Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather and outdoor living. One of the most popular outdoor living trends in Florida is building an outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens are perfect for cooking on a grill or over a fire pit while enjoying the Florida sunshine with friends! If you’re considering building your own backyard oasis with an outdoor kitchen, but don’t know where to start, these five things will help you get started.
Location
Location, location, location! When building your outdoor kitchen you will need to know where it is going to go. Consider how clear of a path you have from the outdoor kitchen to your home. Are you able to easily bring food, plates and utensils in and out? If you plan on building your outdoor kitchen near the pool, will it be safe for children?
You should also consider how close other structures such as trees, lanai screens, and fences are to where you want your outdoor kitchen. If there are obstacles close by, will you have enough room to efficiently maneuver and prepare food?
Additionally, consider the amount of sunlight the area gets, and at what time of day. Do you want to be in the shade when you cook, or are you more partial to catching some rays?
Finally, consider privacy. Whether you have the neighbors over every time you grill, or prefer to keep things more low key, this is another factor that is important to many outdoor kitchen builders.
Size
There are plenty of ways that your outdoor kitchen can fit into your yard, but consider how much room it will truly take up. You don’t want too little space, however you also don’t want the outdoor kitchen to be so large that you have no room for guests or furniture.
Consider how much room you will need to cook and carry food, utensils and drinks. Where do you expect guests to sit while the food is being prepared? Is there where they will eat as well? Keep proportions in mind to maximize your outdoor cooking experience!
Complete Outdoor Living offers a range of sizes to fit any outdoor space, including totally custom options and layouts.
Appliances
Complete Outdoor Living’s Outdoor Kitchens are highly customizable not only in design, but in included appliances as well. Consider which appliances will be most important to you, your family, your lifestyle, and your guests. Will you need a side burner, a wine cooler, a refrigerator? What about a beer tap?
You will want to keep in mind how much space you have for appliances. Your Complete Outdoor Living design consultant will be able to discuss your goals, and help you determine the optimal layout for your new kitchen. The possibilities are truly endless! And speaking of your outdoor kitchen layout…
Layout
You want the appliances, sink and grill or fire pit close together for convenience sake but you also don’t want them cramped up next to each other. Whether you plan on having a grill, stove or both, make sure there is room for each.
You will also want to leave some counter space available for seasoning meats, taking food off the grill, serving dishes, and preparing utensils.
Finally, you don’t want to be bumping into things or tripping over cords when you are cooking. Make sure your layout is safe and efficient, especially if there will be children running around the area. Complete Outdoor Living installers keep this in mind when consulting with you on your dream kitchen, and will help ensure that you maintain a good flow in your design.
Materials
Complete Outdoor Living uses the best and most efficient materials in the construction of your outdoor kitchen. This includes granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and cabinets, and durable siding options.
Granite is the perfect choice for your outdoor kitchen. It will look great, be easy to clean and maintain, and won’t fade in the sun. It’s also a great way to add color to your outdoor kitchen while maintaining a high-end appearance.
Stainless steel will not rust or corrode over time, and it will hold up to heat and moisture very well. It is a durable material for appliances such as refrigerators, wine coolers, and grills, and wipes down easily after use.
Ready to Build Your Outdoor Kitchen?
Outdoor kitchens are a great way to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family, even in winter time. There are many things to consider when building one of these structures, which is why you should work closely with an installer like Complete Outdoor Living. They will help make sure your outdoor kitchen has enough space for entertaining guests or cooking large meals; they’ll also ensure that it’s built using durable materials like granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Whether you want something small and intimate or big and spacious, there is an option out there for everyone – contact us today!
