Many people are changing their plans this summer, and instead of vacationing away from home, they’re creating the perfect entertainment space right in their own backyard. From adding pools to outdoor dining spaces, people are transforming their backyards into their own personal getaways. As exciting as it is to add an outdoor kitchen, it can also feel overwhelming with many things to keep in mind along the way. To help keep your outdoor kitchen construction on track, Eagle Construction is providing a few helpful tips.
Outdoor Climate
When it comes to designing your outdoor kitchen, it’s important to keep your environment in mind. If you experience heavy rainy seasons, you may want to consider building your outdoor kitchen with some sort of covering such as a covered deck, awning, or a pergola. For areas that see colder winters, you may also want to consider closing off your outdoor kitchen or adding outdoor heaters. If your outdoor kitchen lacks an efficient covering, gusts of wind are prevalent that may blow rain onto the flooring, or kids dripping from the pool may bring water to your outdoor kitchen, it’s important to keep in mind that marble and tile flooring will be more slippery than a wood deck or concrete base.
Location
The exact location of where to place the outdoor kitchen is a huge decision. There are multiple things to keep in mind from the view inside the house, safely placed electrical appliances in relation to a pool, and how far you’ll be carrying dishes. If you plan to add a pool or add a lot of landscaping, you should consider the outdoor kitchen as part of the overall design. If you plan to use your outdoor kitchen to host throughout the summer, you’ll want to keep in mind the pathway from the indoor kitchen to the outdoor kitchen. Keep the two close to one another, so you don’t have to trek far with heavy platters in hand.
Kitchen Design Principles Still Apply
An outdoor kitchen is still a kitchen, therefore basic design principles still apply for best functionality. Some outdoor kitchens may be smaller and only include flooring, a grille, and maybe some sort of covering up top, but if you have the space and plan to do a large outdoor kitchen, keep in mind that you will want areas for refrigeration, grills and cooktops, as well as wet and dry areas for a sink and prep counters. You may not want to design your cold space right on top of your hot areas, but you also want to make sure the spaces all flow well into one another and work effectively for you. It’s also important to remember that if you want a fully-functional sink, it will need to get connected to your main water supply, which may require the help of a plumber.
Choosing the Right Appliances
First, it’s important to know what appliances you want to include for your outdoor kitchen. It can be as simple as a grille and a sink, or it can be more expansive and include a refrigerator, beer tap, smokers, and warming drawers. In addition to deciding what appliances you want to include, it’s also important to keep in mind the material they are made from. Stainless steel and ceramic are both great options for all weather conditions. They are also durable and low maintenance, which is important as you are more likely to use something if it requires less cleanup and maintenance.
The main attraction for every outdoor kitchen is the grille. It’s best to do your research and decide if a charcoal, gas, or electric grill is best for you, or if you want to incorporate more than one type in your outdoor kitchen space.
Lights. Seats. Enjoy!
When it’s time for the finishing touches, it’s important to set the stage with appropriate lighting and add seating that is functional and comfortable. For late nights out back, make sure you have the necessary lighting to clean up. You may also want to decorate the space with fun lighting. Make sure you have a table that isn’t too big or too small for the space, and complete the look with seating!
Are you looking to start an outdoor kitchen project, but think it may be too much to handle on your own? Eagle Construction is here to help! Give us a call at 610-546-2382, and we’ll help you with all of your construction and remodeling needs!
