Designing an Outdoor Kitchen and Dining Area for Your Home

Since the year 2020, a significant number of people have found themselves spending a greater amount of time within their homes, a pattern that’s predicted to persist for the coming years. If you’re in a position to carry out enhancements to your residence, why not dedicate your efforts, resources, and finances towards the outdoor areas of your home? The establishment of an outdoor kitchen and dining space represents a valuable investment for numerous reasons.

For one, it can boost the appraisal value of your home, so long as you keep track of the progress through before-and-after photos and receipts. You’ll also save on energy bills because most outdoor appliances run on propane, and cooking in natural daylight means you’re using less electrical lighting. Lastly, outdoor kitchens and dining areas are perfect ways to unwind after a long day at work. This is especially important for self-employed people who work from home; an outdoor space is an excellent way to hang out with family and friends, socialize, and essentially “escape the office” at the end of the day.

There’s never been a better time to up your home’s outdoor game. Here, we take a look at some practical advice for how you can design a space that meets your budget and lifestyle.

The Location

In most cases, you want your outdoor kitchen near the back door of your home. An existing patio, deck, or pool is the perfect place to put your kitchen. Not only will this likely mean that you already have electrical sources in place, but it will also make it more convenient for carrying food and other items to and from your indoor kitchen.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that you want to prevent smoke from blowing into your home. Assess the wind patterns around your home, as it will help you decide whether to put your outdoor kitchen in a different location or add ventilation to the design plans.

The Flooring

When building an outdoor kitchen on an existing deck or patio, you will already have great flooring in place. If the flooring is wood, however, you’ll want to make sure it’s treated to be weather-resistant. The best types of flooring for an outdoor kitchen and dining space are tile, natural stone, brick, and treated concrete. These materials are not only attractive, but they are also non-slip, low-maintenance, and easy to clean.

The Appliances

No matter what types of foods you’ll be using your outdoor kitchen for, chances are a grill will be the staple appliance. Natural gas, propane, charcoal — there are plenty of options when it comes to outfitting your kitchen with a grill.

Some homeowners go with a simple portable grill, as they are cheaper and can be taken on trips. But if you want to take your kitchen to the next level, you may want to invest in a drop-in grill that is built into your counter space. These grills create a more streamlined design, they’re made with better materials, and they retain more heat.

Maybe you want a more versatile cooking experience in your kitchen. Smokers and/or a wood-fired pizza oven could make a wonderful addition to your outdoor kitchen. It’s hard to beat a quality smoker when it comes to slow-cooking barbecue foods, and along with providing authentic-style pizzas, a pizza oven can be used to roast everything from meats to vegetables.

Other appliances you’ll need to include in your outdoor kitchen are an outdoor refrigerator and a sink with an access door. Budget to have a water supply and drain installed for the sink.

The Furniture

The amount of space you have in your outdoor kitchen and dining area will influence what types of furniture you should include. If space is limited, setting up a bar with bar stools around the kitchen can provide you with an area for eating and entertainment. If space is not a concern, then you can opt to include a full set of patio furniture in the dining area, including a table, chairs, and decorative elements. Just make sure the furniture is weatherproof and waterproof.

Show Off Your Space

Once your outdoor kitchen and dining area is complete, it’s time to host a party! Hosting a party in your newly finished outdoor living space is a fun way to show off your home and enjoy the beautiful weather. When planning an outdoor party, consider the size of your space and the number of guests you plan to invite. Be sure to provide ample seating and shade to keep your guests comfortable. Consider adding outdoor lighting to create a festive ambiance. Provide plenty of food and drinks, and consider hiring a caterer or renting equipment if necessary. Don’t forget to create an event flyer to share with your guests, including important information such as the date, time, and location of the party (check this out for help creating a free flyer in seconds!).

This is an opportune time for adding an outdoor kitchen and dining space to your home. Remember to choose a location, appliances, and furniture that meet the needs and preferences of your family. In no time, you’ll be enjoying the benefits of nature without leaving your home!