Building An Outdoor Kitchen
Do you love to cook and host parties? Perhaps you have a deck or are planning to build one. Create an outdoor kitchen that transcends a simple outdoor grill but instead rivals your indoor kitchen.
Floor Plan
The natural floor plan for an outdoor kitchen is a triangle. In this case, you have your grill and oven against the back wall of your home. A countertop extends to one side, usually containing a sink. A kitchen island completes the triangle. This setup keeps everything within reach without taking up the entire deck. However, if you want a smaller kitchen, plan for a straight line design with everything placed against the wall.
When planning your layout, Home and Garden TV suggests the following measurements:
- Landing area near a cooktop: 12 inches on either side
- Landing area near the grill: 12 inches to 24 inches
- Landing area near a sink: 18 inches on either side
- Minimum work space: 36 inches wide of 24-inch depth
Materials
Obviously your outdoor kitchen needs to withstand the vagaries of the weather. As such, utilize durable materials.
Granite is a natural for countertops. Not only are granite countertops attractive, but they don't absorb stains or odors. They also withstand all weather conditions. Granite can be glossy, polished or honed, depending on the overall result you want.
For the floor, either concrete or tile is the best option. Concrete is widely customizable by color, texture and finish. Concerning tile, select either porcelain or ceramic tile. Frost-proof tiles are left unglazed so that your installer can apply a penetrating sealer.
Cabinets are the other major element of your outdoor kitchen. Stainless steel or teak are the most resilient options. Stainless steel is durable and gives your kitchen a chef-ready look. Teak cabinets afford your kitchen a classic appeal, but they do need to be re-sealed regularly.
Accessories
Your outdoor kitchen doesn't need to be any more utilitarian than your indoor one – well, not much more utilitarian. When planning the details of your design, think about the aspects of your kitchen that are most useful, such as a built-in cutting board or pull-out drawers in your cabinets. Include such details in your outdoor kitchen.
When it comes to landscaping, it's all about the potted plants. This is your opportunity to plan a container garden filled with vegetables and herbs. Keep a corner of your countertop reserved for herbs, and place larger pots with tomatoes and peppers where they'll best capture the sun.
Concerning the yard landscaping, plan for areas that promote picnicking. Your backyard should include a few shade trees, and also little islands of fragrant and beautiful flowers.
Transform your backyard into an entertainment mecca by designing an outdoor kitchen. Plan for a useful layout, select durable materials and add accessories that make your space both useful and attractive.