Dreaming About An Outdoor Kitchen? Here Are Some Ideas

While cooking outdoors has been around for centuries, an outdoor kitchen today can take entertaining guests and family mealtime to a whole other level. In fact, an outdoor kitchen is one of the most popular remodeling projects that homeowners in Scottsdale are now incorporating into their home remodeling projects.

Furnished with cooking appliances, refrigeration, weatherproof countertops, seating options and storage, an outdoor kitchen-remodeling project can elevate your dining experience, as well as enhance the overall look of your backyard.

While planning the details of an outdoor kitchen can be enjoyable, it can also be overwhelming. With countless ideas and factors to consider, it’s important to ensure that the project fits within your budget and available space.

Thankfully, there is no wrong or right way to plan an outside kitchen. However, there are some areas you should take into consideration during the planning stages.

Here is a list of five elements that can help you when you design your ideal outdoor kitchen in Scottsdale:

1. Consider spacing. With an outdoor kitchen, the same functional ‘rules’ apply as your home’s inside kitchen. Be sure you allot room for ample counter space on either side of the grill and a clear 42-inch-wide area available for circulation in front of it. Safety is a primary factor to consider when designing a grilling station. The barbecue itself is best supported by fire-resistant masonry, though this only works if you have a ground-level patio. Don’t forget about lighting for this area, too.
2. Cooking options. Have you thought about what you are going to cook in your outdoor kitchen? This can help you prioritize the appliances you’d like to include. If you don’t plan on preparing meals for large groups, for instance, you probably don’t need state-of-the-art equipment. Additionally, think outside the box when it comes to appliances (not just a grill). A pizza oven can be a great option. Finally, if you don’t plan on preparing food at all outside, you probably don’t need to include any big appliances. Instead, spend your budget on built-in refrigeration, an icemaker and bar seating where you can prepare and serve cold drinks and snacks.
3. Seating options. Seating is one of the most important factors to consider. After all, once your remodeling project is complete, you’ll likely want to invite guests over to enjoy the new outdoor space. So clear space in the blueprints for furniture, or ask your contractor to include a built-in bar with bar seating.
4. Roof or no roof? Sometimes, homeowners want a roof over their outdoor cooking space. In theory, no wood should ever be used over a grill, whether it’s a roof or even a pergola. If some type of roof is a must, then consider only partially covering the area, leaving the barbecue at least out in the open.
5. Don’t forget these to-do’s. Plumbing issues will need to be considered as a water and drain line, as well as a gas line, may be required. In addition, electricity may be needed for lighting and refrigeration. Obviously, all materials used must be weather resistant.

If you’re planning to to remodel your backyard living space, consider incorporating a kitchen area. Republic West Remodeling has plenty of experience helping homeowners design and build their dream outdoor kitchens in Scottsdale. Call us today.