Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens The COMPLETE Guide to Outdoor Kitchens DesignCastConcrete.com 1 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Table of Contents Introduction.....................................................3 Getting Started......................................................4 Design ....................................................................7 Materials ..............................................................13 Appliances and Accessories ..............................19 Managing the Project ........................................28 DesignCastConcrete.com 2 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Introduction As interest in outdoor living continues to grow, people are looking to transform their backyards into extensions of their own homes. Backyards have turned into second kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms. They have become the prime spot for entertaining, relaxing and spending time with family and friends. "More than 50% of consumers want to add an outdoor kitchen.” The biggest trend evolving in outdoor living is outdoor kitchens. An outdoor kitchen - Casual Living allows you to cook, eat and entertain in the beautiful outdoors. The best outdoor kitchens are as functional as an indoor kitchen, as welcoming as a living room and as entertaining as a family room. Outdoor kitchens are convenient, create more space, add value to your home and make spending time outdoors very enjoyable. Turning your outdoor space into a fully-functional, luxurious outdoor kitchen is a process that takes planning, knowledge and time. This guide will help you to maximize your backyard year-round and take it to the next level with an outdoor kitchen. Over the next several pages, you will find ideas and tips to help you get started, design your space, choose your materials and manage the outdoor kitchen project. The sky is the limit for planning your outdoor kitchen! DesignCastConcrete.com 3 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Getting Started Location The perfect location for an outdoor kitchen is based on your personal preference and style. Most people like the idea of having a barbecuing area adjacent to the side of the house. Others prefer a freestanding kitchen pavilion. An outdoor kitchen located near the house is popular for a few reasons. For one, the house provides natural shelter to the outdoor kitchen. It protects it from wind and sun and makes it easier to attach an overhead structure for protection from rain or snow. Second, it is typically less expensive to run utility lines from the house to the outdoor kitchen. DesignCastConcrete.com 4 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens An outdoor kitchen close to the house is also ideal because of convenience. Being steps away from the house makes entertaining easier if you have to make trips back inside. Choosing a spot away from the house can work out well, particularly if you don’t plan to go back and forth from the indoor kitchen. In this case, you would want to incorporate more storage into the space to hold cooking essentials such as dishes and bowls. Many people like the idea of placing their outdoor kitchen in a pavilion near their pool. When deciding the location of your outdoor kitchen, make sure to consider prevailing winds, sun protection and overhead power lines and trees. Think about the soil. How stable is it? Does it need to be leveled? How will the surface drain? How will the wind blow smoke? Also, remember to position the cooking area away from the house so that smoke and cooking odors don’t get trapped. DesignCastConcrete.com 5 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Setup Think carefully about your current outdoor setup and the areas you would like to improve. What is it that you really want in your outdoor kitchen? Ask yourself the following questions: • How often do I cook outside and what foods do I like to cook? • What are my grill options? • How many people will spend time in the space? • Do I need to consider kid safety? • Will I do any prep work or cleaning outside? • Do I plan to eat outside? Consider how you will actually use the space and what additions make the most sense in terms of your existing landscape and space. You want your setup to work well with your lifestyle. Permits Before you start building your outdoor kitchen, you need to check with your town’s building department to find out if there are any permits that need to be filed as well as if there are any rules and regulations. Some towns have regulations about how close you can build to your property line. You will most likely need a permit if you are bringing in water, gas or electricity. If you choose to locate the outdoor kitchen near the house, make sure to consider all fire codes. DesignCastConcrete.com 6 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Design Layout Once you have chosen the right location, you can start thinking about the layout of your outdoor kitchen. Don’t start shopping for the countertops, cabinets and appliances just yet. The first essential step is to settle on a layout that will make the space functional and visually appealing. You are probably familiar with the general layout of indoor kitchens. The concept of the “kitchen triangle” is pretty well known. An efficient kitchen layout will have the refrigerator, cooktop and sink form the three points of a triangle. With your outdoor kitchen, your goal should be to form this triangle. It will be much easier and more natural since outdoor kitchens run fairly small compared to indoor kitchens. DesignCastConcrete.com 7 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Styles Similar to