Ingrid Fisher © 2009
BobVilaContractors.com
The kitchen is a gathering place for families and as our kitchen space shrinks our family time seems to be shrinking with it. However, there's a growing trend in cities like Washington D.C. and across the country to bring the indoor kitchen, outdoors. The outdoor kitchen is attractive to all types of households because it is a relaxing and functional addition to living space and it takes full advantage of the great outdoor climate and appeals to our sense of connecting with nature and family.
Enclose your space
If you live in an area prone to outdoor pests like Washington D.C., planning to enclose a portion of your backyard space for an outdoor kitchen is ideal. By adding specialized covers, fans and screening you can minimize contact with bugs and extreme weather. A screen or glass enclosed outdoor kitchen can help keep cool air in the summer and the warm air in the winter allowing for more outdoor enjoyment, all year long.
Measure for proper use of space
Taking the proper measurements for appliances and furniture is key to maximizing your outdoor space. Decide well in advance how you will use your outdoor kitchen space the most. Do you primarily entertain guests, in which case you would need lots of seating? Is it more a space for you and your family to gather at the end of the day to share a meal, in which case you would need more storage and cooking equipment? Make a plan and take your measurements.
Find the perfect grill
It wouldn't be an outdoor kitchen without the perfect grill. Summer cookouts, fall football parties and other outdoor activities just wouldn't be the same without the smell of burgers and dogs on the grill. But, finding the perfect grill can be challenging. When visiting your local retailer, make sure to speak to a professional who can help you pick the perfect grill for you in size and function. They can help you decide between gas and charcoal/wood grills; weather you need a fixed or moveable grill; and how about a permanent, built-in grilling station. Design possibilities are endless and outdoor appliance choices are available for any budget.
It's all in the lighting
For nighttime entertaining and dinner parties or just snacks with the family in the cool of the evening, adding a few solar powered lights and ceiling lamps is all that is needed. Keeping lights low and energy efficient is the ideal for outdoor spaces. If you have a cooking station you will need focused and project lighting directly above your workstation. To light a path from the front of your house to the backyard area, use the new kitsch-free torches. These low-smoke torches have a fiberglass wick and when used with citronella fuel, can help keep outdoor pests away for up to 20 hours.
An outdoor kitchen addition can seem like a lot of work but its well worth it to have the additional living and entertaining space. Contacting a professional contractor can help you wade through the options available and ensure that you have the ideal outdoor kitchen experience for years to come.
