As indoor gatherings have been restricted by the coronavirus pandemic, many homeowners have taken a hard look at improving their outdoor living spaces. With 90 percent of U.S. homeowners believing that “outdoor living space is more valuable than ever,” it's no wonder that 78 percent of Americans updated these spaces in 2020.
If you are one of these people, adding an outdoor kitchen is one of the most impactful improvements you can make. Unfortunately, poor planning and design can lead to regrets and wasted money. To avoid this, here's what you should know before building an outdoor kitchen.
Permits and building restrictions for an outdoor kitchen
“Any time there is sewage, water, electricity or gas, a simple permit and inspection is required,” says Gregg Cantor, president and CEO of Murray Lampert Design. He recommends checking with local authorities about permit requirements before construction begins.
If you are a member of a homeowners association (HOA), there may be restrictions on outdoor kitchens. Cantor recommends checking your HOA agreement for any covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) as a first step.
Budget for an outdoor kitchen
With so many layouts, styles, and features to choose from, it's important to determine how much you're willing to spend before you start planning. According to Joe Raboine, director of residential hardscapes at Belgard, outdoor kitchens can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to more than $60,000.
“As with an indoor kitchen, size, quality, number of appliances and countertop surface are the main drivers of price,” says Raboine.
On average, you can expect to spend around $10,000. Cantor recommends visiting your local outdoor living showroom to estimate the cost of all available options.
What must your outdoor kitchen have?
There are many options available in an outdoor kitchen, so it can be difficult to determine what is essential. Raboine says, “An outdoor kitchen should typically start with a grill, but other elements could also include a sink, storage, refrigerator, lighting and electrical outlets.”
Ben Neely, owner of Riverbend Homes, says the ideal outdoor kitchen should also have side burners and an ice bucket. Neely suggests adding as many features as your budget allows to avoid future regrets. “The majority of homeowners we speak to always wish they had thought about future-proofing their space,” says Neely.
And Michael Menn, architect, contractor and owner of Michael Menn, Ltd., says one of the biggest regrets homeowners have is not creating enough storage space.
Customize your outdoor kitchen style
Choosing a style that complements your home's exterior will ensure that your outdoor kitchen blends into the existing landscape. Cantor also emphasizes considering future renovations. “You should think ahead if you plan to add hardscapes, patio covers and other outdoor living elements,” says Cantor.
With this in mind, common outdoor kitchen styles include:
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Contemporary. Focuses on clean lines and polished surfaces. Granite countertops and stainless steel appliances are often used for a sleek and clean look.
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Rustic. Uses earthy colors and rough or worn wood, stucco, and stone materials to create a worn and lived-in appearance.
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Traditional. Inspired by the 18th and 19th centuries, outdoor kitchens in this style typically use brick, stone and stucco, with an emphasis on simplicity, functionality and symmetry.
Design the layout of your outdoor kitchen
The layout of an outdoor kitchen means how the appliances, amenities, and countertops are arranged. Options include:
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Single island. A standalone outdoor kitchen island combines a grill, burner, countertop, and sometimes a refrigerator into a single unit. Individual islands are great for smaller spaces, but are typically only large enough for a chef and have limited seating for guests. However, they offer the opportunity for expansion and expansion. Next, check out these functional and stylish small outdoor kitchen ideas.
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L-shaped. In these floor plans, two sides are arranged at a 45 degree angle. One area usually contains the cooking space (oven, burners, countertops, etc.). The other area is often used as a seating and dining area and may have a sink, refrigerator and/or storage cabinets.
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U-shaped. These have three sides with a cooking area in the middle and two larger work and/or seating areas on the other sides. This layout offers the most storage space, appliances, guest seating, and amenities.
The design of your outdoor kitchen largely determines workflow and foot traffic. Position your guests so that they don't crowd the cooking area. “One of the most important considerations,” says Menn, “is making sure others aren’t in the way while the chef is doing his thing!”
Access to plumbing and electricity connections
Depending on which outdoor kitchen appliances you choose, you may need to provide plumbing, electrical and/or gas lines. Menn points out that many grills require an electrical connection, a gas connection or a propane connection.
Even if your appliances don't require electricity to run, Menn says electrical connections allow you to add useful things like a blender, ice cream maker and lights. If you are installing a sink, you will need a water inlet and outlet line. Installing these connections increases the overall cost of construction, and proximity to utility sources may affect the location of your kitchen.
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