How to Plan Your Perfect Outdoor Kitchen Project

Adding an outdoor kitchen to your home is one of the easiest ways to increase your property’s value. It also gives you a simple way to enhance your home’s entertainment space. During the outdoor kitchen design process, there are several factors to keep in mind.

With careful planning, you can create a space that’s both practical and enjoyable to use year-round. If you’re looking for inspiration, there are countless backyard kitchen ideas to fit every style, space and budget.

Grills

When choosing a grill for your outdoor kitchen, you need to think about how often you’ll use it and how many people you’ll cook for. Built-in grills are a popular option for outdoor kitchens with lots of space. You can get one that provides cooking space for up to 10 to 12 people at a time.

Portable propane grills work best in smaller spaces but don’t offer as much cooking capacity. No matter the type you choose, you must ensure the grill has adequate ventilation so that it doesn’t overheat or pose a fire risk. Ideally, you’ll place it away from all outdoor eating and dining areas.

Cabinets

Cabinets for outdoor kitchens are much different than those made for indoor use. Those meant for outdoor use are typically made of stainless steel or marine-grade polymer. These materials resist moisture and offer enhanced protection against temperature changes and UV rays.

As you design the cabinets, it’s important to account for both storage space and style. Will you need multiple cabinets for storing cookware and grilling tools? Or perhaps you want to include a mini fridge or sink. In this scenario, you’ll need specialty cabinets for built-in outdoor kitchen appliances.

Countertops

You have lots of countertop options to choose from for outdoor kitchens. Many of our customers choose counters made of granite or concrete. Both these materials offer exceptional resistance against weather and heat, and they also look great. As you go through the design process, think about how much counter space you’ll need for food prep, serving and storage. Many people choose L-shaped or U-shaped counters.

Also, consider the height of the counters. Ideally, you’ll include a section with normal-height counters for cooking and another with high-top counters to create a bar area.

Sinks

All outdoor kitchens need at least one sink. This saves you the hassle of having to go back inside or carry water outside. You can wash produce, rinse your hands and much more. All outdoor sinks must be fully resistant against rust and corrosion. Stainless-steel sinks hold up well in outdoor conditions. Early in the design process, you must account for plumbing access if you’re going to include sinks. Keep in mind that not all backyards have water lines. If yours doesn’t, you might need to add one.

Refrigerators

No outdoor kitchen is complete without a refrigerator. You have small and commercial-size units to choose from. You can store drinks, condiments, fresh ingredients and leftovers in the refrigerator to keep everything cool and accessible. Just make sure the one you choose is suitable for outdoor use. An electrician will install a dedicated outlet and check the wiring to ensure the refrigerator runs safely and efficiently.

Lighting

The grill should have overhead lighting to easily see what you’re cooking. The sink needs focused lighting for you to wash dishes without missing spots. Task lighting over the food prep space will ensure you can see clearly when chopping, mixing or seasoning.

A lot of our customers add string lights and LED lighting along pergolas or railings to enhance the outdoor kitchen’s ambience. We often recommend recessed lights running along the floor or pathway to protect visibility and boost safety. Solar-powered fixtures work great for accent lighting and energy savings.

Flooring

There’s a good chance the outdoor kitchen space will experience spills and messes. This is why it’s so important to have durable, easy-to-clean flooring (e.g., natural stone, concrete pavers or porcelain tile). Each type has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to do your research. Natural stone works best in outdoor kitchens that have plenty of sun exposure and good drainage.

Porcelain tile performs better in covered areas with limited weather exposure. Concrete pavers are the ideal choice for outdoor kitchens with heavy foot traffic and frequent use. Keep in mind that lighter tones will make smaller areas feel larger. If you want a more compact, cozy feel, choose darker flooring.

Wheats Landscape is here to answer any questions you have about outdoor kitchen planning. We offer lawn care, landscape plantings, outdoor kitchen design and much more.

Call Wheats Landscape now to speak with a pro about outdoor kitchen project steps in Bethesda, MD.