Are you considering to build your outdoor kitchen at home? If yes, then you came to the right place. We’ll give you a quick step-by-step guide on how to make and, more importantly, answer the question ‘why should I have an outdoor kitchen?’
Why should I Build an Outdoor Kitchen?
An outdoor kitchen, true to its name, is a place where you can cook with friends and family outdoors. Here some of the advantages of having one at home:
- Great Place for Entertaining Guests
It’s a great space where you can entertain guests while cooking. Dine with the fresh air breeze during dinner time and minimize crowd indoors. You can also add patio heaters to make your guests feel warm t night.
- Increase the Value of Your Home
Every home improvement increases the value of your property. As such, BBQ grills, patio appliances, and the like make your home functional which then results in higher market value, that is if you decide to sell your home.
- Keeps Smell Outside
It’s not a secret that cooking adds smell at home. However, not all smell is desirable. Some odiferous food can linger in your indoor kitchen which makes an outdoor kitchen a great space for cooking. You can offer a wide range of menu to your guests because you don’t have to worry about the smell inside.
Options for Your Outdoor Kitchen
Your design really depends on how small or big your outdoor space. Here are some options you can choose from:
- With Pergola
A pergola doesn’t only make your kitchen feel like a Caribbean space, but also adds protection on your hardware. You can choose to build it on your countertop or as a freestanding pergola.
- Deck Kitchen
Build your kitchen on a deck and put in everything you need to entertain people outdoors. Choose the finish that makes your outdoor kitchen look cohesive with your interior.
- Poured Concrete
Build your own little outdoor kitchen with a few bags of concrete. You can use it immediately after everything had dried, mostly a few days after construction. Get a sturdy countertop with concrete and add appliances instead of drawers.
Outdoor Kitchen Planning
- Buy or Build?
The answer really depends on your resources. If you have the time and skills to build one, then by all means, do it yourself. However, if you want to enjoy your outdoor kitchen soon, you also have the option to buy ready to go outdoor kitchens.
Buying a modular outdoor kitchen is an advantage because you can bring it with you when you move to a new home. However, the price is definitely high.
Another option is to hire a company to build it for you. Choose your design and budget and let them do the rest.
- Plan and Hardware
Once you decide whether to build or buy, the next step is planning. Every outdoor kitchen starts with a good plan. If you are doing it yourself, you can work on CAD or work with a team specializing in these spaces.
Go through your plan thrice or even four times to make sure that everything is set. Work with someone who can help you plan and execute your plan.
Also, regardless who you’ll work with, make sure to have exact hardware dimensions. Purchase the hardware before you start building and make sure that it fits your space.
- Construction
Make sure to have your steel frame installed which can also be done by screwing the parts. Next, add your cement board. The boards should match the size of the frames correctly.
Choose your countertop; you can go for wood, granite, or even cement. Then, install your grills and other hardware.
Make sure to choose the right materials and hardware with the perfect size to avoid redoing your outdoor kitchen.
Ready to build? Make some calls or do it yourself now and enjoy the outdoors more often with friends and family in your outdoor kitchen.