Cabinetry should be equipped to handle rain and protect the items inside. Weather-tight cabinets have seamless rain gutters around the door and drawer openings to help divert water.
By incorporating the right design principles, an outdoor kitchen can be the place where you and your guests enjoy delicious meals for years to come.
Photo courtesy of Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet.
Photo courtesy of Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet.
and cabinetry is more self-reliant, but will require more space and connections for gas, water and electricity.
In the zone— You’ ll get the most out of your outdoor kitchen when you have different functional zones designated. Plot out where you will position four key zones, wet, cold, hot and dry, to make prepping, cooking, serving and cleaning much easier.
The cold zone should be next to the wet zone. This will simplify moving food from the refrigerator( cold zone) to the sink( wet zone) to wash and get ready for grilling in the hot zone.
Also plan for uninterrupted counter space or landing areas for placing platters and utensils while cooking. Grills should have at least 24 inches to one side and 12 inches to the other. Sinks should have 18 inches on both sides for room to wash food or place dirty dishes.
Be sure to dedicate enough space for each zone and think about the relationships among them for cooking and serving activities.
Left outside— Being outdoors means your refrigeration and cabinetry will need to be equipped to handle the elements.
When considering refrigeration for an outdoor kitchen, Faulk stresses food-safe rated options. With these products, meats won’ t go bad and drinks will stay cold, even when it’ s above 95 degrees outside.
9 Steps to a Better Backyard
Follow these simple steps for building your dream escape— right in your own backyard.
Enlist an expert. Much like you might consult an interior designer, deck contractors can help make your dream outdoor space become a reality. Unless you plan to build the deck yourself, the first item on your to-do list should be hiring a contractor. When researching contractors, look for someone who specializes in decks— conduct interviews, review portfolios and gather references.
Make low-maintenance a high priority. Everyone wants to spend time outdoors, but no one wants to spend that time sanding, staining or replacing worn-out wooden deck boards. For enduring beauty with minimal upkeep, consider high-performance composite decking that resists fading, staining, scratching and mold— and won’ t rot, warp, crack or splinter.
Factor in function. Plan your outdoor space to align with how you’ ll use it, whether that will be for relaxing, entertaining, dining alfresco, etc. Consider all-weather cabinetry and outdoor storage for added convenience. Additionally, think about factors such as views, sun / shade and entryways that will have an impact on your design layout.
Frame your space. While railings provide a necessary safety function, they also serve an aesthetic role by creating a decorative frame for an outdoor space and defining the setting’ s style.
Forego the folding chairs. Make your backyard more comfortable with inviting furniture pieces. Mix and match a variety of weatherresistant outdoor pieces— from benches and Adirondack chairs to cozy couches with colorful cushions— to provide multiple seating options and create a welcoming atmosphere.
Heat things up. One of the hottest trends in outdoor living is incorporating warming features into outdoor spaces. Create physical and ambient warmth with candles, tiki torches, lanterns and firepits.
Let there be light. Lighting is another effective way to add warmth, ambiance and safety to an outdoor space. Designed for easy installation, outdoor lighting provides sophisticated silhouettes for enhancing decks, railings and landscapes.
Go high-tech. With the increasing popularity of home automation, it’ s only natural that this trend should migrate outdoors. There is now a wealth of electronics and entertainment systems designed specifically for outdoor use, and available at all budget levels.
Create a unique space. Just like you would for interior rooms, infuse your personality into the design of your outdoor space. Choose colors and patterns that reflect your style and customize with personal touches, such as pillows, throw blankets, art, tableware and plants. Switch accessories seasonally to keep your space fresh and fun. n
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