An outdoor kitchen is classy, fun addition to your home, especially if you already have the deck space and those excellent shaded areas that can make hot days so much more comfortable. When people start planning their outdoor kitchens, they tend to grow overexcited and throw too many features together in the wrong way.
Create the best outdoor kitchen by deciding what you really need. Whether your outdoor kitchen runs a wet or dry bar – whether it has a sink or just towels – whether it covers the entire deck or only a few feet in front of the door – here are the six things you should plan on including.
1. Cooktop
When people think of an outdoor kitchen, they immediately think “grill” or “barbecue.” A grill is an excellent addition, especially for summer cooking, but chances are you will find a gas-powered cooktop more useful. These cooktops mimic the same stovetop you use on your indoor kitchen. They can handle all sorts of pans, pots, and plates for various sauces, stews, fried foods, and a whole recipe book of other foods. If you do not include one or two cooktops in your outdoor kitchen, you will wish you had them. Purchase a gas grill/combination if you have enough room.
2. Cabinets or Shelves
Outdoor kitchens need storage space too! Make sure you have at least a couple cabinets or shelves to store barbecue utensils, outdoor plates, and cleanup materials inside. Cabinets are also handy if you want to install an outdoor speaker system or radio. If you have limited space, use shelves instead of cabinets. Shelves can provide you with lots of the room all the way up to your eaves – just avoid building them
3. Rugs
Feet get dirty. Avoid tracking dust and mud into your house by including a few well-placed rugs around your outdoor kitchen. This helps preserve both your decking and your indoor flooring – it can also help remind guests to take off their shoes when appropriate. For the best effect, buy rough, natural weave rugs that work nicely with the surrounding environment and stand up to the harshest wear and tear. At least one rug in front of the deck door is a requirement. Other rugs in front of outdoor tables, sinks, and grills can help, too.
4. Round Tables
Avoid buying square or corner tables. Round, standing-height tables are invaluable in an outdoor kitchen. They can be used from any angle by multiple people, and make it easier to avoid bumping or tipping the table. If people are eating, they can serve as food-holders. If people are drinking, they can serve as little bar islands. If you are planning a banquet, each table can hold a different dish or course. To make the best use of your space, choose the round tables every time.
5. Durable Dishes
Stock your outdoor kitchen with a separate set of dishes that can survive…well, anything. Tough plastic plates and bowl will serve you well, resisting bumps, spills, and harsh temperatures. Normal dining room dishes will not last long in the more boisterous outdoors. The same is true of glasses, so invest in some plastic drinking glasses to fully stock your deck kitchen. If you want to be environmental about it, there are many recycled plastic dishes and even bamboo dishes that you can purchase.
6. LED Lights
LED (light-emitting diode) lights not only last far longer than their counterparts, but they also come in much more versatile shapes. There are LED ropes, strings, bulbs, ornaments…they can be positioned anywhere. Wrap an LED rope around a deck post or awning to avoid permanently mounting lights. Including battery powered versions at tables or benches. You really cannot go wrong with these lighting options.
This is a post by Australian Outdoor Living, a home improvement company in Australia. Specialising in outdoor blinds, awnings, timber decking, pergolas and more.
