4 Major Factors to Consider when Planning an Outdoor Kitchen
Most homeowners spend some time creating an inviting outdoor oasis, complete with lush landscape design, accommodating patios and walkways, and of course, a focal point like a fire pit, or even an inground pool. If you use your backyard for frequent entertaining, though, there’s one more element you’ll want to consider incorporating: an outdoor kitchen.
This unique feature adds both function and value to your home when done right. That said, you need to make sure the outdoor kitchen you install makes sense and serves your needs. Here are just a few major factors to consider when planning the perfect outdoor kitchen for your Rock Valley, Iowa home.
Location
This factor can actually be approached in two ways. First, you have to consider the climate in your region, as a colder climate will naturally have an impact on the materials you choose for your build. For example, certain types of stone or tile are more likely to suffer damage in freezing temperatures, so you need to choose carefully.
You also need to consider the location of your outdoor kitchen in your backyard. It is crucial that you place your kitchen close to the house, or more specifically, close to a door that leads into the kitchen. Why is this important?
Even if your outdoor kitchen is relatively well-stocked, you might not want to leave nice dishware outside, and an outdoor fridge is likely to be significantly smaller than your indoor model. Plus, you’ll probably want to place dishes in the dishwasher instead of washing them by hand in a tiny, outdoor sink. In other words, practical concerns will dictate the placement of your outdoor kitchen.
Layout
You probably have some ideas about what you want to include in your outdoor kitchen, from an expansive counter space for food prep, to sufficient storage for dishes and grill tools, to a sink area and appliances like a fridge, a grill, and so on. How are you going to arrange these elements?
While it can be tempting to set up your outdoor kitchen like a bar area, it’s better to follow the tried-and-true kitchen triangle rule, whereby your sink, fridge, and cooktop are arranged in a triangle for optimal efficiency while you cook. When you can easily reach the fridge or the sink from your position at the grill, you’ll be happy you chose this layout.
Lighting
Lighting is important in any kitchen because you need to see what you’re doing when you cook. This helps you to avoid accidents and ensures you can see the state of your food, whether there’s spoilage, for example, or if you want to get the perfect char on a steak.
Budget
It’s only natural to reach for the stars when it comes to designing a gourmet outdoor kitchen, but you need to slow your roll. While this add-on will definitely boost the value of your home, you need to be smart about how you spend if you want to enjoy the greatest ROI. If you don’t have a solid budget in mind, consult with your preferred backyard construction specialist to nail down a realistic budget before you start.
If you need help planning your Sioux Center, Iowa outdoor kitchen, contact the experienced team at Outdoor Elements today at 712-476-5299 or online to learn more.