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How to Create the Perfect Outdoor BBQ Area on Your Decking at Home

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Imagine family and friends sitting around conversing while preparing a fantastic meal on the deck. With an outdoor BBQ, everyone, even the chef, can participate in the fun as they prepare this meal.

What must a person know before proceeding with the installation of an outdoor BBQ on their deck?

Material Selection

Safety should be the top priority when considering the material for a BBQ area. Before starting, it's crucial to determine if the deck is suitable for an outdoor kitchen.

There might be better choices than installing an outdoor kitchen on a wood deck, as wood is combustible. Concrete, brick, and stone, on the other hand, are non-combustible and therefore safer options.  

Weight and Utility Access

Once the deck material is known, the owner must determine whether it will hold the weight of a BBQ or outdoor kitchen. To obtain this information, ask the deck builder about the deck's load rating or work with outdoor kitchen builders. The deck may need reinforcement before BBQ area builders proceed with the project.

Access to utilities is an essential factor in the design of an outdoor kitchen. If water, electricity, and gas are not readily available, the owner may need to adjust their design or extend these utilities to the deck.

This additional step will increase the project cost, so factoring it into the budget from the start is critical.

The Design Process

Planning outdoor kitchens Canberra takes time. The planning should take longer than the building. The process differs based on whether a deck already exists that can be used for this BBQ area.

If not, the deck comes first, but the owner can incorporate the outdoor kitchen design into the deck-building process. When a deck is already in place, the focus turns solely to kitchen planning.

Choose a space big enough for the kitchen and furnishings. Ensure it is far enough away from doors and windows in the home that smoke from the BBQ won’t enter the house. However, it should be close enough to move easily between the house and the outdoor kitchen.

Decide whether to build the kitchen from scratch or use a prefabricated kit. Prefabricated kitchens take less time to complete, but the build quality often needs improvement.

The owner also has fewer customization options. Work with outdoor kitchen builders to design and build the kitchen from the ground and get the perfect setup for the family.

Consider incorporating ready-to-assemble pieces in the custom kitchen. Work with the designer to choose other elements for the space and determine which appliances are needed.

Many consider a BBQ grill essential, but a pizza oven or other devices may also be appreciated. See if the layout will accommodate a refrigerator and sink, and ask the builder about optional items, such as a wine cooler. Each family is unique, and the outdoor kitchen should be as well.

Add Decor

People won’t want to gather in a space that looks cold and uninviting. When planning the kitchen, consider the decor. Nature is a breathtaking backdrop for an outdoor kitchen, but other design elements also need consideration. Incorporate color and texture throughout the space for a place where people want to gather.

Start by selecting stylish outdoor furnishings that will withstand the elements. Look for pieces that serve dual purposes so the area doesn’t feel cluttered. Add stylish lighting and accessories, incorporating color and texture into the overall design.

Bright splashes of color can dress up the area, while different textures make it feel cozy and inviting. Don’t overlook the walls when decorating, either. Wall space is ideal for storing frequently used items while adding personality to the space.

Allow for Expanded Use of the Outdoor Kitchen

Consider adding features that will extend the season and allow people to use the outdoor kitchen more. For example, cover the deck with a pergola or roof to protect family members and guests from the sun and allow the kitchen to be used when the weather turns cold.

While Canberra doesn’t receive much rain, particularly when compared to neighboring cities and other parts of the country, it’s nice to use the outdoor kitchen when the skies open up.

A pergola will also add to the home’s value, which the owner will surely appreciate.

An outdoor heater is a welcome addition on cold winter nights, as people can sit outside, eat, and enjoy the beauty of nature. A patio fan or exterior blinds help keep the sun’s heat at bay when the temperature climbs.

Every person can customize their outdoor kitchen based on their anticipated use of this exterior feature.

Outdoor kitchens are an excellent addition to homes. They allow for more time outdoors, help keep the house cool on hot summer days by allowing families to prepare meals outside, and extend the home’s living space.

Talk with Elevated Concepts, your expert BBQ area builders, today to learn more about outdoor kitchens Canberra and how they can upgrade any home.