indoor kitchens, outdoor kitchens can have different style layouts: straight line, L-shape and U-shape. You can also incorporate an island. A straight-line layout is installed against a wall. It is ideal for smaller, budget-friendly spaces. L-shape and U-shape layouts most closely resemble indoor kitchens and are best for larger freestanding kitchens that include items such as a grill, refrigerator, sink and a bar area. An L-shaped layout is the most spatially economical choice that separates grilling and food prep and allows for the long end to double as a bar. A U-shaped layout offers all the bells and whistles. There is plenty of space to prep, cook, and serve and to integrate all the latest outdoor appliances and features. It is also ideal if you are a big entertainer or have a large family. DesignCastConcrete.com 8 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Zones When designing the layout of your outdoor kitchen, you should divide it into zones: hot, dry, wet and cold. Hot zones include grills, cooktops, pizza ovens and any surrounding counter space. Dry zones comprise counter space used for food prep as well as cabinetry and storage. Wet zones include the sink and surrounding countertop. Cold zones encompass refrigerators, ice makers, beverage coolers, beer taps and other cold storage spaces. You should plan for enough space for all four functional zones as well as plenty of counter space to support each zone. Think of the extra counter space as landing zones. Each appliance needs space on each side usually ranging from one foot to two feet. The key here is to focus on how each zone will work “A grill should have at least 12” of space to one side and 24” to the other side.” - Kalamazoo Gourmet together for prep, cooking, serving and cleanup. DesignCastConcrete.com 9 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Plumbing Most outdoor kitchens designed today include an outdoor sink. However, there are a few decisions that come with doing so. Does it need hot water? Where will it drain? How will it be winterized? Plumbing for an outdoor kitchen sink is similar to other utilities in that it will be less expensive if the outdoor kitchen is located next to the house. Many outdoor kitchens don’t need hot water, so if you choose to just run cold water, you can typically cut down on the cost. If you do desire hot water, you can choose between a water heater or running hot water lines. An undercounter tankless water heater is usually less expensive and performs better. DesignCastConcrete.com 10 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens If the outdoor kitchen will be prone to frost, you will need to winterize any plumbing before it freezes. This would usually include a shut-off water valve and a drain. You can use an ejector pump to flush the water lines at the end of the season or install a gravity-based system with the pipes running to an insulated space, so you can open the valve and empty the pipe. You also need to decide what to do with the waste water. You can tie it to your home’s waste water system or drain the sink into a French drain or a dry well. You can also always drain the sink into a bucket under the sink, but that could get a little messy. If you want to put food down the sink via a garbage disposal, tying the sink to your home’s waste water system is your best option. Utilities Electricity is essential in any outdoor kitchen. It’s a good idea to put the outdoor kitchen on its own GFI circuit board inside your house to make it easier to reset the system if necessary. Refrigerators most likely need a dedicated circuit since they typically require more amperage. You’ll probably want outlets above the counter for appliances and the grill’s rotisserie motor and below the counter for refrigeration and a water heater. You also want your outlets to be on a separate circuit. You’ll most likely want to hook up gas to your outdoor kitchen. Unless you plan on grilling exclusively with charcoal, you may want to run a gas line to the grill. DesignCastConcrete.com 11 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens If you decide to forego hooking into your home’s gas supply, make sure to keep your propane tank full. You might even be better off investing in a second tank, so one is always full and ready when the other runs low. When looking at gas, take into account the total BTU volume of all of the equipment including fire pits, side burners, pool heaters and patio heaters. Safety Position the grill at least 10 feet away from combustible materials such as wood siding, deck rails and tree branches. If you decide to install an outdoor grill under a structure, make sure to allow plenty of clearance space between the grill and the ceiling and to design the room for ventilation. Keep a gas safety shutoff valve in a convenient location that is not too close to the grill. You should also have a fire extinguisher on hand just in case. DesignCastConcrete.com 12 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Materials Cabinets Options for outdoor cabinets are a little more limited than those for indoor cabinets. You still have a wide range of possibilities, but when it comes down to it, you want a cabinet that will be able to withstand the elements. Concrete Concrete cabinets by Eldorado Outdoor are preformed with ridges that allow you to stick stones directly on them. You can also add these cabinets directly on a concrete slab. Their biggest advantage is that the stone work can be done the next day in only a few hours. Concrete cabinetry is a great cost saving alternative. Masonry Island – CMU These cabinets require footing, are labor intensive and take several days to build. In order to install