova, life-style blogger at Jully’s Place. Good design isn’t nearly seems to be, it’s about making the house work fantastically for the best way you reside.
Set a funds
Let’s discuss cash as a result of even the perfect concepts want just a little actuality examine. While you’re studying the right way to construct an out of doors kitchen, one of many first (and smartest) steps is determining what you may comfortably spend. Are you simply including a built-in grill and a prep counter? Or going all out with a sink, fridge, bar, and comfy eating space?
Designer: Waves Panorama Design – Builder: Inexperienced Goals Landscaping – Picture: Taryn Kent
Key options to think about when studying the right way to construct an out of doors kitchen
Now for the enjoyable half. What really goes into the method once you’re determining the right way to construct an out of doors kitchen on your summer time dwelling refresh? “Your backyard can be a perfect location to enjoy amazing weather without leaving your home,” shares the workforce at Inexperienced Advisor Building & Growth in Los Angeles, CA. “Build a custom pool with a beautiful porcelain tile around it, a custom BBQ, an outdoor putting green, or a nice fire pit.”
Whereas your setup will be as easy or as further as you want, there are just a few key components that deliver the entire house to life (and make cooking outdoors a complete pleasure, not a problem).
Cooking home equipment
On the coronary heart of each outside kitchen is—you guessed it—the cooking station. Whether or not you’re a grill grasp, pizza social gathering host, or slow-smoked BBQ lover, there’s an choice to assist your summer time menu. Inside designer Kailey Payne of Payne Interiors and Design sums it up completely: “A well-equipped outdoor kitchen should feature the essentials: a built-in grill, refrigerator, and sink, while thoughtful additions like a pizza oven or beverage center can take entertaining to the next level.”
Listed below are just a few choices to think about when constructing your dream cook dinner zone:
Grills: Gasoline is handy, charcoal offers that smoky taste, and hybrid grills provide the perfect of each worlds.
Facet burners: Good for simmering sauces or heating sides whilst you grill the primary occasion.
Pizza ovens: Not only for professionals. Compact wood-fired or fuel fashions can be found for dwelling setups and are a complete crowd-pleaser.
People who smoke or kamado grills: For low-and-slow cooking magic (and main yard chef factors).
Prep and storage areas
“When it comes to outdoor kitchens, I always start with the essentials: a solid grill and plenty of counter space. These are the foundation of a great setup,” states Brad Lefkowits from Waves Panorama Design in San Diego, CA. “From there, you can add all types of bells and whistles, but you’ll never regret having ample room to prep, cook, and serve with ease.”
You don’t notice how vital counter house is till you’re juggling uncooked hen, seasoning, and your third drink of the night time. A wise prep space can completely rework your outside cooking expertise as a result of let’s be sincere, nobody needs to cut veggies on a wobbly facet desk.
Counter tops: Intention for a mixture of prep house and serving areas. Bonus if it’s heat- and weather-resistant.
Cabinetry: Search for weatherproof choices like chrome steel or marine-grade polymer so your storage stays cute and sturdy.
Drawers and pantry storage: Maintain utensils, reducing boards, and secret spice blends shut at hand.
Refrigeration and sinks
For those who’re planning to entertain (or simply keep away from 47 journeys again into the home), having chilly drinks and a spot to rinse and wash makes all of the distinction. Belief us, when you’ve hosted with an out of doors fridge and sink, there’s no going again.
Mini fridge or beverage cooler: Maintain your drinks chilled and your substances recent with out the back-and-forth hustle. Bonus factors when you’ve got a devoted beverage station.
Ice maker: Okay, not a “need,” however positively a “nice.” Particularly when your friends are eyeing your previous few ice cubes for his or her cocktails.
Out of doors sink: Even a small one makes prepping, rinsing, and cleansing up a lot simpler. Plus, it retains your indoor kitchen mess-free, which is at all times a win.
Eating and seating
You’ve prepped, grilled, and poured the drinks… now the place’s everybody going to take a seat? While you’re studying the right way to construct an out of doors kitchen, it’s simple to concentrate on home equipment and overlook the magic of a snug, inviting eating house. However that’s precisely what turns your setup into a real gathering spot.
Bar seating: Constructed-in bars or counter overhangs are excellent for informal bites and chatting with the chef. Bonus: they make the kitchen really feel like a yard bistro.
Eating desk: Select a dimension that matches your house and your crowd. Climate-resistant supplies are key—suppose teak, powder-coated steel, or outdoor-rated composite.
Lounge space: Add a comfortable sectional, just a few cushioned chairs, and even an out of doors loveseat for post-meal stress-free (or sneaky afternoon naps—no judgment).
Combine it up: Don’t be afraid to mix types. A eating desk with a bench on one facet and chairs on the opposite? So cute. And purposeful.
Shelter and shade
Let’s be sincere, grilling within the blazing solar or making an attempt to get pleasure from a meal in a shock drizzle isn’t precisely the cooking dream. When determining the right way to construct an out of doors kitchen, shelter and shade are key components that may make all of the distinction.
Claudia Lopez, founder and designer of Sugar Inexperienced Gardens in Miami, FL, shares this tip: “A few key elements—like fans, lighting, and a bit of shade—can create a space that works in the summer heat. From our experience, ceiling fans make the biggest difference in keeping things comfortable year-round.”
Listed below are just a few well-liked choices:
Pergolas and awnings: These add architectural curiosity and safety. Bonus factors for those who add curtains or climbing crops for further appeal.
Constructed-in roofs or overhangs: Nice for extra everlasting, all-weather kitchen setups, particularly for those who’re together with home equipment and lighting.
Umbrellas or pop-up canopies: Funds-friendly and versatile for smaller patios or renters who need to maintain issues cell.
