A
Guide to the Value of an Outdoor Kitchen and Customization.
If you love to cook and entertain, an outdoor kitchen might be the perfect addition to your home. Not only do outdoor kitchens enhance your backyard and increase the value of your home, but they offer practical benefits. And today, there are more options than ever before.

 

outdoor kitchen with built-in grill and sink

First, let’s explore the value of having an outdoor kitchen.

An outdoor kitchen can transform your backyard into a functional and enjoyable outdoor living space. You can cook, eat, and socialize all in one place, which makes it easy to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
Outdoor kitchens offer more space to cook and entertain. This is especially useful during the warm summer months when you want to spend more time outside. It also helps ensure you can spend more time with your guests when entertaining. You don’t have to be in the kitchen working away, while they are outside enjoying the deck. An outdoor kitchen makes it easy to cook and eat outside without having to go back and forth between the indoor kitchen and the outdoor patio or deck. This is especially valuable if you have a large family or entertain frequently.

Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular. As a result, they can increase the value of your home. According to the National Association of Home Builders, an outdoor kitchen can increase the value of your home by as much as 15%.

 

Outdoor kitchens can be low maintenance compared to indoor kitchens. They are typically constructed of durable materials such as stone, brick, or concrete. Materials that are resistant to weather and wear and tear.

So, it’s safe to say an outdoor kitchen is a great investment for anyone who loves to cook and entertain. Not only do they increase the value of your home, but they also provide a convenient and enjoyable space to cook and dine al fresco.

A customized outdoor kitchen allows you to create a space that reflects your personal style and enhance your outdoor space.

Now you’ve decided you want an outdoor kitchen, where do you start?

outdoor grill and sink
Our goal is to help guide you through the process of creating a customized outdoor kitchen that suits your taste, budget, and lifestyle. If you’d like more hands-on help, contact The Deck Company for a free design consultation.

Let’s get started on turning your outdoor cooking dreams into a reality!

 

Before diving into the design process, it’s essential to assess your needs and the available space. Consider the following factors:

– Cooking Appliances: What type of cooking do you plan on doing? It’s time to decide which cooking appliances you want to include. And there are so many choices – grills, pizza ovens, smokers, and cooktops. You’ll want to choose appliances that fit your cooking style and the kinds of meals you enjoy preparing…and eating. Is a built-in grill right for you or is a standalone better? Are you a pizza fan? At-home pizza ovens are very popular right now. As a result, there are numerous pizza oven options on the market today. With options to fit any budget. Outdoor kitchen appliances are another consideration. Appliances like refrigerators, ice makers, wine coolers, or beverage centers enhance convenience function.

 

Next is layout and functionality. Decide on the layout of your outdoor kitchen. Try to keep in mind the work triangle concept – this is the relationship between the grill, sink, and refrigerator. Ensure the flow is convenient and practical for your cooking and entertaining needs. For example, having a sink is a great idea but not always an option. At this stage it’s important to decide what you can and can’t live without.
Now, it’s time to decide if you want a fully covered outdoor kitchen or a partially covered space. Pergolas, awnings, or built-in roofing options provide shade and protection from the elements. But, you need to consider your space and budget to help guide this decision.

Selecting the right materials is crucial for creating a durable and good-looking outdoor kitchen. Here are a few things to consider.

 

Countertops – opt for weather-resistant materials such as granite, concrete, or stainless steel. These materials are durable as well as easy to clean and maintain.

Cabinetry and storage – choose materials designed to withstand outdoor conditions. Marine-grade polymer, stainless steel, or weather-resistant wood are popular options. Plan for ample space. Make sure your cabinetry provides storage space for your cooking utensils, dishes, and anything else you’d need on a regular basis.

 

Flooring. This is a topic often overlooked. Select a flooring material that is slip-resistant, durable, and suitable for outdoor use. While concrete, natural stone, and brick pavers are a good choice, composite decking is fantastic. The ease of cleanup and resilience of composite decking makes it stand out above the crowd. Of course, we may be biased :-) . For example, in a worst case scenario you damage the flooring. Concrete and stone can be difficult and expensive to replace. Composite however, is simple to replace and comparatively inexpensive.

Now that you have the function for your outdoor kitchen planed out, it’s time to focus on style.

Creating the right ambiance in your outdoor kitchen significantly enhances your experience. Here are a few elements to consider.

 

Install a combination of task lighting and ambient lighting to illuminate your cooking and dining areas. Options include string lights, pendant lights, recessed lights, or LED strips.

Incorporate comfortable seating and a dining area where you can enjoy meals with family and friends. Consider options like outdoor dining tables, bar stools, or built-in seating areas. If your space is limited, consider these “deck rail tables”.

 

Add entertainment features to make your outdoor kitchen a gathering hub. Install an outdoor sound system, a television, or a fireplace to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Complete the customization process with accessories that reflect your personal style.

Install a customized backsplash using materials like tile, stone, or mosaic to add a touch of personality and visual interest.

 

Last but not least, add personal touches such as plants, artwork, or outdoor rugs. These touches help create a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. Whenever possible incorporate the surroundings to create a seamless feel for your space.

 

Conclusion:
A customized outdoor kitchen, you can transform your backyard into an inviting culinary oasis. Planning your ideal space is simple. All you have to do is:

– assess your needs,
– choose the right materials…for your space and budget,
– create the ambiance that’s meaningful to you,
– and personalize with accessories.
These steps will allow you to create a space that reflects your style and maximizes your outdoor living experience. Enjoy the pleasure of cooking and entertaining in the beauty of the great Colorado outdoors.