these cabinets, you must dig a footing, pour concrete, and then build the blocks on top. You have to know the measurements for the openings for grills, doors and appliances beforehand. These cabinets can take a week or longer to install. Marine-grade Polymer Marine-grade polymer is easy to hose down and UV-resistant. Your cabinets will not expand or contract, will not rust and will resist degradation in direct sunlight. Some people use stainless steel for cabinet doors and polymer for the remainder. DesignCastConcrete.com 13 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Stainless Steel Stainless steel is durable, weatherproof and ideal. It provides a clean, contemporary look that integrates well with appliances and your grill. Most outdoor kitchen professionals agree that all your stainless steel outdoor components should be at least 304 grade stainless steel. Aluminum Aluminum has many of the same advantages of stainless steel. Aluminum cabinets come in a durable powder coat finish with several different color options. Their durability and versatility can stand up to all of your needs even in the most demanding setting. You can even opt for a preconfigured cabinet set that provides an alternative to a conventional kitchen in less time, with no assembly and with no extra material. DesignCastConcrete.com 14 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Countertops When choosing a countertop for your outdoor kitchen, you should focus primarily on durability first and looks second. Concrete Concrete countertops give a clean and contemporary look to your outdoor kitchen. They are very durable, versatile and low maintenance but should be sealed annually to protect the surface from stains. Concrete countertops are fun because they have limitless design options and can be cast into any shape. Granite Granite countertops most closely resemble the look of an interior kitchen. “Countertop standard height is 36” tall. Bar counter height varies from 42”-46” tall.” They are made to stand up to the - Concrete Network elements and won’t stain as easily as other materials. They are easy to clean, durable and luxurious. Granite also shouldn’t fade in the sun. Try to avoid darker color granite because it will absorb heat making it very hot to the touch. A honed finish in a lighter color works best outdoors since it does not get too hot and shows less dust. DesignCastConcrete.com 15 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Tile Tile offers a wide range of options from a patterned style to a stone look. It’s pretty affordable, but granite is actually almost as cheap as tile, so you would probably be better off choosing granite. If you live in a cold climate, tile is at great risk for cracking. Tile also has grout that can get dirty, stain or break up, so it’s not ideal from a maintenance standpoint. Soapstone Soapstone’s thermal qualities allow it to withstand winter and summer temperatures. It is about 99% non-porous, so it can’t be penetrated by liquid due to its density. This means that it won’t be easily stained by liquids such as lemon juice, oils or wine. Just be aware that when left unsealed, fingerprints, liquids, and oils can darken the stone. To keep its look, soapstone will typically require regular applications of mineral oil. It is also susceptible to scratches, most of which are easily repairable. Flooring If you are not installing your outdoor kitchen over an existing patio, you’ll need to think about what material you will use for the floor of your outdoor kitchen. There are several things to consider: safety, budget, style and maintenance. Avoid glazed or porous tiles or stone since they can be very slippery when wet. Instead, in terms of safety, think about concrete, brick or natural stone. DesignCastConcrete.com 16 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens After safety, consider your budget. Concrete is the most popular flooring option due to its affordability and durability. You can also enhance the overall appearance of your space with stamped or colored concrete. On a modest budget, concrete is ideal because not only is it beautiful, but it can be expertly colored and made to mimic real stone, brick or other materials. Style is another component to consider. Think about the style you want: Contemporary, Tuscan, English/Traditional, Tropical or Old World. Those who prefer the Old World look might be better suited for brick or exposed aggregate concrete. For an English look, try acid stained concrete or stamped cobblestone concrete. DesignCastConcrete.com 17 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Also, an acid stained concrete in integral colors would provide a sleek, contemporary look. Whether you choose stone, brick or concrete, it’s important to choose a floor that complements the overall style of your outdoor kitchen. Maintenance is also big deal for an outdoor kitchen, especially since the floor will be exposed to all kinds of elements. You want a surface that will be able to withstand the weather and any spills. There are practical steps you can take to ensure that your outdoor floor lasts for a very long time. For example, apply a good-quality sealer to any floor that’s in the cooking or dining area to protect it from spills. Concrete is probably the best low-maintenance option you will find. DesignCastConcrete.com 18 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Appliances and Accessories When it comes to purchasing appliances and accessories for your outdoor kitchen, you need to consider several factors. What kinds of foods do you like to cook? Are you a fancy cook or do you prefer the basics? Do you need wine storage or beer on tap? Is it just you and your spouse? Will