Now more than ever, consumers are investing more in the outside of their homes – transforming their backyards into complete outdoor living spaces. If you enjoy cooking, entertaining, and spending time outdoors, an outdoor kitchen is a great way to enhance your backyard experience.
Pros
Entertainment
An outdoor kitchen gives you all the more reason to have guests over. And, it creates a reason to spend more family time outdoors.
Expands the Living Space
Many people stop at a grill or barbecue island, but outdoor kitchens give you the opportunity to expand your space even further. Pizza ovens, flat-top grills, cabinets, and more can be added to enhance & customize your experience. A lot of people also add bar stools to the island to maximize the space and accommodate more guests.
Another benefit is having a specific place to store all of your grilling tools and cookware so that they aren’t taking up space in your indoor kitchen. If you’re installing a custom outdoor kitchen, you’ll be able to choose from different cabinetry modules to create your ideal setup.
It Can Increase the Value of Your Home
Outdoor living spaces continue to be a huge ‘want’ for homebuyers across the country. Since the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people are wanting to invest in a space where they are able to spend quality time with family & friends right in their backyard. If you ever choose to sell your home, an extension of your indoor dining to the outdoors will add to the total entertaining experience that buyers are looking for.
Cons
Space
An outdoor kitchen will take up a little bit of space in your yard. If you have a large backyard, this may not be an issue. But, if you have a smaller backyard, make sure you size your outdoor kitchen to meet your needs while still allowing you to enjoy your yard space.
Weather Protection
If you don’t have a roof over your patio or outdoor kitchen, you may be worried about the weather. But, with the help of grill covers and cart covers, you’ll be able to keep your assets protected from the elements. Additions of umbrellas, awnings, or pergolas can add style and weather protection while you are enjoying your outdoor living space.
Is a custom outdoor kitchen or a cart better for me?
If you have a smaller backyard or if you’re looking for a smaller configuration, a cart or island might be best for you. These are weatherproof, low-maintenance cabinets that hold and protect your grilling equipment. And, carts have locking casters, making it easy to move your grill.
If you have a bigger outdoor space or if you’re wanting to add more design options, a custom kitchen might be best for you. Consult with an outdoor kitchen pro to get started on creating the ultimate outdoor living experience.
Whether you choose a custom or pre-made outdoor kitchen option, there are a couple of things to know:
- You must have proper ventilation. If your kitchen or firepit has any gas appliances, it is required in the national building code to have a minimum of 2 vents. They should be located on opposite ends with one located up high and one located low in the structure. This is to mitigate the risk of explosion should a gas leak occur.
- It must have a proper structure. Wood is not the preferred choice as a building material for a number of reasons. Moisture will get inside the structure causing it to warp and rot over time. Lining the area with metal or concrete board is not enough and can eventually cause the structure to catch fire. Appliances that produce heat are required to have an insert around them called a jacket. These are tested and listed by the grill manufacturer.
Ready to get started?
Bassemiers offers free in-home consultations and design services with a commitment from you. Learn more about outdoor kitchens and get started today!
