Planning a new kitchen for your backyard? You will need to consider several aspects of outdoor kitchen construction. These include costs, materials, location of utility lines, and design ideas. This article provides an overview of these issues. If you plan to build your own outdoor kitchen, consider the following tips before you begin. This will help you build a kitchen that suits your needs and your budget. Moreover, building an outdoor kitchen will give you the opportunity to entertain your family and friends more often.
The cost of building an outdoor kitchen
While many outdoor kitchen ideas involve installing a new patio, you can save about 20 percent or more by DIYing. You can purchase prefabricated or pre-fabricated elements, such as prefabricated outdoor kitchen framework and shelving, and you can save a lot more by using reclaimed wood furniture. A poured concrete patio can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000, depending on size, materials, and labor. To save even more, you can paint used wood furniture to match your decor.
Before you start to build your outdoor kitchen, you’ll need to pay attention to the costs. For instance, gas line plumbing is not as difficult to install, but you’ll need a licensed contractor to install it. New electrical wiring will need to be installed and inspected. Some municipalities won’t allow outdoor kitchens unless you’re licensed to do so. To avoid paying high labor costs for plumbing and electrical work, consider hiring a professional.
Materials to use
Before you start assembling materials for your outdoor kitchen, consider the size of the space. The countertop of this outdoor kitchen should be around 3 feet tall. You can add a metal feet base as well. The countertop is usually made of pressure-treated lumber. If you want to build the base yourself, make sure to cut the posts with a 1-1/2-inch-deep notch. Next, nail the boards together using 2-1/2-inch deck screws.
If you decide to build a wooden outdoor kitchen, you should be very careful. Wood is a combustible material and is susceptible to catching fire. If you plan to use wood for your outdoor kitchen, it’s important to use proper protective measures to avoid fire. Steel is not foolproof, but it will offer peace of mind. Also, steel is recyclable and renewable, which makes it an eco-friendly choice.
Location of utility lines
Identifying utility lines can be a tricky process when building an outdoor kitchen. Not only will you need to make sure you can dig up your yard, but you also need to know where these lines are. This is important because buried lines may require trenching, which could put your outdoor kitchen in danger. Additionally, you need to account for the cost of extension of utility lines. Thankfully, there are licensed professionals who can help you out with this.
The first step to building an outdoor kitchen is to locate the utilities. Most places require you to build your outdoor kitchen at least 5 feet from the side yard property line, to prevent any possible fires. This is because the building code requires that buildings be built with a higher fire resistance rating if they are located closer to the property line. However, if you’re building an outdoor kitchen with a chimney, you can’t place the kitchen too close to the property line.
Design options
You can design your outdoor kitchen to fit on an existing deck or patio. In most cases, homeowners prefer to install the outdoor kitchen near the house so that it feels like an extension of their home’s living space. A house can also provide shade and protection from wind. In addition to providing more counter space, an outdoor kitchen can provide a great place to eat and entertain. Listed below are some design ideas for a kitchen with an outdoor space.
Choose the right materials. Obviously, your outdoor kitchen is going to be subjected to weather, but it is still important to choose materials that can withstand the elements. Stainless steel is an attractive option, and you can choose powder-coated stainless steel if you’d like to add a splash of color to your outdoor kitchen. Choose a material that will match the existing decor, and it’s likely to last for many years.