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Outdoor kitchens are all the rage. Whether you just want to spend more time with your family, or you’re trying to boost the value of your home, they are a great way to enhance your outdoor experience. Thinking of adding one to your home, but not sure how to get started? Read our guide below to assist you in what you need to know.
Preparation
- Materials – Start by designing your outdoor grill island. Common finishing materials for the body are stucco and stacked stone. With tile, granite, and concrete being popular choices for the countertop. To find the perfect selection for your outdoor kitchen, visit Unilock to view a wide range of natural stone surfaces. Additionally, Unilock offers a selection of stain resistant stones to help keep your surfaces looking good even after grease spills.
- Foundation – All materials combined, the outdoor location needs to be able to support the weight of your kitchen. The overall weight of a kitchen finished in stone with a granite countertop, plus a grill will be quite heavy. So it is recommended that you install your outdoor kitchen on a concrete foundation. If you are planning on installing the kitchen on a wooden deck, you may need to consult an engineer to ensure that the structure can support the kitchen weight.
Kitchen Requirements
Next, align your kitchen accordingly. Common outdoor kitchen components include gas, charcoal or electric grills, side burners, cook tops, pizza ovens, or warming drawers. Depending on your available space, foundation, and the location of your home, the utilities that you have available can determine or limit the components that you select.
- Gas vs Electric – Natural gas is most common in urban and suburban areas, while propane gas is normally found in rural areas. If there is no gas source available, most gas grills can be run off of a 20 lb propane tank. Though, an electrical connection in an outdoor kitchen is very common and can provide power for grills, refrigerators, blenders, and many other components.
- Sink – If you are planning on having a sink, beverage center or an ice maker in your kitchen, then a water line and a dedicated drain that is connected to a sewer system are necessary. Hot and cold water lines can be run to the kitchen from the home, or only a cold-water line with an in-line water heater, if hot water is desired.
- Storage – Lastly, plan for storage and organizational necessities, such as drawers, cabinets a pullout trash, and countertop space. Often times, sufficient countertop space next to the grill acts both a food prep space and a serving area for your guests to sit and chat as you cook.
To find the right appliances for your outdoor kitchen visit Summerset Grills.
Get Started!
Remember, an outdoor kitchen layout is as important to plan as an interior one. When designing your outdoor space, make sure to always plan your layout according to your availability to gas, electricity, water, space and foundation. Most importantly, personalization is key. Connect your kitchen with your home and express your distinctive sense of style. After all, this will become an investment you will be proud to show off to friends and family.
To get started, contact our talented Alsip Home & Nursery’s Landscape Designers today, and you’ll soon be on your way towards a beautiful new landscape!