As the summer weather arrives, many people are already planning warm weather events. Entertaining family and friends in the backyard can be a fun way to celebrate summer holidays. For those who truly wish to make the most out of their backyard events, an outdoor kitchen is a great option to make these events truly spectacular. However, there is a lot to prepare before an outdoor kitchen can be installed.
What is an Outdoor Kitchen?
An outdoor kitchen is pretty much exactly as the name implies. It is a kitchen created to prepare, cook, and enjoy food outdoors. Although many people enjoy grilling a burger outdoors, an outdoor kitchen makes entertaining in the yard much more enjoyable. Planning for your summer kitchen is a unique experience that is greatly dependent upon the homeowner’s preferences.
For some homeowners, the outdoor kitchen may include a cooking area and a small table to make it easy for friends to enjoy the food right off the grill. For others, the outdoor kitchen may include a sink, refrigerator, dishwasher, and all the amenities their indoor kitchen has. The possibilities are endless.
Designing the Outdoor Kitchen
Before an outdoor kitchen can be installed, it must first be designed. Most homeowners already have a basic idea of what they want to be included in their kitchen before they start. With the right tools, these basic ideas can be turned into a beautifully crafted and unique area for enjoying the warm weather months.
Homeowners can choose to have a professional help with their design project or choose to use a software program to plan the space. Either option utilizes the personal choices of the homeowner and the space they have for the kitchen to create the perfect design that will make entertaining easy.
Choosing the Best Equipment
Once a basic design is determined, the next step is to choose the best equipment for the kitchen. Depending on the local climate, homeowners must choose whether they wish to have a portable kitchen or a more permanent option. Portable kitchens include equipment that can be easily put away when the weather gets bad. This is often the preferred option for those in areas with harsh winters.
More permanent kitchen features require a little more planning. It is important that homeowners do not choose items that are designed to be kept and used indoors. These appliances may not stand up to even a small rainstorm.
Preparing the Landscape
Before the kitchen can be installed, the landscape will need prepared for the changes. For those that have a sloped yard, grading may be required to provide a level area to be built on. It is important to contact a professional to assist with this process. Improper grading could cause slopes that could direct water into the home. If a deck or any other type of platform is to be built, a foundation may need to be placed. Some digging may be required to install plumbing or wiring to be out of the way. Before any digging is done, it is important to know where any utility lines may be to prevent serious issues or dangers.
Choosing the Right Contractor for the Job
Once all the planning and preparation for the outdoor kitchen is complete, the next step is to hire the right contractors to handle the job. It is important to hire experienced individuals to ensure it is professionally installed. When dealing with electric appliances and plumbing installations, experts licensed and trained to work with these aspects should be the only ones performing that work to prevent damage and injuries.
When everything is properly planned, prepared, and professionally installed, homeowners will enjoy a properly functioning outdoor kitchen that will last for many years of summer entertaining.