Building an outdoor kitchen is one of the best decisions you can make. It’s truly something you can do with friends, without the elaborate cleanup- and it can be a whole event!
Think of all the years you’ll be enjoying it, all the get-togethers all the fun parties you’ll have new years, christmas day, and not to mention our favorite here in the US thanks giving!
The thing is getting one built might not be so simple, it takes a seasoned professional to make sure this comes out with no common complications like using combustible metals, or a poor drainage system that can leave you unable to use your kitchen at the most inconvenient times!
But that’s okay! Here we have 15 things you should consider when installing an outdoor kitchen!
1. Figure out why you're building it
Before you start picking out countertops and grills, take a second to think about what this outdoor kitchen is really for. Is it for weekend BBQs with the family? Hosting parties? Just want to boost your home’s value? Knowing your “why” helps you design a space that actually fits your lifestyle.
2. Be Honest About the Budget
Outdoor kitchens can get pricey fast. You can keep it simple or go all out — but either way, it’s smart to figure out what you’re willing to spend. Don’t forget to factor in appliances, materials, labor, permits, and even a little extra for those surprise costs that always pop up.
3. Check Out Your Space
Take a good look at your backyard. Is there enough room for a kitchen setup without it feeling cramped? Is it close enough to your indoor kitchen to make things easy? The goal is to make it feel like a natural extension of your home, not something that was just stuck there.
4. Pick Materials That Can Take a Beating
Your outdoor kitchen is going to deal with sun, rain, wind — maybe even snow. So pick stuff that holds up. Stainless steel works great for appliances, and for counters, go with concrete or stone. They look good and don’t need much upkeep.
5. Plan Out Utilities Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to think about water lines, gas, or electricity. You’ll need a plan for all of that before you build. Get a pro involved early to make sure everything’s safe, efficient, and up to code.
6. Break It Into Zones
An outdoor kitchen isn’t just a grill and a sink. Think in zones — prep, cook, serve, and clean. It’ll make everything flow better and save you a ton of frustration when you’re actually using the space.
7. Choose Appliances You’ll Actually Use
It’s easy to get excited and want every fancy outdoor gadget. But stick with what fits your cooking style. Love grilling? Get a good grill. Into pizza? Add an oven. Just make sure whatever you choose is built for outdoor use.
8. Don’t Skimp on Storage
Nobody wants to run back inside 10 times during dinner. Add weatherproof cabinets and drawers so everything stays organized and protected — even in bad weather.
In fact, ESPECIALLY in bad weather, you don’t want to be cooking outside when all o the sudden a temporary storm comes, and then you have to go back inside to go back outside, and have things get wet that shouldn’t be wet. All of this can be prevented with a seasoned landscaper!
9. Add Some Solid Lighting
If you plan to use your kitchen after dark, you’ll need good lighting. Put bright, focused lights over the grill and prep areas, and softer ones around the dining space. LED lights are a solid choice — energy-efficient and long-lasting.
10. Make It a Place People Want to Hang
Don’t forget about seating. Whether it’s bar stools, a cozy dining table, or lounge chairs near a fire pit, comfy seating goes a long way in making your outdoor kitchen feel like the place to be.
11. Think About the Weather
Live somewhere hot? Rainy? Windy? Plan for it. Add a pergola or retractable awning to keep things shaded and dry. It’ll help protect your gear too.
12. Pick Low-Maintenance Materials
Go with materials that are easy to wipe down and won’t fall apart after a season or two. Sealed stone counters, stainless steel appliances — those are your friends.
13. Don’t Skip Safety
This part’s not exciting, but it’s necessary. Make sure you’ve got proper ventilation, slip-resistant flooring, and that all electrical outlets are GFCI-protected. It’s all about keeping your space safe for everyone.
14. Make It Look Like It Belongs
Your outdoor kitchen should blend in with the rest of your house and yard. Stick with colors and finishes that match your vibe. Add lighting or simple design touches that make it feel like a natural part of your home.
15. Check Local Rules Before You Build
Before you get too far, make sure you’re allowed to build what you’re planning. Check local building codes and get any permits you need. It’ll save you from headaches (and fines) later. You know if you don’t check these codes you can actually end up in a rock and a hard place when it’s time to sell!
If you didn’t follow local codes, and get the proper permits then you will not be able to sell to people purchasing your home with financing! This could be a huge set back only allowing cash buyers to buy when it’s time!
What should you do next?
So what’s the next step?
At this point you should have more info, and you can make an educated decision on which way to go about things.
If you’d like more specifics you can look at the rest of our blog! You may find more information here:
Now you can read until the cows come home but the best thing you can do is give us a call and speak to one of our experts, and get a quote!
Don’t worry, our contractors offer financing as well, so if you wanted to do this sometime in the near future- we can probably move that today for you!