Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular – especially in Colorado where getting 300 days of sunshine per year is the norm. Not only are outdoor kitchens a beautiful addition to your backyard, but they are as functional as they are picturesque. Just as an indoor kitchen is completely customizable to your unique style and needs, outdoor kitchens can be designed in many different configurations and with a variety of different features. While you may be ready to make the upgrade, here are a few things to keep in mind when designing your perfect outdoor oasis.
Location
The first, and possibly most important decision when planning your outdoor kitchen, is picking its location. Would you prefer it to be a quick few steps from your backdoor, or in its own area across your lawn? Wherever you decide, keep in mind that ideal spaces allow for partial overhead coverage from the elements and proper ventilation when cooking.
The size of the space is also something to take into account when planning out where you would like the setting. Keep in mind that indoors, kitchens are typically a gathering place for guests, so an outdoor kitchen should be able to accommodate this as well. When planning how large or small you would like your space to be, ensure there is room for lounging, eating, and food preparation.
Lighting
Lighting is an often overlooked factor in both indoor and outdoor space planning. When it comes to outdoor kitchens, it is important to make sure that there is enough lighting to safely cook and walk around when the sun goes down. This is best done by putting low-level lighting on walkways and around the food preparation and cooking areas – as using bright lighting could be a bit blinding and harsh.
Grill, Stove, and Other Cooking Areas
When planning outdoor cooking areas, it’s important to keep ventilation in mind. If your grill or stove will be placed under a structure or near a wall, using a ventilation hood to draw heat, grease, and smoke away from the combustible and damageable structures, is a must. To avoid this issue, you may also opt for an outdoor cooking space a bit further away from your home, in the open air.
Countertops
Outdoor countertops are similar to indoor countertops in almost every way, except they need to be more durable and able to withstand varieties of weather. There are plenty of styles and materials to choose from when it comes to outdoor countertops, just double check that they are produced for outdoor use.
Cabinets
Outdoor cabinets are similar to countertops, as they need to be approved for outdoor use as well. Some popular options are metal and reclaimed wood, both of which can withstand rain, snow, and sun. Consult your contractor and cabinet supplier when deciding what style and material will be best for your space.
Storage and Other Features
The sky is truly the limit when deciding what features to include in your outdoor kitchen. Most commonly they include a grill, refrigerator, sink, and wet bar – but some even go as far as including a fireplace and wood-fired pizza ovens. This is completely up to your personal preference and what you want to incorporate into your outdoor kitchen space. No matter what features you plan on having, it is a good thing to keep in mind storage for cooking utensils, dinnerware, and glasses, so you don’t have to worry about running back and forth from indoor kitchen to outdoor kitchen.
Adding an outdoor kitchen not only increases your home’s value, but makes entertaining and enjoying the outdoors a breeze. If you think it’s time to take your standard grill and patio table up a notch, Castle Builds is here to help get the job done right. Contact us at (303) 944-0488 or visit our website to learn more about the services we offer.
