Landscape and Urban Design Issue 47 2021 | Page 22

GARDEN DESIGN

COOK ALFRESCO IN A GARDEN KITCHEN

One of the few upsides to the current pandemic is that people are valuing their outside space much more , which has led to a greater desire to cook at home more often , and whenever possible , in the garden . One of the more established trends was the inclusion of Outdoor Kitchens in design projects , and this has been further heightened by the unfortunate recent events .
There are few things that complement warmer weather than the fragrant smoky aroma of a barbeque . Do not , however , believe that alfresco cooking is limited to the summer months only ; a delicious meal is just as welcome on a cold winter evening as a grilled burger on a sunny day in July . Having an outdoor kitchen gives your clients the opportunity to indulge in preparing and cooking delicious food in a fun and unique setting all year round .
For the landscaper , this also offers an enhanced profit opportunity . With help from an organisation such as Kitchen in the Garden , clients can select the outdoor cooking equipment that meets their needs , and one that suits their budget . It is important to seek the advice from a specialist firm with a broad portfolio of brands , so that a client can match their cooking style and usual party size with suitable quality equipment .
Without previous experience , the challenge for the landscaper is in the construction of an outdoor kitchen project . Building an outdoor kitchen is not easy , but if you are a competent hard landscaper it is not difficult either . Start by identifying the location and establishing the approximate kitchen size . Find out what the client exactly wants ; is it just the essentials or the all singing , all dancing version . Think in terms of zones , Cooking – choose from Grill , Side Burner , Pizza Oven , Kamado , Water and Chilling – Sink , Fridge , Ice Bucket and Store – Cupboards , Drawers , Waste Bins and lastly Entertaining - is seating or a bar area wanted . If you do not feel confident in the design of the outdoor kitchen , or would like some expert advice , get a specialist to design it . This is usually free if you buy the equipment from that supplier .
Key in the construction process is laying the relevant utility services ; electricity , gas , water and drainage . This should of course always be done before you lay the patio . In terms of the actual build , the simplest method is a single skin blockwork frame , with a cut out for the components . The kitchen can be finished in a variety of ways to suit your client ’ s taste , with the easiest being porcelain tile , but alternatives include a solid or sand & cement render , or wood cladding , topped with a granite , porcelain or Dekton worktop .
The construction of a kitchen in the garden will add another string to your bow and create a great cooking and entertaining area for your client , which not only adds value to the project but also increases your bottom line .
If you like to learn more about Outdoor Kitchens
Research at kitcheninthegarden . co . uk Talk on 01932 556266
Or email sales @ kitcheninthegarden . co . uk
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