Outdoor Kitchens

I would like to build an outdoor kitchen or summer kitchen to entertainment my family and friends. Do you have any experience building something like this?

Yes, this is one of the hottest trends in landscaping and outdoor patios. These structures create a focal point comparable to the kitchen inside the home. They become the center of all the action and entertainment in one’s home.

Best of all, having a kitchen outdoors allows you, as the host, to enjoy the good times, too. You may be the chief cook and bottlewasher, but, with an outdoor kitchen, you get to do all your necessary—and much appreciated—work right in the midst of your family, friends and guests.

Building a kitchen is not dissimilar to any other remodeling project—except it must withstand extremely high levels of heat from the grill and, if not built properly, it can damage or destroy your property. Consequently, it makes sense to use a professional.

A professional will help you during the development phase to check your deed restrictions concerning rules regulating such items as size, lot coverage percentages, height, and color materials. They will also be familiar with city regulations prior to and during construction. It is also imperative that you have a good layout so that all your appliances fit and are convenient for use.

Another consideration for which a landscape designer will provide advice is tying your summer kitchen’s design into the larger space; things like, complementing any existing structures, easy access to the indoor kitchen, the relationship to a swimming pool or outdoor patio. There might be significant factors regarding the layout; for example, if the outdoor kitchen is at your beach house, it might be best positioned to catch the prevailing breeze.

Here are some things to consider:

• Do you want your outdoor kitchen covered so that you can cook and entertain even when it rains?

• You will want to consider the overall size needed. For instance, for the chairs at the dining table, you need at least four feet away from any other element, especially the grill or any step-downs.

• Plan for adequate cabinet space. This way you can keep your supplies, which will help cut down on trips back and forth to the indoor kitchen.
• Counter top options include tile, granite, stone and concrete. Overhead fans.

• Refrigerator: Undercounter units are popular for summer kitchens because they are out of sight, protected by the counter and handy for storage.

• Sinks: Stainless-steel sinks are preferable for summer kitchens because they won't corrode.

• Other accouterments to consider: Waterproof TV and sound systems, hot water heaters, warming drawers, and fireplaces.

Exterior Worlds suggests three elements that often get overlooked:

• Lighting—and lighting that not only provides general and task lighting, but accent lighting as well.

• Plenty of electrical outlets should be included in plans for the cooking and dining areas.

• Think about planting an herb garden nearby.

To discuss building a project for your home, call Exterior Worlds—713-827-2255.