Outdoor kitchens are considered a luxury, so design it well, and add value to your home.
There are a lot of elements that go into designing the perfect outdoor space for you and your family, that’s no secret. But there is a difference between designing and building a beautiful and cozy outdoor kitchen, and designing a practical outdoor kitchen.
If you want an outdoor kitchen that is both beautiful and practical, there are a few things that you need to pay special attention to.
What you need to design a practical outdoor kitchen:
The first thing you need to do is consider the space you have, and what you want out there. This might seem like a natural approach to design, but it doesn’t always happen. You have to be realistic to your space and budget, but also what your family will use.
Consider, do you want:
- A fireplace
- A pizza oven
- Fire pit
- A lot of counter space
- Bar
- Fridge
… the list goes on. You should make your own list too.
What makes a practical outdoor kitchen?
A practical outdoor kitchen is one that considers the entire environment. It considers the view you’ll have, and the comfort and efficiency of using it.
This means that the grill isn’t facing a wall (unless you like that kind of thing), but is instead looking at the pool where the kids are playing, or the yard where a game of flag football is happening, or the bar top where the friends are watching. Point is, staring at a wall is no fun when there is a lot of activity going on. Although, I must say, there are some really incredible kitchens where the grill is facing a wall of trees or something similar. It’s all about preference. You might be using the grill a lot, so consider that.
You should also place your outdoor kitchen underneath either a pergola, or a gazebo, or some other kind of outbuilding. This is important because you might be spending a lot of time on that grill. The heat from the grill is hot enough. Give yourself an area where you can get out of the sun while you cook and prepare meals. This is also important because there is a lot of food that will spoil in the sun.
Having a covered area for the kitchen will also allow you to cook in almost any weather, but also keep your outdoor kitchen safe from the elements.
Styling of course is important as well, so design based off what kind of vibe you want to put off.
Countertops that will last.
Choosing the right countertops is essential. You have to pick something that will withstand the harsh winds and rain, as well as snow and intense sun. There are a lot of materials that bleach or stain, chip or crack- you want to avoid these.
Tile is a common choice for these countertops, but granite is the most popular for outdoor kitchens. This is because granite can withstand heat and cold, scratches, stains, chips, and just about anything else. It’s a durable material that will last several decades and will still look the same year after year.
There’s such a wide selection of patterns and colors with granite that you will always find something to match your style and design. Enjoy the natural look of granite, and love your outdoor kitchen.
If you’re interested in building an outdoor kitchen, go to Granite Liquidators for your countertops. You can call at: 877-789-2108, or you can visit our granite yard at any time during our business hours.