![]() You will need to have plans and get permits, order the materials and appliances and plan for having features such as countertops fabricated. Putting in an outdoor kitchen will not be a quick process. Use the latter months of fall, your winter downtime and early spring to get the plans in place. Fortunately, you can get started with the beginning steps before you’re ready to start building. Adding a hardscaping feature to your landscape is usually best done during good weather from spring to fall. It will easily allow you to add in overhead lighting, heating and fans.Ī partial roof can give you some shelter while still allowing you to keep the grill and other cooking areas safely ventilated and away from flammable materials. A patio roof can also close off the space unnecessarily.Ī fully covered space is both more expensive and permanent, but it will ensure that both your kitchen and those using it are out of the elements. If you do have one, be sure you have the appropriate ventilation around the grill and an overhead vent installed. An overhead structure is not recommended above many grills, for safety reasons. It allows you to easily add amenities like overhead lighting, heating and cooling.Ī roof or overhead structure also has some drawbacks. As a design feature, it sets the kitchen off as a separate space from both the house and the rest of the landscape. This, in turn, will mean you can use your outdoor kitchen far more often. Having something overhead will protect both the kitchen area and guests from the elements, whether it’s harsh sunlight, rain, weather extremes or snow. Work with a landscape contractor in your area You will need a professional to install most electric outdoor heaters, especially if you want to tie them into your natural gas line. Those that run on propane tanks can be set where it is safe, and some electric heaters can be plugged into an outdoor outlet. Most outdoor heaters will warm up an area 20 feet in diameter in an uncovered space. They can run on propane, natural gas or electricity, as long as the latter is rated for outdoor use. Strategically placed outdoor heaters, whether you choose a standalone or overhead version, can warm up a surprisingly large area. Reversing the fan blades from a summer setting will draw the cold air up. That same air circulation can also come into play when it’s cooler outside. Fans, especially ceiling fans if your patio is under a roof, will circulate air and help keep spaces comfortable when the weather is hot. That’s where fans and outdoor heaters come in. The temperature is not always ideal outdoors. You might even want to consider an outdoor-safe television for watching the game or having a movie night.ġ3 Outdoor Lighting Tips for a Safe and Inviting Landscape While you can make do with string lights or a wall-mounted sconce or two and a task light next to the grill, putting together a lighting plan when designing the kitchen will increase the usability of your space.īonus: A sound system can add musical ambience to your outdoor gatherings and can be included in the electrical plan. A softer, more subtle ambient light in dining and gathering areas can help set the mood while allowing you to enjoy the changing natural light from twilight on. Walkways and transition areas may not need as much direct lighting, but there should be enough to make moving around safe and easy. You want the grill and food prep areas to be well-lit. Having the right lighting will make all the difference. An outdoor kitchen, especially if combined with dining or seating areas, invites you to linger outside into the evening. Most of all, it should be a space you’ll be happy to be in and to show off. Whichever you choose, the space should be functional and hardworking. Perhaps a simpler design that will make your current space more efficient is right for you. You may want an outdoor kitchen that comes with all the bells and whistles. “Is it just for them and their family? Is their family large or small? Do they entertain a lot or have big parties with lots of people?” “We encourage homeowners to think about what they are going to use the kitchen for,” says Rob Douglass of Texas Custom Patios. A second consideration is what type of outdoor kitchen makes sense for your lifestyle. A cold-winter climate will also mean additional maintenance to winterize the space. If summers are hot, muggy, rainy or short-lived, the amount of real time you’ll spend using the kitchen may be limited. One of the first things to consider is your climate. Design Considerations Before Adding an Outdoor Kitchenīefore getting to the actual design, think about exactly where the outdoor kitchen will go in your yard, the ideal size and layout of the space and the overall look and feel you want.
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