6 Best Tips: How to Build an Outdoor Kitchen?
Building an outdoor kitchen is a great way to enjoy your backyard even more. Here you will know how to build an outdoor kitchen and everything you need to consider to build your ideal outdoor space in your backyard!
Outdoor kitchens have rapidly become a staple in modern home designs since they first arrived around 2018.
If you’re an avid barbecuer, or pizza lover or need extra kitchen space, cooking outside is the perfect solution – especially when living in Western Australia!
Instead of having your house smell like dinner all day long, why not move the party outdoors and keep your abode smelling fresh?
An outdoor kitchen could be just what you need to bring out your inner chef while also enjoying some much-needed fresh air.
Whether you’re looking to host large cookouts or just have the convenience of cooking and eating outdoors, having an outdoor kitchen can enhance any backyard experience. \
So to help you with your DIY Outdoor Kitchen, we’ve come up with the best tips, and guide to your outdoor kitchen space.
Tips and Guide on How to Build an Outdoor Kitchen
1) Prepare your foundations
To create a safe and secure outdoor kitchen, you must build it on a base that is flat, dry, even, and stable.
If your backyard already has an expansive patio or sturdy decking surface then this may be the perfect spot for your dream outdoor kitchen.
If not then you will need to construct some kind of firm foundation capable of supporting the substantial weight of grills and other outdoor cooking appliances.
2) Route the Utility Lines
Following the purchase of outdoor kitchen appliances, running utility lines between the exterior and interior can be an expensive endeavor.
It’s usually necessary to contract experts for this task. Unless you’re running a wood-fired pizza oven or natural gas to cook, it’s best to consult technicians for this to prevent deadly Gas leaks.
Electrical wiring must be installed in a conduit or underground, with the appropriate direct-burial cable.
Furthermore, it is also essential to ensure that your wire runs are buried at the specified depth for your region so that you can ensure that they are waterproof when you install appliances.
3) Plan the Sheltering Structure
Constructing a shelter above and surrounding your outdoor kitchen is commonplace, yet not always necessary.
In hot climates where the summer sun can be unpleasant, an overhead shelter will surely come in handy while a full enclosure with insect screens would make your alfresco dining area much more practical for significantly longer periods.
Additionally, this structure would help set apart your culinary corner from the rest of the environment’s design features.
When constructing a shelter, budget and timing are important factors to consider.
If you’re looking for something more elaborate that requires lots of carpentry work, it can be quite costly and time-consuming.
Alternatively, there are easy-to-assemble pergola kits designed specifically for decks or patios that won’t break the bank or your timeline!
4) Install your Storage Cabinets and Counter Space
To get the most out of your outdoor kitchen, it is essential to provide plenty of countertop space and permanent base cabinets for keeping food preparation items, dinnerware, and grilling supplies. Cut out wood and platforms with a circular saw to ensure precise measurements.
Plan a position that will fit any potential grills or refrigerators you might include as well. If practicality allows, install cabinet doors on the outside wall of your home or in the structure to ensure maximum storage!
Outfitting an outdoor kitchen with cabinetry necessitates the use of resilient materials such as stainless steel, natural or veneer stone, and even pallet wood treated with sealants. This makes your outdoor grill island reliable in any weather without the risk of damage.
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5) Finish Utility Work and Install Cooking Appliances
If the outdoor kitchen consists of electrical appliances, such as a refrigerator or electric grill, an experienced electrician should install GFCI-protected outlets for connecting them.
You may want to include permanent external lighting at this stage in your pergolas and consider having an overhead fan installed (and make sure it is rated for outside use).
Finally, a plumbing contractor should complete any gas lines and water supply stub-outs that are necessary.
After the electrical, gas, and wiring have been checked for safety and functionality, you can now bring in your appliances and sink/faucet to be plugged into place or connected.
Fortunately, homeowners are typically permitted to connect those items themselves if all inspections on the stub-outs and outlets have passed successfully. The gas grill should be placed where the smoke can dissipate and prevent excessive smell.
6) Form your Outdoor Living Space
Make your outdoor kitchen the perfect outdoor space for entertaining and dining by adding the necessary furniture.
This can range from a simple movable patio table or picnic table, to an elaborate setup featuring custom built-in seating areas, a concrete block, a fire pit meeting all safety codes, or even some stylish patio heaters.
Finishing touches for your outdoor cooking space should include waterproof flooring, and a planter to have an herb garden near the kitchen area.
Bluetooth speakers that are designed to be weatherproof so you can listen to music in any condition, solar-powered decorative lights, and possibly even a television specifically made for the outdoors.
Bottomline
Building an outdoor kitchen is a great way to make your home more inviting and enjoyable.
With careful planning, and the right materials, appliances, and furniture you can create the perfect space for friends and family to gather around while enjoying delicious meals.
Remember that safety should always be top of mind when working with gas or electricity so it’s important to work with experienced professionals whenever possible.
Once complete, you will have many years of enjoyment from this beautiful addition to your home!
