Who says the kitchen needs to be inside? As of late, out of doors kitchens are having a second, and it’s straightforward to see why. In the event you’ve ever dreamed of flipping burgers underneath the solar, mixing margaritas whereas the youngsters splash within the pool, or internet hosting a comfy feast with twinkle lights overhead, now’s the proper time to discover ways to construct an outside kitchen and produce that imaginative and prescient to life. Sounds dreamy, proper?
Whether or not you’re ranging from scratch in your new residence in Newnan, GA, trying to degree up your patio recreation at your condominium in Rocky Mount, NC, or are on the brink of host at your rental home in Suffolk, VA, this information has the whole lot you want, from format tricks to must-have home equipment and all the gorgeous particulars in between.
On this article: Forms of out of doors kitchensPlanning and design considerationsKey options to contemplate when studying find out how to construct an outside kitchenChoosing sturdy and trendy materialsMaintenance and seasonal tipsShould you DIY your out of doors kitchen or rent a professional?
Forms of out of doors kitchens
Not all out of doors kitchens are created equal—and that’s an excellent factor. Right here’s a more in-depth have a look at the various kinds of out of doors kitchens that can assist you work out what works greatest in your house and elegance.
Transportable
Consider these because the meals truck model of yard cooking; compact, versatile, and able to roll. Transportable setups normally embrace a standalone grill, perhaps a prep cart, and a few intelligent storage options. They’re nice for small patios, renters, or commitment-phobes who need all the flavour with out a everlasting setup.
Prefabricated (modular)
In the event you love the thought of constructing one thing your self (however not from scratch), modular kitchens are your greatest pal. These kits include pre-built models that you may combine, match, and snap collectively like outsized LEGO bricks. They’re good for DIYers who need model and performance with out hiring a full development crew.
Customized-built
That is the luxurious route. Customized kitchens are absolutely personalised and constructed to mix seamlessly with your own home’s structure and your cooking desires. Need a wood-fired pizza oven? Achieved. A wine fridge, smoker, or a weatherproof TV above the grill? You bought it.
Satellite tv for pc
These are just like the sidekick to your indoor kitchen however are smaller, less complicated, and nonetheless tremendous efficient. Satellite tv for pc kitchens normally embrace a primary grill or beverage station and are designed to enrich your fundamental cooking space, not exchange it.
Planning and design concerns
Earlier than you begin choosing out shiny home equipment and pinning dreamy patio pics, let’s discuss in regards to the fundamentals of find out how to construct an outside kitchen. A well-thought-out plan makes all of the distinction between a wonderful yard design and a chaotic (and expensive) mission.
Assess house and site
Take an excellent have a look at your out of doors house. Each yard (or patio or balcony) is completely different, so it’s all about working with what you could have.
“You don’t need a full-on chef’s kitchen, but make sure there’s enough counter space and maybe a little shade (because cooking in the blazing sun? Hard pass),” shares Julia Rumenova, way of life blogger at Jully’s Place. Good design isn’t nearly appears, it’s about making the house work superbly for the best way you reside.
Set a funds
Let’s speak about cash as a result of even the very best concepts want somewhat actuality test. While you’re studying find out how to construct an outside kitchen, one of many first (and smartest) steps is determining what you’ll be able to comfortably spend. Are you simply including a built-in grill and a prep counter? Or going all out with a sink, fridge, bar, and comfortable eating space?
Designer: Waves Panorama Design – Builder: Inexperienced Desires Landscaping – Picture: Taryn Kent
Key options to contemplate when studying find out how to construct an outside kitchen
Now for the enjoyable half. What really goes into the method once you’re determining find out how to construct an outside kitchen in your summer season residence refresh? “Your backyard can be a perfect location to enjoy amazing weather without leaving your home,” shares the crew at Inexperienced Advisor Building & Growth in Los Angeles, CA. “Build a custom pool with a beautiful porcelain tile around it, a custom BBQ, an outdoor putting green, or a nice fire pit.”
Whereas your setup may be as easy or as further as you want, there are a number of key components that deliver the entire house to life (and make cooking exterior a complete pleasure, not a trouble).
Cooking home equipment
On the coronary heart of each out of doors kitchen is—you guessed it—the cooking station. Whether or not you’re a grill grasp, pizza celebration host, or slow-smoked BBQ lover, there’s an choice to assist your summer season menu. Inside designer Kailey Payne of Payne Interiors and Design sums it up completely: “A well-equipped outdoor kitchen should feature the essentials: a built-in grill, refrigerator, and sink, while thoughtful additions like a pizza oven or beverage center can take entertaining to the next level.”
Listed here are a number of choices to contemplate when constructing your dream prepare dinner zone:
Grills: Gasoline is handy, charcoal offers that smoky taste, and hybrid grills supply the very best of each worlds.