you have family and friend get-togethers? How often do you plan to be outside? Think about these questions before you start buying appliances and materials. Grills A grill is the heart of any outdoor kitchen. This is the one area you don’t want to skimp on, because this is what you will use the most. A good quality grill will last a lifetime, so it’s important to consider all aspects before you purchase one. DesignCastConcrete.com 19 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens When deciding what grill to purchase, there is a lot to consider! Here is a list of things to look for when you shop: • Price • Thermometer • Temperature control • Dual fuel • Fuel • Built-in grills • High heat • Side burners • Smoking • Cover • Burners • Assembly • Starter/Igniter • Ease of Cleaning • Materials and Durability • Warranty • Workmanship • Safety • Grates • Other accessories • Rotisserie • Color Gas These days gas grills are the most popular grill option. Gas grills are extremely convenient due to their push of a button lighting and constant and consistent heat with a twist of a knob. It is much easier to control the temperature of the grill. Plus, gas grilling is clean and quick; you don’t have to deal with an ashy mess. Gas grills may not get as hot as people prefer, and you might deal with more flare-ups than a charcoal grill. They also might be more expensive up front, but they have a very low operating cost. DesignCastConcrete.com 20 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Charcoal Charcoal grills are another popular option to consider. They cook hotter and give your food a highly-desired smoky flavor. Ceramic charcoal grills are very versatile and have the ability to grill, smoke and sear. They provide moister meats because they act as an insulator to hold in heat and retain the natural moisture of food. Both Kamado Joe and Primo Grills have highly rated, top of the line ceramic charcoal grills. However, they require more attention than a gas grill and are less predictable. It can be harder to control the temperature, so for best results you should divide the grill so you have several cooking temperature zones. In terms of price, a charcoal grill might be cheaper than a gas grill, but the cost of buying coals adds up overtime. In the end, a gas grill will give you more bang for your buck. DesignCastConcrete.com 21 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Wood-Pellet Wood-Pellet grills are a gaining popularity for their ease of use and precise temperature control. They require electricity to light the fire pot and run the combustion fan and temperature controller. A woodpellet grill can function as a smoker, oven and grill, which makes it very appealing. It’s easy to operate and has precise temperature control. However, it requires more maintenance than gas and charcoals grills. Cleanup could turn into a 30 minute process of scraping and washing greasy grates and plates. Overall though, wood-pellet grills are a very desirable choice. Kitchen Appliances & Accessories Besides a grill, there is a multitude of other appliances you can add to your outdoor kitchen. Think about your entertaining, cooking, prep and serve zones. What extra amenities would you like to have? Entertaining Zone • Outdoor Refrigerators • Keg Tapper • Bartending Centers • Blenders • Ice Bins • Wine Coolers • Ice Maker DesignCastConcrete.com 22 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Cooking Zone • Doors and Drawers • Ovens • Side Burners • Pizza Oven • Warming Drawers • Smoker • Griddles • Ventilation Prep Zone • Sink • Cutting Boards • Trash Bins • Pot Racks • Paper Towel Holders • Utensil Holders Serve Zone • Warming Drawers • Food Warmers DesignCastConcrete.com 23 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Lighting To maximize the hours you can spend using and enjoying your outdoor kitchen, you need to plan for lighting. Having good lighting around the outdoor kitchen is essential. Lighting should be subtle, not bold. Make it only as bright as necessary in order to maintain the ambiance of a soft glow. You might find it’s most effective to combine several different types of lighting. It’s especially important to have bright task lighting above the area where you will be cooking and preparing food. Undercabinet lighting would also be beneficial as well. Gas lights are a great option for lighting pathways, marking entrances, or just adding an elegant accent to the space. You can also hang downlights from trees, arbors or walls to provide soft, general lighting. DesignCastConcrete.com 24 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Shade You definitely want to be able to keep cool during the summertime, so try to incorporate shade into your outdoor kitchen. A pergola is a fun option that not only adds shade but also adds visual interest. Retractable awnings, a popular choice, are great for covering your seating and dining areas. Umbrellas are also simple shading options to consider. Dining Your outdoor seating and dining areas play a big role in the functionality of your outdoor kitchen. Adding a high bar with barstools makes entertaining more fun as people can sit with you while you prep and cook. A large, outdoor dining table is perfect for big gatherings and will provide plenty of room for eating and serving. Built-in seating works well in spacechallenged outdoor kitchens. DesignCastConcrete.com 25 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Your outdoor furniture can be just as comfortable as your indoor furniture, but as always, you should still consider the weather. Opt for furniture that is weather-resistant and can withstand both high and low temperatures. In designing your dining and