Planning Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen: Tips for St. Louis Homeowners

Adding a new outdoor kitchen to your home is a great way to bring friends and family together. Just imagine cooking a beautiful meal outside where all the action is. You’ll be spending more time visiting with and enjoying your loved ones and less time alone in the kitchen. Planning your dream outdoor kitchen can be almost as fun as using it! Here are a few tips to help it even easier.

Location

Perhaps the most important decision is where the outdoor kitchen will be located. Several factors should be considered including the orientation of the home, how close to the house the outdoor kitchen will be, the square-footage, appliances, seating, and storage. Ideally, the kitchen will be in a fairly protected spot with convenient access to the main kitchen.

Equipment

Carefully think about the type of equipment you intend to install in your outdoor kitchen. Choose the items you’ll actually make use of rather than making flashy purchases to impress. Choose well known durable brands for your grills, outdoor ovens, refrigeration equipment, and other equipment for maximum performance and longevity.

Layout

Once you’ve chosen your equipment, you can work on designing a functional layout for your outdoor kitchen area. Creating work zones similar to your indoor kitchen will ensure your inner gourmet chef can comfortably work. Account for wet areas, prep spots, areas to plate and serve, and perhaps even dine. It all depends on how you cook and move around. Personalize it!

Lighting

One of the most important things in any kitchen is the right lighting. Be sure to incorporate task lighting for meal prep and cooking as well as adequate lighting for your dining areas. After all, you’ll want your guests to enjoy every aspect of your meal from first sight to the last exquisite bite.

Storage

You likely keep your outdoor cooking accessories separate from your usual utensils, pots and pans, et. Likewise, you might use a whole different set of dishes, silverware, and drinking glasses. Built-in storage in your new outdoor kitchen will keep your parties moving. Weather-tight cabinets, bench storage and more can easily be worked in.

Utilities

It is very likely that your local utility provider will need to alter and  install power and fuel lines which connect to your outdoor appliances. For example, if you don’t have natural gas lines, but are installing gas equipment. This will add to your costs, but everything will be new, up to code, and safe, which is more important than money.

Design and Build Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen Kitchen

Upgrading the outdoor living areas of your St. Louis home is a smart choice. Contact us to partner with us to design and build a beautiful, custom outdoor kitchen and entertainment area your family will cherish for years to come.

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