Outdoor Kitchens

Tips for planning your "Backyard Oasis"

Outdoor kitchens have certainly become one of the hottest items in home building in the last few years. You can get the same options from your indoor kitchen and you can put those things in your outdoor kitchen. For example, you can get cabinets, grills, refrigerators, but there's one thing that's totally different — everything has to be waterproof and weather-resistant.

The most basic item for your outdoor kitchen is a barbecue grill — don't forget that what makes it a kitchen is that you have a place to cook. You have a few options when it comes to an outdoor grill, you can get something "drop-in" which sits comfortably onto the counter top, or "slide-in" which comes with lower cabinets and can be pushed into a cavity between to counter tops.

You can get something as extravagant as a drop-in stove that's got one or two burners, or a built-in trash compartment that can handle recycling too . You might hire a kitchen designer for your indoor kitchen, but for a more casual outdoor kitchen you might want to do it yourself.

Counter tops and Cabinets:

Like an indoor kitchen, your outdoor version might include counter tops and storage cabinets. For the counter top in your outdoor kitchen two options are granite or stone. The counter space can also be used to eat on. Usually when you are planning for an eat-on counter, you want to make sure that it has a 15" overhang and approximately 24" wide per person.

Storage cabinets need to be weather-resistant on an outdoor kitchen, and stainless steel that matches a grill for instance, is the best option for cabinets. Your cabinets can be a combination of access doors, and pull-out drawers to best suite your needs.

NatureKast Weatherproof Cabinetry:

NatureKast Weatherproof Cabinetry are luxurious wood-look cabinets that thrives outdoors, backed by an industry-leading Lifetime Warranty. Imagine… wood that won’t warp, fade or crack.  Click here for more details.

Built-in Grills:

     
          

Refrigeration
This can be the most power appliance in your backyard. It needs to handle the most extreme weather conditions, while also offering the same performance and reliability as your indoor appliance. You may also consider an outdoor wine reserve, or even and ice maker or freezer.  Refrigeration is important and is the one appliance that doesn't stop working, so be sure to shop wisely.

  

Side Burners
A very popular option, a side burner can handle all the boiling and frying duties in your outdoor kitchen. Its not necessary to  match your BBQ Grill, however it is preferred as many brands need to connect to back to the grill head for lights and ignitors.

    

 

Outdoor Sink and Faucet
No kitchen would be complete without a sink. Outdoor sinks are either fed with a hose or connected to the home's water supply. Good choices for your outdoor sink would be either stainless steel or ceramic. An insulated sink can also be used as a cooler, which offers even more uses than your ordinary water collection.

  

Shelter
You might want to consider keeping your kitchen sheltered from the elements. You can definitely have a shelter over your kitchen area, but experts wouldn't recommend having a ceiling or shelter over the grill area because of all the smoke.

Flooring
Finally, it's important to consider the proper flooring. You must try to avoid using flooring that is slick, which eliminates tile or marble right off the bat.

Natural Gas Installation
When planning your backyard getaway, it's always a great idea to consult with a fully licensed Gas Fitter. Gas work normally requires new piping and lines to be assembled and buried. You'll wanna get this step done before you begin your kitchen construction.

For gas installations and appliance hook-ups, we can help! Contact us for more info!