4 Things to Consider When Designing an Outdoor Kitchen

When designing custom outdoor kitchens, there are many great components to consider. From smokers to wood burning ovens, wet bars to fire tables, the options seem almost endless. Below are some questions to ask yourself when designing your dream outdoor kitchen space.

Where is the water?

If you want any wet components in their kitchen, you need to start from the ground up (literally), and plan out where the water pipes will be expanded to fulfill your needs. When considering this, it’s also a good idea to plan a good drain system, both for channeling rain runoff and to plan where any water that is brought into the kitchen will go.

What is the weather?

Knowing the local climate should be the one of the first considerations in planning the materials for your kitchen. Does it get below freezing every winter? Avoid tile, as it will crack. Is the kitchen in a very wet climate, or where there are heavy rains? Then limestone and marble are likely to wear heavily. Granite that is properly sealed is a good all-around choice on the high end, and molded concrete can be a more economical material choice for those on a budget. Also, some form of shelter, such as a pergola or pavilion, will protect your kitchen from the elements to extend the life of the kitchen’s components.

Who will be cooking?

Is this an outdoor man cave for the bachelor and his buddies to barbecue? Will there be elaborate outdoor pizza parties with long buffet tables for pot lucks? Will all the events offer a catered chef? Each of these scenarios requires a different kitchen layout for ideal flow so consider who will be using your outdoor kitchen most.

What would make it fun?

Custom Outdoor Kitchens should not only be practical, but it should have an element of personality. Whether choosing artistic components to the countertops or decking, creating a decorative fire element, or adding an adjacent hot tub, the kitchen needs to have something to draw everyone outside. Adding a fun element will make the outdoor kitchen a hit for everyone.