With summer on the way, it’s a great time to consider a garden project. If you’re looking for a real wow factor, then a high-quality barbeque area or outdoor kitchen is an awesome choice.
A new survey has found that 60% of homeowners improved the outsides of their homes during the pandemic.
Mostly they say they were unhappy with the layout of their garden, or they felt it was dated. According to the survey by website Houzz, owners thought their outside areas were difficult for the kids to play in or were not welcoming to family and friends.
Exterior upgrades also included new fencing or the construction of new decking or terraces.
To help inspire your thinking about a possible affordable renovation here are some great tips on building an outdoor kitchen to die for!
Size is everything
Keep your renovation to a scale that suits the rest of your outdoor space. If you have a small garden, only consider a linear layout against a fence line or wall, or an island bench. Those with more area can play with L- and U-shaped setups.
Importance of position
If you put your outdoor kitchen along a fence line, be aware that you’ll have your back to your guests when cooking. This is why an island design is more popular but it may require more space.
“Prep” area
You must be satisfied that you’re giving yourself sufficient space to prepare food, so ensure you have benches for chopping and mixing. Insufficient space will force you back into the kitchen and make the renovation pointless.
Savvy storage
Always plan for ample storage to keep barbeque and eating utensils. Because everything you need will be outside, you don’t want to keep going back into the kitchen to find the tongs.
Cover up
Protect your equipment from the elements. Your solution may vary from canvas covers to additional roofing depending on the size of your outdoor kitchen.
Safety first
Always have a fire extinguisher located close by for easy access, and use non-flammable materials for your project.