Looking to Build? Reach out to us today!
Looking to Build? Reach out to us today!
Summer has just come and gone, but that doesn't mean the time spent with family in your outdoor area has to come and go.
As the unofficial start of winter, that starting point still gives you plenty of time to consider renovations to your patio or pergola before the hoards arrive for next summer.
One of the most popular trends in the last several years has been outdoor kitchens. Don’t miss out on all the fun going on outside while you’re indoors devilling your eggs or prepping burgers to then lug outdoors to grill.
Instead, you can extend your kitchen outwards, creating a stylish extension of your home’s square footage for cooking and gathering with everyone else.
But, before hiring an outdoor kitchen builder Canberra, consider some critical factors to ensure the outdoor kitchen is practical, weather-proof, and, let’s face it, looks great, too!
Before anything else can be done, you need to figure out the location and layout of the new kitchen. Pergola builders Canberra will take into consideration the size of your patio, how close it is to the indoor kitchen, and how foot traffic is around the house. When thinking about this, remember you’ll need enough space for appliances, countertops, and areas to sit.
You’ll also need enough room to move from spot to spot without running into one another. When deciding how to lay the kitchen out, think about how much wind and sun hits this area and how comfortable it’ll be at various times of the day.
What appliances are you going to stock your outdoor kitchen with? Think about your lifestyle and what kinds of foods you and your family typically eat. Among the more popular appliances are refrigerators, sinks, pizza ovens, and, of course, grills. Yes, that’s plural, as many people have a grill, griddle, and maybe a smoker, too. Talk with outdoor BBQ area builders about selecting appliances specifically made for outdoor use and that have weather-resistant materials.
Much like the appliances and layout, functionality and styling are essential in the countertops and cabinets. Choose materials that will hold up to the test of time, are a breeze to clean, and will withstand exposure to the sun, rain, and wind. Many homeowners go with granite, concrete, or stainless steel for the counters and teak, cypress, or polymer for the cabinetry. Don’t skimp on the number of cabinets you install, either, as you’ll likely need ample storage for all the utensils, dishes, and cookware.
Just as you need proper lighting inside, the same holds true for your outdoor kitchen. Consider combining task lighting to go over the cooking/prep areas and warmer, ambient lighting for the eating and lounging areas. Make sure you also include plenty of electrical outlets for the smaller appliances like mixers, Margarita blenders, or a television to go over the lounging area.
The outdoor kitchen pergola contractor will undoubtedly consult with an electrician to make sure everything is up to code and safe for outdoors.
If you have in mind a sink outside, plumbing and drainage come into play. You will need access to a water supply and a way to drain the wastewater. Talk with a licensed plumber to make sure everything is up to code and working properly.
Perhaps one of the most important factors in an outdoor kitchen is ventilation. The grills’ smoke and odors need to be vented away from your house and also away from your neighbor’s, too. A range hood is an excellent idea for this task.
Everyday is not 26 degrees and sunny, and you may want burgers on AFL Grand Final Day when the weather is not exactly ideal in many locations. With this in mind, consider adding roofing or an awning to provide shade, shelter, and protection from the rain or snow.
Other ideas include bringing in a windscreen or stone wall barrier to protect against high winds.
While last, maintenance and durability are certainly not least. The materials you select should be easily cleaned and maintained. Further, they should be able to withstand ongoing exposure to the elements. Plan on regular maintenance, including sealing countertops and cabinets, to keep your outdoor kitchen looking great for many years down the road.
If you keep all eight of these tips in mind when building an outdoor kitchen on the patio or pergola, you’ll have a wonderful, additional cooking space that’s stylish, durable, and adds value to the property. Additionally, you’ll have more time to spend with your family instead of being confined indoors, away from the fun and conversation.
If you're looking for an outdoor kitchen builders in Canberra, contact our team to chat about your plans today!