Spending more time at home? Make the most out of it by building an outdoor kitchen!

If you’re like most people across the country, you’re spending more time at home than you were a year ago. And with the future of the COVID-19 pandemic still uncertain, there’s no telling how much longer social distancing will be the norm. So, why not make the most of it?

All Outdoors specializes in helping their customers create the outdoor living space of their dreams. That’s why we’ve provided some practical information and tips for building an outdoor kitchen that will keep you, your family, and your friends happy:

Why Create an Outdoor Kitchen? 
You may be wondering what the hype around outdoor kitchens is all about. Maybe it sounds like it’s more trouble than it’s worth. However, there are several benefits that an outdoor kitchen can add to your everyday life. For example, it provides a place to entertain your family and friends; after all, people often end up congregating around the kitchen inside a home, so an outdoor kitchen can serve as a wonderful, safe place for groups of people. 

Using an outdoor kitchen also conserves energy compared to an indoor kitchen. This is because most of the appliances you will use for your outdoor kitchen run off of propane instead of gas or electricity. And cleaning your outdoor kitchen is easier than cleaning your indoor kitchen because you can take a hose to the floors, countertops, furniture, and appliances.

Another benefit of creating an outdoor kitchen is that it can boost your home’s appraisal value, especially if you already have a nice dining area. Needless to say, this can pay off if you ever choose to sell your home. To quantify the added value, take plenty of before-and-after photos and keep a record of all improvements made.

The Location 
Where you put your outdoor kitchen is critical. In most cases, building it on an existing patio or deck, or near the pool, is best because there is already electricity there. However, you want to make sure smoke doesn’t enter your home when you're cooking. So, you’ll need to account for wind direction when deciding where to put your outdoor kitchen or put in a ventilation system. A qualified contractor should be able to guide you through this decision. 

The Flooring
As far as flooring is concerned, you want it to be as low-maintenance and durable as possible. You also want it to look good and not be too slippery. For these reasons, concrete, tile, brick and stone are all great flooring options. 

The Equipment 
You can go in many different ways when it comes to the equipment you choose for your outdoor kitchen. Whatever way you go, it’s safe to say that your grill will be the primary concern. If you want something simple, go with a portable grill. If you want something of higher quality that will last longer and provide more versatility for cooking, get a built-in grill for the countertops. 

You’ll also need to consider whether or not you want additional cooking appliances, such as a smoker or pizza oven. And you’ll want to plan other essential appliances into your design, such as a refrigerator and sink. When it comes to countertops, it’s essential to choose a weather-resistant material that is easy to clean, and you want to ensure you have plenty of counter space for your needs. 

For the dining area, it matters what kind of furniture you choose. If space won’t be an issue, then traditional patio furniture might be your best option. But if you're building in a small space, or if you need extra space for appliances and tools, consider incorporating an island with barstools. Moreover, for the colder months, you might consider investing in a retractable shade, outdoor space heaters, and any other upgrades that can help keep you and your guests warm.
Among many other benefits, creating an outdoor kitchen can make your days and evenings much more enjoyable at home. Be sure to carefully choose the location, flooring, and equipment for your outdoor kitchen. And just watch—your home might become the talk of the town!

Are you looking for top-notch lawn and landscaping services? Visit alloutdoors-sc.com today to see what they offer!

Clara Beaufort reached out from Gardener Gigs to write this wonderful guest blog for us. Clara is a retired business owner, who is currently working in community gardening. Gardener Gigs aims to connect local gardeners with those who need them.

​Thank you, Clara!