Aspect burners: Excellent for simmering sauces or heating sides when you grill the primary occasion.
Pizza ovens: Not only for professionals. Compact wood-fired or gasoline fashions can be found for residence setups and are a complete crowd-pleaser.
People who smoke or kamado grills: For low-and-slow cooking magic (and main yard chef factors).
Prep and storage areas
“When it comes to outdoor kitchens, I always start with the essentials: a solid grill and plenty of counter space. These are the foundation of a great setup,” states Brad Lefkowits from Waves Panorama Design in San Diego, CA. “From there, you can add all types of bells and whistles, but you’ll never regret having ample room to prep, cook, and serve with ease.”
You don’t notice how necessary counter house is till you’re juggling uncooked rooster, seasoning, and your third drink of the night time. A sensible prep space can completely remodel your out of doors cooking expertise as a result of let’s be sincere, nobody needs to cut veggies on a wobbly aspect desk.
Counter tops: Goal for a mixture of prep house and serving areas. Bonus if it’s heat- and weather-resistant.
Cabinetry: Search for weatherproof choices like chrome steel or marine-grade polymer so your storage stays cute and sturdy.
Drawers and pantry storage: Maintain utensils, chopping boards, and secret spice blends shut at hand.
Refrigeration and sinks
In the event you’re planning to entertain (or simply keep away from 47 journeys again into the home), having chilly drinks and a spot to rinse and wash makes all of the distinction. Belief us, when you’ve hosted with an outside fridge and sink, there’s no going again.
Mini fridge or beverage cooler: Maintain your drinks chilled and your substances recent with out the back-and-forth hustle. Bonus factors when you’ve got a devoted beverage station.
Ice maker: Okay, not a “need,” however undoubtedly a “nice.” Particularly when your company are eyeing your previous couple of ice cubes for his or her cocktails.
Outside sink: Even a small one makes prepping, rinsing, and cleansing up a lot simpler. Plus, it retains your indoor kitchen mess-free, which is all the time a win.
Eating and seating
You’ve prepped, grilled, and poured the drinks… now the place’s everybody going to sit down? While you’re studying find out how to construct an outside kitchen, it’s straightforward to give attention to home equipment and overlook the magic of a snug, inviting eating house. However that’s precisely what turns your setup into a real gathering spot.
Bar seating: Constructed-in bars or counter overhangs are good for informal bites and chatting with the chef. Bonus: they make the kitchen really feel like a yard bistro.
Eating desk: Select a measurement that matches your house and your crowd. Climate-resistant supplies are key—suppose teak, powder-coated metallic, or outdoor-rated composite.
Lounge space: Add a comfy sectional, a number of cushioned chairs, and even an outside loveseat for post-meal enjoyable (or sneaky afternoon naps—no judgment).
Combine it up: Don’t be afraid to mix kinds. A eating desk with a bench on one aspect and chairs on the opposite? So cute. And purposeful.
Shelter and shade
Let’s be sincere, grilling within the blazing solar or attempting to take pleasure in a meal in a shock drizzle isn’t precisely the cooking dream. When determining find out how to construct an outside kitchen, shelter and shade are key components that may make all of the distinction.
Claudia Lopez, founder and designer of Sugar Inexperienced Gardens in Miami, FL, shares this tip: “A few key elements—like fans, lighting, and a bit of shade—can create a space that works in the summer heat. From our experience, ceiling fans make the biggest difference in keeping things comfortable year-round.”
Listed here are a number of well-liked choices:
Pergolas and awnings: These add architectural curiosity and safety. Bonus factors in case you add curtains or climbing crops for further appeal.
Constructed-in roofs or overhangs: Nice for extra everlasting, all-weather kitchen setups, particularly in case you’re together with home equipment and lighting.
Umbrellas or pop-up canopies: Funds-friendly and versatile for smaller patios or renters who need to maintain issues cellular.
Ceiling followers: Not only for appears, followers critically assist with airflow and make your house far more nice on scorching days.
Selecting sturdy and trendy supplies
Trendy out of doors kitchens don’t simply must look good; they should final. “When I design an outdoor kitchen, I begin with high-quality, weather-resistant materials—such as stainless steel, natural stone, and teak—that offer both durability and timeless appeal,” states Kailey Payne at Payne Interiors and Design.
Solar, rain, wind, spills, and warmth all take a toll, so choosing the right supplies is tremendous necessary. Fortunately, there are many choices which can be robust, trendy, and made to deal with no matter your yard (or the climate) throws at them.
Counter tops
Your out of doors counter tops have to be sturdy sufficient to resist warmth, spills, and the whole lot in between. Listed here are some well-liked choices that test all of the bins for each model and practicality:
Granite: Tremendous sturdy and immune to warmth, stains, and scratches.
Concrete: Provides a contemporary look with customizable colours and finishes. It’s heat-resistant and straightforward to keep up, although it might want sealing now and again.
