Building an outdoor kitchen can be quite expensive. One of the best ways to keep costs down is to build your outdoor kitchen as close to your interior kitchen as possible. Proximity will ease the transfer of ingredients, trays, drinks, tools, and dishware.
That’s why many homeowners are building outdoor kitchen extensions on existing decks or patios. Whether it’s built of stone, brick, or concrete, these paved areas are frequently used as a socializing location. That’s especially true when there’s food cooking over a grill or fire pit.
(Source:tinyhouseblog.com)
More Room for Cooking and Entertaining
An outdoor kitchen extension on your patio or deck can do wonders for your home. Apart from allowing more room for your regular soirees, the extension can make for an ideal solution for a small indoor cooking space.
The practical aspects of building an outdoor extension are, of course, about appointing a builder or securing permits. But before you even get there, you should already begin planning your outdoor space.
Deciding on the Location
Building your patio kitchen next to an exterior wall will allow you easier and more affordable access to plumbing and electricity. That is, of course, if your budget includes buying and operating outdoor sinks and refrigerators.
However, be aware that tapping into your home’s plumbing and gas lines and hard-wiring appliances might be costly and may require building permits.
(Source: bhg.com)
Determining the Size
Size is also among the most important considerations. The amount of space you need for your patio kitchen will depend on how you plan to use it – so start there. There is no point in spending money on an outdoor kitchen extension that is too small for your needs. Too big isn’t always too good, either.
(Source: justoutofhome.com)
Plan Your Outdoor Extension like an Indoor Kitchen
You should plan your patio kitchen as an extension of your indoor cooking space. Apart from picking the right grill and counter top, plan for storage and organizational necessities. You may want to install pullout trash and recycling bins, and baskets to hold napkins and glasses, cabinets for cleaning supplies.
(Source: homebnc.com)
Deciding the Layout
When you design your patio or deck kitchen, it’s important to understand the space within which you’ll be working. Make scale drawings of the floor plan. Mark the location of internal and external doors, if any. Ensure a good flow between your indoor kitchen, outdoor cooking and serving area, and the rest of your house. You’ll need to include zones into your layout if you’re designing an open-plan kitchen, too.
Construction Considerations and Material
Outdoor kitchen surfaces must be sturdy enough to withstand the elements. That’s why you should select durable materials such as stainless steel, stone, slate, tile, or stucco. Make sure all countertop surfaces and hardware are recommended for exterior use. If you want to install a kitchen extension on an existing deck, verify that the structure can support the kitchen’s additional weight.
(Source: hgtv.com)
Providing Storage Space
One of the advantages of designing your outdoor kitchen as an extension of your indoor cooking space is the minimal need for new storage systems. Still, you will need to plan for storage room in your outdoor kitchen extension. Make sure that your plans include at least some cabinets or a cart to store grilling tools, utensils, plates, and serving pieces.
Plan and Consider the Transition
Consider, too, the overall look of your indoor kitchen’s patio extension. Choosing materials, furniture, and designs that match those of your indoor kitchen will make the new extension blend seamlessly with the rest of the house.
(Source: countryliving.com)
Nothing Beats a Meal Outdoors!
Nothing beats enjoying a meal outdoors when the weather is warm and pleasant. The tips we’ve outlined above should help you create a perfect environment for your patio kitchen ideas.
You can both prepare and enjoy your food under the warm sun or glittering stars without draining your bank account. Building an outdoor extension to your indoor kitchen should keep your cost down while ensuring that you still get the best outdoor cooking and dining experience possible.
Below are outdoor kitchen ideas to inspire your plans for your patio kitchen extension.
