Outdoor kitchens are a great way to expand your living space into your backyard. They make entertaining easy and fun and add value and versatility to your home. If outdoor kitchens are designed right, they can be used year-round and not just during the summer months.
So what features should you be sure to include as you are designing your outdoor kitchen?
Make sure you have proper flooring. Flooring might not be the first feature you would think about when you’re designing your outdoor kitchen, but it’s important to choose the right flooring before you design the rest of the kitchen. You want to choose flooring that can put up with lots of foot traffic and will be resistant to slipping should there be any moisture from inclement weather or from a nearby pool. The flooring also needs to be durable enough to withstand the weight of the heavy kitchen appliances you want to install.
When you are choosing which appliances to include in your outdoor kitchen, think about what you are planning to use the space for. The grill is a no-brainer for any outdoor kitchen, but what do you want beyond that? A mini fridge to store drinks? A warming stove to keep food heated? A sink for washing and prep? How much of your cooking will you be doing outside and how much will just be moved from your indoor kitchen? Regardless of the number of appliances, you’ll want to be sure you have ample counter space for serving platters and food assembly.
Having a good location for your outdoor kitchen is another important feature to consider. Where do you want it in relation to your house? Do you want it close to your indoor kitchen for easy access to the food prepped inside? Will the smoke from the grill drift into your home from where it’s positioned? Is the grill in a location that sees heavy foot traffic and could be a hazard for guests or children? Think through possible scenarios during use to help you figure out the best location and position for your kitchen and its appliances.
A well-thought out outdoor kitchen will give you more enjoyment and better use. And when it comes down to it, the best features of outdoor kitchens are the ones you want the most! So have fun planning your dream kitchen, and come to us at Lake Norman Signature Pools & Patios to make it a reality!