Having an outdoor kitchen can be a good idea, particularly for some people. The several advantages of investing in one include the following:
- Better exposure to nature
- Great way to extend/expand your living space
- Good entertainment spot
- Increases the value of a property
- Prevents indoor heat and reduces indoor cooling cost
- Healthy living
These are just a few reasons why it can be a worthy investment. For more on this subject, you can visit: https://www.choice.com.au/.
However, proper planning and designing are critical to getting the best out of outdoor kitchens. This explains why this article will touch on this subject. So, read on to stay informed.
Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas and Installation Tips
This project can set you back some Australian Dollars. For this reason, it is at least important that your money is put to good use. This calls for proper planning and designing as mentioned early on. In the spirit of ensuring this, here are a few things to take note of:
Layout & Functionality
There are various critical areas of an ideal outdoor kitchen. The cooking, serving, and preparation areas are high on this list. The goal here is to ensure that all these parts are structured to ensure a serene environment. This should be seriously considered when craving out the layout of the area, in the first place.
Selection of Appliance
For the record, this is another capital-intensive part of the project. As a result, it has to pan out the right way. Start by identifying the needed appliances. Some of the very common ones in such settings include:
- Refrigerators
- Grill
- Smoker
- Side Burner
- Pizza/Outdoor Oven
- Ice Maker
- Dishwasher
- Ventilation Hood
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that some of the needed appliances are for entertainment purposes. Bluetooth speakers are a prime example of an entertainment system that can be used in such a setting.
On the whole, these appliances have to be built to cope with the outdoor environment. This is very crucial considering how nature can be quite/very harsh, depending on your location and the period of the year. So, you have to choose the right appliances.
Materials & Finishes
Just as with appliances, the right materials have to be used. Materials that do not stand a chance in the outdoor environment should be ruled out. Furthermore, material selection should be largely based on the aspect of construction.
For example, aluminium can be a great option for outdoor furniture but the same cannot be said of appliance finishes. On the other hand, stainless steel or even power-coated materials may be better for this purpose.
Knowledge of the features of both metals can help you understand better. You can check here to find out more about aluminium.
Lighting
Lighting is important in such a setting for at least three (3) reasons – Safety/Security, Ambience, and Functionality. This is why you need to have lights installed that meet these three needs. By the way, lighting is mostly a priority at night.
Natural Integration
The functionality of an outdoor kitchen is important. This is why the early parts of this article focused on points such as having an optimal layout.
Having made that clear, aesthetic appeal is also important. The project should not distort the look of the pre-existing property and its entire landscape. It needs to integrate well with nature, the landscape, and the immediate surroundings at large.
Against this backdrop, there are design ideas. The incorporation of plants, herbs, and several other natural elements are examples.
Shelter
Of course, it is an outdoor space. However, this does not rule out the possibility of having some sort of outdoor-suitable shade. Whatever is considered should not come in the way of proper ventilation. Considerable options include:
- Umbrellas
- Retractable Awning
- Pergolas
All of the aforementioned and a couple of others can offer some sort of protection against nature’s elements, such as rain and sunshine.
Seating & Entertainment Space
The seating and entertainment features of this space are a huge part of what determines its ambience. So, you should also pay attention to this. Options include the addition to:
- Fireplaces
- Bar Counters
- Dining Table
Whatever arrangement is made needs to be functional and should guarantee a cozy atmosphere.
Maintenance
The setting should be designed and constructed in such a way that cleaning is as easy as possible. The feasibility of using this setting for cooking and bonding seriously depends on this.
Installation Process of an Outdoor Kitchen
Discussed below is how the process of installing an outdoor kitchen should play out:
Choosing the Space
You need to consider a couple of things when choosing the ideal space for this. Some of the things to consider include:
Accessibility to Utilities – Such as gas and water lines
- Drainage System
- Future Expansion
- Views
- Local Regulations
- Terrain
- Ventilation
- Accessibility to Your Indoor Kitchen
Do not make light of the need to choose the ideal space considering the aforementioned and more.
Foundation & Flooring
The ideal kind of foundation must be built. The same goes for the flooring. Overall, both need to be constructed to deal with nature’s harsh realities.
Installation of Utilities & Framework/Structure
Water, gas and electricity lines have to be installed. It is also worth mentioning how this has to conform to local codes.
Furthermore, the kitchen structure has to be set up at this point. For example, the spaces where the appliances will be placed have to be created.
Placement of Appliances
The right appliances will have to be stationed in the ideal spots. The installation of appliances should be in line with instructions by manufacturers. For one, this ensures that warranty applies, if need be.
Countertop Installation & Finishing Touches
Materials that can cope with harsh weather and climatic conditions should be used. For example, concrete or granite is a great option for the construction of countertops.
Furthermore, finishing touches should both be functional and decorative. Speaking of being functional, it should make it easy to clean up the space. Being decorative suggests that it offers aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion
The professionals are supposed to conclusively inspect every part of the project. Adjustments should be made where needed. It is also important that people who have outdoor kitchens constructed for them do their inspection after completion. This ensures that everything checks out.
It is also not a bad idea to inspect during various phases of the project. This is rather than just waiting till everything is done.
