5 Things to Consider for Your Outdoor Kitchen Design
October 13, 2022Having an outdoor kitchen is a wonderful feature for your custom home design. It allows extra room for entertaining and is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. But, there are a few things to think about before adding one to your home design. Here are a few things to consider for your outdoor kitchen design:
1. Decide on a Budget
There are many pros and cons to outdoor kitchens and cost can be one of them. Knowing how much you can spend on your outdoor kitchen is very important. This will help you make better decisions as you plan.
If you don’t at least have a very strong idea of how much you want to spend, the cost can get very out of hand quickly. A budget will ensure you get the important things without breaking the bank.
2. Figure Out the Purpose of Your Outdoor Kitchen
Do you want to have an outdoor kitchen because you want to have large gatherings outside but want to be able to still cook and be with people? This is a popular reason for outdoor kitchens and is a great patio idea for any home. Or are you looking for something more casual, like a nice grilling area?
If grilling is your main goal, invest in a nice grill and some room for prep. But if entertaining is what you’re after, consider a nice island area or seating area where people can gather and socialize. Keeping your goal in mind will help inform the rest of your choices as you design and plan to create an incredible outdoor living space.
3. Decide on a Location
Thinking about the location of your outdoor kitchen is important early on in the planning stages. You want your outdoor kitchen to be located where it feels most natural. This might be right off of your house or it may be away from the house.
If you plan on having late-night gatherings but are worried about keeping others in your home up at night, having the kitchen and gathering area farther away might be a smart decision. You can even have your outdoor kitchen in a gazebo if you want!
This is one of the more creative gazebo ideas for your backyard. But, if you want the outdoor kitchen near your indoor kitchen to make food prep and storage easier, plan on building it near your home and kitchen.
4. Make Sure the Outdoor Kitchen Will Fit in With the Rest of Your Backyard
Making sure your kitchen fits with the rest of your outdoor setting is important so it creates a seamless feel. You also want to be sure you have room for everything you want without overcrowding anything.
Be sure to have everything planned out so you can visualize the space. You may need to cut back on some things in order to fit everything in comfortably and it’s best to know that early on in the process.
5. Think About the Utilities You Will Need
Are you planning on having a more rustic outdoor kitchen or will you want full electricity and running water? If your kitchen is close to your home, achieving these features will be easier than a detached outdoor kitchen.
A detached kitchen farther away from your home will mean adding utility lines, which can get expensive and may require extra permits and considerations depending on the situation and other structures.
If you don’t want the hassle of new utility lines, but want a kitchen located farther away, you can simply invest in a nice gas grill with a propane tank and keep food cold with a drop-in cooler.
These are just a few things to consider for your outdoor kitchen. Having an outdoor kitchen will add value and fun to your home and is a great idea for an outdoor living space. If you’re ready to make your dream home a reality, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090!