seating areas, keep in my mind the flow of traffic. You should allow at least 32 inches between the counter, table or bar and the nearest obstruction to make room for comfortable seating. Allow 36 inches behind seats so that people can pass through. There are tons of options for seating and dining, so make sure to consider functionality, durability, and your own personal style. Heat If you want to add a perfect accent piece and create a delightful ambiance, then consider adding an outdoor fire feature to your outdoor kitchen space. DesignCastConcrete.com 26 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Outdoor fire features continue to grow in popularity as they provide a great way to entertain and to extend the livability of your outdoor space. Outdoor fire pits, fire bowls and fireplaces extend the outdoor season, extend your entertaining space, increase your home’s value and provide a beautiful focal point. They also add warmth, both physically and emotionally. Gas fire pits, fire bowls and fireplaces will provide you the most convenience since you can add warmth and elegance with the flick of a switch. Patio heaters are also an option for a heat source on cooler evenings. A portable gas heater performs well, offers stability and wind resistance, is easy to use, and has a contemporary design. You can also opt for a permanent patio heater that will add a subtle ambiance to your space and enhance the overall atmosphere. DesignCastConcrete.com 27 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Managing the Project Budget You can spend however much you want on an outdoor kitchen, from a few hundred dollars for just a freestanding grill to $40,000 for an extravagant fully-outfitted outdoor kitchen with built-in appliances and plenty of room for entertaining and cooking. Most people fall somewhere in between. When deciding how much to budget towards an outdoor kitchen, consider where you live. If you live in a cold climate, you might not get as much use out of your outdoor kitchen as you would if you lived in a warmer climate. In many places, an outdoor kitchen can be used year-round, especially if you incorporate fire features such as an outdoor fireplace. Think about how often you will use the space and adjust your budget accordingly. You also need to think about your wants and needs. What must you have and what would be a nice plus? Make and prioritize a list of items you would like to incorporate into your outdoor kitchen. Consider the neighborhood you live in as well as the possible return on investment. Outdoor kitchens can increase your home’s value, particularly if you live in an upper-middle class neighborhood. Also, be aware of what your neighbors are doing. You don’t necessarily want to improve far beyond the level of the neighborhood, but adding an outdoor kitchen will give your home a nice touch. DesignCastConcrete.com 28 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Where to Save and Where to Splurge You are most likely going to have to make a few compromises on your outdoor kitchen. The one thing that you should absolutely NOT compromise on is your grill. You want to buy the best grill you can afford. It doesn’t have to have all the bells and whistles, but it should be one that will perform well and last for years. Two worthwhile splurges to consider are a sink and a refrigerator. Both make entertaining easier and more convenient. An outdoor rated mini fridge can provide enough space for a few beverages and any condiments. Everyone has different priorities. It all depends on your preferences and where you are willing to splurge. If wine and beer are a crucial component of entertaining, you would be well-served to add a wine cooler or beer tap. If gourmet cooking is your forte, side burners and pizza ovens might be essential. DesignCastConcrete.com 29 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Hiring a Professional When it comes to building an outdoor kitchen, hiring a professional is a must. An outdoor kitchen project should be left up to those with plenty of experience that are known for designing and installing outdoor kitchens. When it comes to choosing who to hire, look for a company that is wellestablished and has past projects that you can view. You want to hire a professional you can trust that has a good reputation. You should also arrange a consultation to get more information about the designers and installers and about the overall process. Finally, before you decide to move forward with the project, make sure a detailed contract is in place that discusses the contractors, terms of agreement, dates for the project, description of work to be done, equipment involved and payment schedule. Installing an outdoor kitchen is a great investment that will enhance your overall quality of life. From the layout and design to the materials and appliances, you can create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. DesignCastConcrete.com 30 Follow us on: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens Interested in learning more? Spring is the perfect time to make improvements to your outdoor space and start planning your outdoor kitchen. If you are ready to take the next step, the professionals at Designcast Concrete along with G&B Energy are here to assist you! We can turn your dreams into a reality and create your ultimate outdoor kitchen. To request a free consultation, click below or give us a call at (336) 258-4233! Request a Free Consultation Fabrication Shop: 209 West Main Street, Boonville, NC 27011 Mailing Address: PO Box 811, Elkin, NC 28621 (336) 258-4233 DesignCastConcrete.com 31 designcastconcrete.com Follow us on:
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