Ceiling followers: Not only for seems to be, followers significantly assist with airflow and make your house far more nice on sizzling days.
Selecting sturdy and classy supplies
Trendy outside kitchens don’t simply have to look good; they should final. “When I design an outdoor kitchen, I begin with high-quality, weather-resistant materials—such as stainless steel, natural stone, and teak—that offer both durability and timeless appeal,” states Kailey Payne at Payne Interiors and Design.
Solar, rain, wind, spills, and warmth all take a toll, so selecting the correct supplies is tremendous vital. Fortunately, there are many choices which might be powerful, fashionable, and made to deal with no matter your yard (or the climate) throws at them.
Counter tops
Your outside counter tops should be sturdy sufficient to resist warmth, spills, and every little thing in between. Listed below are some well-liked choices that examine all of the containers for each fashion and practicality:
Granite: Tremendous sturdy and immune to warmth, stains, and scratches.
Concrete: Gives a contemporary look with customizable colours and finishes. It’s heat-resistant and simple to take care of, although it could want sealing now and again.
Porcelain tile: A smooth choice that’s heat-resistant, low-maintenance, and is available in quite a lot of types and colours. Plus, it’s an ideal choice for owners on a funds.
Quartz: Non-porous, scratch-resistant, and out there in a variety of colours and patterns. It’s sturdy however could also be much less heat-resistant than granite.
Cabinetry
The cupboards in your fashionable outside kitchen can be uncovered to climate, so go for supplies that may stand as much as the weather with out dropping their appeal.
Stainless-steel: Traditional, sturdy, and immune to rust. Good for a smooth, fashionable look, and simple to wash.
Marine-grade polymer: This materials resists moisture and harsh climate circumstances—very best for humid or wet climates. It’s an ideal, extra inexpensive choice in comparison with chrome steel.
Teak: Teak presents a heat, pure look and ages fantastically over time. It’s weather-resistant however requires a little bit of upkeep (like oiling) to maintain it trying its greatest.
Flooring
Out of doors kitchen flooring needs to be simple to wash, sturdy, and slip-resistant to maintain everybody secure and comfortable. Listed below are some choices that work effectively:
Porcelain tile: It’s low-maintenance, heat-resistant, and is available in so many alternative finishes.
Sealed pure stone: Slate, limestone, or travertine gives a country, elegant look. Simply make sure that to seal them so that they don’t take up moisture or stains.
Textured concrete: An excellent customizable choice that’s inexpensive and slip-resistant. You may stamp it with completely different textures or stain it for a extra polished look.
{Hardware} and fixtures
The suitable {hardware} and fixtures can elevate your kitchen design whereas additionally offering performance. Make sure you select rust-proof and UV-resistant supplies for outside use:
Brushed chrome steel: Good for handles, drawer pulls, and taps. It’s immune to rust and can maintain your {hardware} trying shiny and new.
Brass or copper: These add a heat, classic contact, however remember they could tarnish over time. For those who love the look, simply be ready for the patina that develops.
Powder-coated steel: Sturdy, rust-resistant, and out there in all kinds of colours. Nice for making a pop of coloration in your outside kitchen design.
Upkeep and seasonal ideas
To maintain your outside kitchen in nice form year-round, just a little common care goes a good distance. Listed below are some fast and simple tricks to keep your house:
Clear and shield surfaces
Grills: Clear after every use by scraping grates and deep cleansing each season.
Counter tops: Wipe with gentle cleaning soap and reseal stone counter tops yearly.
Cabinetry: Clear chrome steel with a microfiber fabric and apply oil to picket surfaces like teak.
Winterizing your kitchen
Cowl every little thing: Use high-quality covers for home equipment to guard them from snow and ice.
Shut off water: For sinks and fridges, flip off the water provide to forestall freezing.
Take away and retailer: Retailer cushions and pillows in a dry place to maintain them from climate injury.
Spring check-up
Examine home equipment: Take a look at your grill and fridge, clear the burners, and examine fuel strains.
Flooring: Sweep or energy wash outside flooring to take away winter particles.
Verify for put on: Search for any injury to counter tops, cabinetry, or furnishings and deal with it.
Seasonal touch-ups
Spring/summer time: Deep clear and refresh your house for entertaining.
Fall: Seal stone surfaces and examine your lighting and followers.
Winter: Maintain your house lined and saved correctly when not in use.
Must you DIY your outside kitchen or rent a professional?
Whether or not you’re considering of going the DIY route or hiring specialists, listed below are some elements that can assist you make the fitting name on your outside kitchen mission—particularly for those who’re hoping to spice up your own home’s performance and property worth.
DIY set up
Tackling the mission your self can lower your expenses and provide an actual sense of accomplishment. You’ll have full inventive management over the design, structure, and supplies. However be mindful—it additionally takes time, persistence, and a few hands-on expertise with development and utility work.
Skilled set up
The suitable contractor will be the distinction between an incredible end result and a failed mission. With out somebody who can see your imaginative and prescient and correctly execute it, you could also be left with a subpar outside kitchen that doesn’t meet your wants.
When vetting contractors, it’s important to look past the fundamentals, like worth. As an alternative, make sure additionally to think about their expertise with comparable initiatives, the completion timeline, buyer satisfaction, and creativity and suppleness.
The way to construct an out of doors kitchen to spruce up the sunny season
And there you may have it, your recipe for the right way to construct an out of doors kitchen. Whether or not you’re dreaming of a full-blown chef’s paradise or only a cozy nook for informal cookouts, the secret’s to combine perform with a splash of enjoyable (and possibly a sprinkle of fairy lights). Now hearth up these grills, shake up one thing yummy, and make your yard oasis the brand new favourite room in the home.
