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Planning your outdoor kitchen is the most enjoyable aspect of the entire project if you get the layout right. The first step is to plan out how you want your space to look. Think about how you want to use your outdoor kitchen.
Consider several factors when planning an outdoor kitchen design. For instance, if you live in an area that receives a lot of rainfall throughout the year. Installing waterproof flooring materials from the beginning makes sense to avoid future damage or spending money on expensive remodeling efforts. Look for outdoor kitchen installers to help you confidently plan your outdoor kitchen. Read to learn how to plan your outdoor kitchen installation like a boss.
Measure Your Space
Measure the area where you want to install your outdoor kitchen. If you’re planning on building an outdoor kitchen on an existing deck or patio, ensure it’s big enough for all the appliances and accessories you want to include in your design.
If you’re building a new patio to install an outdoor kitchen, ensure plenty of room for all the appliances and accessories you want to include in your design.
Choose a Location
The location of your outdoor kitchen will be determined by the size and shape of your property. If your yard is large and you want to create an outdoor space that can accommodate a lot of people, you may want to install an outdoor kitchen near the back door so that guests don’t have far to walk from their cars.
If you reside in a high-rise apartment and don’t have much outdoor space, installing your kitchen on an enclosed balcony or patio might be best.
It’s important to consider what will be most convenient for your guests when choosing a location for your kitchen. If it’s too far away from other parts of the house, people may not feel comfortable using it because they’ll have to trek through cold weather or hot summer days to get there.
Plan Out Your Layout
Before you start breaking ground, take some time to plan out your layout and ensure it will work for the space.
First, decide how much space you have available. Then think about what activities you want to use that space for—is it just for cooking? Or do you want to entertain? Will kids use it? You’ll need different furniture or accessories depending on who will use them.
Once you know how much space you have and what activity will take place, draw up rough sketches of different layouts for the area. It gives you a better idea of how everything will fit together when it’s time to start building!
Consider Materials
Choose something that will last for a long time in the outdoor elements. It has to withstand the sun, water (from rain or pooling), and cold weather. There are options—from stone to concrete composite or rock board.
Figure Out What Appliances and Accessories to Include
Most outdoor kitchens include grills, refrigerators, sinks, and prep areas—but some may also include dishwashers and coffee makers. Ensure the necessary appliances are included in your plan before installing.
For example, if you have ample outdoor space, you might want a grill or smoker. Or, if you like to cook for large groups of people, you might want a large stovetop and oven unit. If you’re working with less space, keep this in mind when deciding what appliances and accessories to include in your kitchen.
Plan for Storage
Your outdoor kitchen should have plenty of space to store all your essential tools and appliances. It’s not just about having enough space to store them—it’s also about easily accessing what you need when needed.
As you go through the planning process, think about how much space you’ll need for:
- Food storage (refrigerator, freezer)
- Beverage storage (wine fridge)
- General pantry items (paper towels, cleaning supplies)
Set a Budget
The average cost for an outdoor kitchen installation is $25,000-$50,000, but the price will vary depending on your location and the type of materials used. For example, if you live in a state where natural stone is readily available and inexpensive. Your outdoor kitchen will be less expensive than one installed in a state where granite tiles are more costly than limestone tiles.
Outdoor kitchens are an excellent addition to a backyard oasis. They are a trend gaining popularity, and though they can be expensive and take time to install, you will have an outdoor living space that is second to none. If you are considering this addition to your home, there are reasons to choose outdoor kitchen design elements such as style, function, and amenities.