An outdoor kitchen installation is one of those signs that you have made it. The great thing about it is that they can work in almost any yard, regardless of size. And they make a great location to make spending time with friends and family easier, especially since the cook doesn’t need to spend so much time away from the people that have come to visit.

However, it doesn’t mean that there isn’t careful planning that needs to occur before you install a new outdoor kitchen. Fortunately, it is a relatively simple process that, when done right, can not only improve the look and feel of your yard but also increase the value of your home,

Also Read – The Top Reasons to Invest in an Outdoor Kitchen

How Much Space Can You Work With

Before beginning your outdoor kitchen installation, consider how much space you will have to work with. This will affect how big your appliances will be and the materials you choose when beginning the project. 

When you begin to look at the size of your yard, this is possibly the best time to plan the outdoor kitchen layout as well. This time is crucial, mainly so you can see where specific utilities, like gas and electric lines, are located, how far away you can conceivably have the outdoor kitchen installation away from the house, and how city building codes will affect the final product.

This also helps when you look at how you want the space divided for the kitchen itself, along with any other amenities you want your yard to have, like seating and space for entertaining guests.

Determine The Layout

This is largely determined by how you typically cook in your outdoor kitchen. Here are a few layouts to consider:

• Linear – typically a straight line and is usually best for smaller spaces.
• Galley – usually designed as a corridor with everything needed to cook on a single side. A good space saver, but it can be difficult to navigate individually.
• L-shaped – typically will have an area for food prep and another for cooking. As the name implies, this is in the shape of an “L”.
• Triangle – places appliances, food storage, and an outdoor sink at equal distances from each other in the shape of a triangle.
• U-shaped – usually best for larger spaces and will have a lot of counter space, making it easier to enlist help if needed.
• Island – a stand-alone area with the space needed for storage and cooking needs, such as a grill or stove and a refrigerator.

Sometimes the best way to get an idea of how you want your outdoor kitchen installation to end up would be to look at how your indoor kitchen is laid out. If there was something you could change to make it easier to cook in or things that you like and want to mirror in your outdoor kitchen, take note and see how well it would work in your chosen space.

Planning

Any successful project needs a solid plan. An outdoor kitchen installation is no different. Once you have the design in mind, get it down on paper. It doesn’t have to look like the work of art it will become in reality, but getting the layout, along with measurements, and knowing where utility lines are can help you know where to place certain parts, like the stove, refrigerator, cabinets, seating, and other parts of the project. 

Usually, simple graph paper will work, especially if you’re working with a smaller area or even a simpler installation. Something a bit bigger might require the help of a professional. They will typically have access to software that can make it easier to design but also create a 3D render of how the final outdoor kitchen may look once it’s done. Part of this render can also show what different materials will look best.

Appliances

Depending on the size and the purpose of the outdoor kitchen installation, the appliances you would want to get will vary. Here are a few things you might want to be included in the final product:

• Grill
• Smoker
• Storage for food and tools
• Refrigerator/Freezer
• Sink
• Dishwasher

There are also plenty of other things you could do to further customize your outdoor kitchen installation. These would include but are not limited to:

• Fire pit
• Entertainment system
• Fans
• Lighting
• Towel racks

Your Professional Outdoor Kitchen Installers

At Husky Pavers, we take pride in our professionalism to ensure that your outdoor kitchen installation is done correctly and within your budget and space. Contact us today to learn more about how we can get your outdoor kitchen installed!