Building an outdoor kitchen is a big project and, depending on which features you choose to include, may require that you hire a number of different people for its construction. Still, if you're particularly handy, you may be able to undertake this entire project yourself. Whatever the case, there's just too much to write on this topic for one small article to hold. Instead, we'll focus on a broader view of the entire project, helping you decide what you want your outdoor kitchen to include and giving you some additional considerations about some of your options.
The first, and most critical, decision you'll have to make is where to put your outdoor kitchen. Your new kitchen should look and feel like part of the home, rather than being odd and out-of-place. If you have an existing patio or deck, putting the kitchen there will save you a lot of time, effort, and money, since you won't have to create a surface for it to sit on. If you don't have one, you'll need to build one. Make sure that your patio is strong enough to support the weight of the features you wish to include in the kitchen.
If you're starting completely from scratch, locating the outdoor kitchen just outside your indoor kitchen is best. That way, it will be easy for you to transport food, dishes, cutlery, etc. in and out of the house.
Outdoor Kitchen Considerations
Here are a few more important things to consider when planning/building your outdoor kitchen:
- Utilities/Plumbing - A sink will require water lines and proper drainage; a gas grill will need a gas line hookup; and you'll probably also want electricity. All these lines and hookups will need to be installed properly (probably by licensed plumbers, electricians, etc.).
- Flooring - There are many flooring option available to you. You might want a raised deck or a ground level patio. Additionally, there are a great many materials you might use.
- Cabinets - You can purchase prebuilt cabinets and install them, in which case you can find some at your local home improvement store, or you can have cabinets custom built and installed.
- Weatherproofing - Since this is going to be an outdoor kitchen, all the materials you use for the flooring, cabinets, etc. will need to be weatherproof, such as: concrete, flagstone, soapstone, stainless steel, brick, sealed tile, and pressure treated lumber.
- Premade Kitchen - Another option you could consider is purchasing a premade outdoor kitchen unit, which should have everything you need already apart of it. Contact a local home improvement superstore for more information.
Now you're ready to get started on a project that will give your home a new, practical addition as well as some added value!