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Outdoor cooking areas are the hottest trend in residential landscape design. They can range from a modest fire pit to a full-blown outdoor kitchen that will rival the most lavish indoor cooking areas, complete with stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops and sinks and a host of appliances, including specialized weather-resistant outdoor refrigerators.
If you are willing to put in a little investment, a bit of sweat equity and some free time aside, an outdoor kitchen can be a great do-it-yourself (DIY) project. It can be a bit challenging, but once it's sitting in your backyard, your heart will swell with pride every time you barbecue on it! Such a project would cost you less than $3000 and would include a good quality grill, sink fixtures, cabinets, framing (made from wood, concrete and backer board) and tiling.
The most important tip while building a DIY outdoor kitchen is to take it slowly. You dont want to exhaust yourself. A typical project will take about 50 hours, excluding additional time to go the store and get supplies, plans and kits. Follow these simple eight steps and you are sure to build a kitchen which will roll out steaks and happy moments year after year!
# 1 Start planning
Plans are nothing; planning is everything. Dwight Eisenhower
The more thought and research you put into planning your outdoor kitchen, the better the end product will be. The market is flooded with a huge variety of products and often buyers make a purchase decision which they later regret. Few points which need to be considered are:
- Are you a high end griller living in California, Florida or Texas or a low end griller who cooks out occasionally on Memorial Day, Fourth of July and maybe on Labor Day? Your choice of grill depends on this decision.
- Will the food be eaten inside or outside?
- Whether you are designing the outdoor kitchen as a small family hangout or are planning to use it as a place to host party gatherings.
- The furniture that needs to be used with the design.
- The time of the year you will be using the outdoor kitchen most often.
- Whether you want the outdoor kitchen to be a flexible, movable arrangement or whether you want it permanently installed.
# 2 Scouting for a location
Diligent planning will give way to the next important consideration: choosing a good location. If you have a large backyard make sure to have the kitchen closer to the house, as inevitably you will have to go to and fro for supplies. Another important tip is to know which way the wind blows. The smoke from the grill should not go towards the eating table. Additionally, if the grill is placed in a shaded area, make sure the smoke can escape easily. Trapped smoke blackens walls and surrounding structures over a long period of time.
# 3 Estimating your budget
Whats your budget limit? A high-quality DIY outdoor kitchens can easily be built for about $7000. This includes an excellent grill, a kitchen island, countertops and flooring. If you plan to make a patio along with roofing, your budget could be considerably more, as contractors will take their fees. If you want to make your project easy, you could also order a prefabricated outdoor kitchen island. However, these can also be a bit heavy on the pocket.
# 4 Finalize your equipment
Before designing or getting a plan for an outdoor kitchen, it is a good idea to make a list of equipment you might need. Rather than buying a grill after you make a grill island, go the other way round. Select the grill you want and make the island around it. Also consider all the accessories you may need including sinks, cabinets, outdoor refrigerators, access doors and others.
# 5 Time to get a plan
Since a lot of time and resources would go into building a kitchen, read some literature on it and get a definite plan. DIY guides and kits are available in the market. To make it simple you could buy a DVD step-by-step manual.
# 6 Get a permit
Your local building officials may require a building permit for an outdoor kitchen. Bring a copy of your property survey, a map that shows where your property lines are. The building department will ask that everything be thoroughly documented, from the wiring and plumbing to the construction specifics of structures, such as patios. You shouldnt feel disappointed if the permit is declined, because this happens to the pros also. Simply do the modifications as suggested by the department.
# 7 Get Set ... and Go!
You might have some hard work in store. Make the project fun and take it slow rushing through will only annoy and tire you. Get your family involved and work as a team. Avoid building the kitchen during rains. It makes a lot of mess! To get some bargain deals on equipment, try online comparison shopping engines to get the best price. If you need help there are many forums online whose members will be more than willing to help you.
# 8. Finesse is in details
After all the backer board cutting, masonry work and possibly laying a layer of stucco, dont feel disappointed if the construction looks a bit unsophisticated in the beginning. Now is the time to work on aesthetics. Smooth out all uneven layers and work towards creating a harmonious combination of elements. Lay flooring that complements the overall surrounding. Choose umbrellas, get a fire pit, and install lights on the grill. Put a basket or two to keep on the countertops and decorate with plants. You would be amazed with what you built!
Here's a final bit of design advice: Choose materials that are weather resistant and require little maintenance. Suggested materials are masonry, stainless steel, pressure-treated lumber and outdoor-rated tile. They are easy to clean, require little or no paint, won't rust and are immune to weather damage.
Keep all this in mind, and using your outdoor kitchen for the first will not only be a proud moment for you, but a celebration for family and friends.
article at HomeRenovationGuide.com