Planning your outdoor living space? One of the best features you can include is an outdoor kitchen. Not only does it create an enjoyable space to cook and host, but a well-designed outdoor kitchen also increases your property value.
The convenience of an outdoor kitchen is unmatched, especially if you’re a frequent griller or party host. No more taking multiple trips in and out of the house to grab seasoning or ingredients. Instead, cook outside while enjoying the fresh air and good company.
All that said, planning an outdoor kitchen is no simple task—we’ve got some ideas and considerations to help you get started.
Size
The size of your kitchen will depend greatly on the layout of your yard and the space you have to work with. If you want your kitchen to be the focal point of your outdoor space, you can make it as large as your budget will allow. Or, if your yard already contains other amenities like a pool or fireplace, balance your kitchen’s size with respect to those features.
In addition, consider your entertaining habits. If you frequently host guests or have parties, it makes sense to have a larger outdoor kitchen to accommodate, while a smaller kitchen is more suited to family dinners.
Appliances and Features
The yard space at your disposal will determine the number of appliances that can fit in your outdoor kitchen. If your space is limited, you’ll need to prioritize the essentials for a functional outdoor kitchen.
Counterspace is a must, as is a sink. Depending on what kind of cooking you plan to do most frequently, space should be made for a stovetop, grill, or oven. These are the bare essentials, but if you have more space to work with, add a bar, refrigerator, smoker, or freezer—just make sure you incorporate the cost of installing plumbing and gas into your budget.
Even if you don’t plan on using your kitchen during the evening, it’s still necessary to have good lighting when cooking, especially around countertop prep areas. There are plenty of options for landscape lighting that will increase the functionality of your outdoor kitchen and even make your yard safer.
Materials
Because Minnesota weather can be a bit unpredictable, you’ll need to make sure the hardscape materials you choose for your outdoor kitchen can hold up under pressure. For countertops, sealed granite is resistant to staining and fading from the sun. Concrete is another option which offers little maintenance and great weather resistance when coated with sealant.
When it comes to hardscape flooring for your outdoor kitchen, the material you choose should withstand grease spills and provide grip even when wet. Concrete is a good choice—it’s budget-friendly and highly customizable, allowing you to mimic the appearance of more expensive materials.
To learn more about designing and hardscaping your outdoor kitchen, contact the experts at Land Concepts.
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