Porcelain tile: A glossy choice that’s heat-resistant, low-maintenance, and is available in a wide range of kinds and colours. Plus, it’s an awesome choice for householders on a funds.
Quartz: Non-porous, scratch-resistant, and accessible in a variety of colours and patterns. It’s sturdy however could also be much less heat-resistant than granite.
Cabinetry
The cupboards in your trendy out of doors kitchen will likely be uncovered to climate, so go for supplies that may stand as much as the weather with out dropping their appeal.
Stainless-steel: Traditional, sturdy, and immune to rust. Excellent for a glossy, trendy look, and straightforward to scrub.
Marine-grade polymer: This materials resists moisture and harsh climate situations—excellent for humid or wet climates. It’s an awesome, extra inexpensive choice in comparison with chrome steel.
Teak: Teak presents a heat, pure look and ages superbly over time. It’s weather-resistant however requires a little bit of upkeep (like oiling) to maintain it trying its greatest.
Flooring
Outside kitchen flooring must be straightforward to scrub, sturdy, and slip-resistant to maintain everybody protected and blissful. Listed here are some choices that work nicely:
Porcelain tile: It’s low-maintenance, heat-resistant, and is available in so many alternative finishes.
Sealed pure stone: Slate, limestone, or travertine offers a country, elegant look. Simply ensure to seal them in order that they don’t take up moisture or stains.
Textured concrete: An excellent customizable choice that’s inexpensive and slip-resistant. You may stamp it with completely different textures or stain it for a extra polished look.
{Hardware} and fixtures
The fitting {hardware} and fixtures can elevate your kitchen design whereas additionally offering performance. Be sure you select rust-proof and UV-resistant supplies for out of doors use:
Brushed chrome steel: Excellent for handles, drawer pulls, and taps. It’s immune to rust and can maintain your {hardware} trying shiny and new.
Brass or copper: These add a heat, classic contact, however bear in mind they might tarnish over time. In the event you love the look, simply be ready for the patina that develops.
Powder-coated metallic: Sturdy, rust-resistant, and accessible in all kinds of colours. Nice for making a pop of coloration in your out of doors kitchen design.
Upkeep and seasonal suggestions
To maintain your out of doors kitchen in nice form year-round, somewhat common care goes a great distance. Listed here are some fast and straightforward tricks to keep your house:
Clear and shield surfaces
Grills: Clear after every use by scraping grates and deep cleansing each season.
Counter tops: Wipe with delicate cleaning soap and reseal stone counter tops yearly.
Cabinetry: Clear chrome steel with a microfiber material and apply oil to wood surfaces like teak.
Winterizing your kitchen
Cowl the whole lot: Use high-quality covers for home equipment to guard them from snow and ice.
Shut off water: For sinks and fridges, flip off the water provide to forestall freezing.
Take away and retailer: Retailer cushions and pillows in a dry place to maintain them from climate injury.
Spring check-up
Examine home equipment: Take a look at your grill and fridge, clear the burners, and test gasoline strains.
Flooring: Sweep or energy wash out of doors flooring to take away winter particles.
Verify for put on: Search for any injury to counter tops, cabinetry, or furnishings and handle it.
Seasonal touch-ups
Spring/summer season: Deep clear and refresh your house for entertaining.
Fall: Seal stone surfaces and test your lighting and followers.
Winter: Maintain your house coated and saved correctly when not in use.
Do you have to DIY your out of doors kitchen or rent a professional?
Whether or not you’re pondering of going the DIY route or hiring specialists, listed here are some components that can assist you make the best name in your out of doors kitchen mission—particularly in case you’re hoping to spice up your own home’s performance and property worth.
DIY set up
Tackling the mission your self can get monetary savings and supply an actual sense of accomplishment. You’ll have full inventive management over the design, format, and supplies. However remember—it additionally takes time, persistence, and a few hands-on expertise with development and utility work.
Skilled set up
The fitting contractor may be the distinction between an incredible consequence and a failed mission. With out somebody who can see your imaginative and prescient and correctly execute it, you could also be left with a subpar out of doors kitchen that doesn’t meet your wants.
When vetting contractors, it’s important to look past the fundamentals, like value. As a substitute, make sure additionally to contemplate their expertise with comparable initiatives, the completion timeline, buyer satisfaction, and creativity and adaptability.
Tips on how to construct an outside kitchen to spruce up the sunny season
And there you could have it, your recipe for find out how to construct an outside kitchen. Whether or not you’re dreaming of a full-blown chef’s paradise or only a cozy nook for informal cookouts, the secret’s to combine perform with a splash of enjoyable (and perhaps a sprinkle of fairy lights). Now hearth up these grills, shake up one thing yummy, and make your yard oasis the brand new favourite room in the home.
