DIY Outdoor Kitchens
An outdoor kitchen provides you with the opportunity to cook, eat and host warm, welcoming gatherings in your yard. With the addition of a high quality grill or wood-burning oven and a protective overhang, you can extend the season for outdoor gatherings long past the summer months. Whether you're barbecuing in the mountains or mixing margaritas by the pool, an outdoor kitchen can be designed to suit the way you entertain and accommodate family gatherings throughout the year. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Kitchen plan
- Property survey
- Utility lines
- Counter frame
- Cabinets
- Countertops
- Appliances
- Sink
Instructions
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Select a location and sketch out a plan for your outdoor kitchen. Be sure to consider features such as shade from the sun or rain, proximity to the house and indoor kitchen and the features you want to include. A small kitchen may feature a single rectangular counter while a larger one can fill an extended U-shape.
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Take a copy of your plans and property survey to a local building official. You may need permits for this type of project.
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Select the appliances you want to include and decide where they will be placed. This may include a refrigerator, wine cooler, electric grill and outdoor lighting. Think about how you will work in the kitchen. If you plan to prepare food for grilling right there, you will want counter space beside the grill and task lighting over the food prep area. If the refrigerator is for drinks only, you may want it off to one side so guests can grab refreshments without getting in the way of preparations taking place in front of the grill. Nearly any type of grill will suffice, but you'll want to make sure that other appliances, such as refrigerators, are designed for outdoor kitchens and can therefore withstand the elements outside.
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Hire an electrician to run utility lines for the appliances to be included in your outdoor kitchen. Refer to your plans for appliance placement to ensure that your utility lines reach comfortably.
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Construct a frame for the counter by nailing together two by fours. Determine where appliances and cabinets will sit within the counter and fill in any other spaces with sheets of plywood. For an even simpler construction process, consider pre-fabricated cabinets or freestanding pieces. Cabinetry should be constructed from a weather-resistant material such as stone, brick, stucco or stainless steel. If you opt for wood, make sure that it is a rot-resistant variety such as redwood, mahogany or cedar.
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Cover the exterior of the kitchen area with the desired finish. If you would like a stone finish, cover the plywood with builder's felt and mortar, then set the stones or bricks.
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Install durable countertops from a weather-hardy material. Options such as flagstone, concrete, stainless steel and polished stone are good choices for outdoor kitchens.
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Install a drop-in sink in a predetermined space in the countertop. This type of sink is the easiest option for a novice to install. Hire a professional to connect the outdoor sink to a water line and drainage system from the house unless you are extremely experienced in this area.
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Add finishing touches such as task lighting over work areas and fans to keep you cool while you work. Built in towel racks, paper towel holders and trash cans are useful as well.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider the way you cook when designing your kitchen plans. You needn't be confined to a traditional grill. Consider a wood burning pizza oven, a deep fryer or a smoker. Include an area for cutting vegetables, assembling plates or preparing drinks if you perform these actions outside as well.
References
- Photo Credit bbq image by alainmantin from Fotolia.com
