Project:
Outdoor Kitchen
Why Build One:
Who to hire:
This endeavor could be part of an addition to your house or part of a new landscape plan, in which case you should be working with an architect or a landscape designer. Businesses that sell this equipment may even have a staff designer who assists customers with the planning and implementation of an outdoor kitchen. You’ll also need a general contractor to get everything built and properly installed.
All the equipment in this inner-city kitchen is neatly tucked under this home’s overhanging upper floor. The custom wood cabinets complement the contemporary design. You will want to determine whether your grilling station should be sheltered, like this one, or fully exposed, like the previous example. Take into account the weather in your area as well as the durability of your equipment and finishes.
Typical project length: This project will take a fair amount of planning, organizing and management. Give yourself at least three months from initial planning until the kitchen is ready for the first party. So if you want to have something ready for the summer, start by February.
Outdoor kitchens are especially appealing with a lakeside or golf course view,such as the arrangement shown here. I particularly like the way the seating and built in natural gas firepit are oriented toward the golf course view. You would have no trouble enticing your friends over for a party with a space like this!
Permit:
You will more than likely need permits for this type of project. Let the architect and designers handle this and coordinate with the building contractors.
On this suburban brick patio, a durable stone countertop is set atop rusticated blocks, making this setup very easy to live with. Notice how the simple U-shaped layout gives the cook his or her own space in which to work.
Elaborate kitchens, such as this one, often have undercounter refrigerators, freezers, wine coolers and storage cabinets. You can also include a larger grill and separate griddles or fryers.
Organization is critical when you have this many elements. You want your arrangement to be convenient to use, with a good hierarchy of equipment and enough space for the number of cooks you will likely have.
With a roof and its own fireplace, this country kitchen has nothing surrounding it except unobstructed views of the countryside. If you have a setting like this, take advantage of the landscape and position your equipment accordingly.