How to Set Up an Outside Kitchen Look
An outside kitchen look is a design scheme that many creative homeowners are taking advantage of. An outdoor kitchen is typically installed on a deck or patio in the back of a house and has many of the conveniences found in a regular indoors kitchen. This can help take your next party or barbecue to a whole next level. Before you can enjoy your outdoor kitchen, you need to set up how it will look. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Locate a map, or draw a map, of the specific outdoor dimensions you have to work with. Draw an outline of where you would like to place your outside kitchen, and mark all electric, gas or water supplies that are essential to what you plan to accomplish. You can also mark where you need to add something, such as a new electrical outlet.
-
2
Set up your outdoor kitchen to the north-facing side of your home if it complies with zoning codes. This will give you the most comfortable temperature in the early evening hours when many people use their outdoor kitchens.
-
-
3
Design the kitchen space. It should be convenient with plenty of room to work in. Factor in more space if you plan to have multiple cooks in your outdoor kitchen. Counters are generally planned in a U, G or L shape. Counters should be near work areas like the sink and cooking appliances.
-
4
Obtain a permit for your local building department. You will need to present it with your plan, and then make any changes or additions to your property before the permit is granted.
-
5
Purchase appliances for your outdoor kitchen. Most have at least a sink, counter space and a cooking appliance. Ice machines and small refrigerators can also be added. The appliances should comply with your original plan, detailed in your permit.
-
6
Shop around for cooking appliances that work well outdoors, such as a wood-fired oven or gas grill. Incorporating multiple cooking surfaces can be done if you have enough space.
-
7
Use the same setup accepted by the building department when implementing the actual design of the kitchen. If you decide that your plan isn't working, such as the realization that the oven might not be in the most convenient spot, get your permit revised before going through with the changes.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Buy propane-fired heaters if you plan to use your outdoor kitchen more often and later in the evening.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
