Outdoor kitchens and barbecues are a popular addition that many homeowners make to their backyards, and while these outdoor “entertainment zones” can be a relatively big investment, they add substantial value to your home even as they facilitate relaxing “at-home picnics” and successful holiday barbecues.
Planning and Locating Your Outdoor Kitchen
At Remodeling California, we not only can construct your outdoor kitchen and barbecue, but we can also assist you in the design and planning stage. Whether you want only a simple outdoor grilling station with a few other amenities or a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, we capable of servicing large parties, we have the experience to make it happen.
Some factors to consider when planning your outdoor kitchen include:
- Choosing the size, dimensions, materials, and appliances that will accommodate the number of guests you plan on serving and still fits your budget.
- Subdividing your kitchen into “functional zones” each with a special purpose, such as food preparation, grilling/cooking, dining, dishes/clean up, and entertainment.
- Locating your outdoor kitchen so that it has easy access to your indoor kitchen, so grill smoke drifts away from the dining area, and in a spot that offers guests a beautiful view.
- Having a plan in place for maintaining/caring for outdoor appliances, counter tops, patios, decking, landscaping, greenery, and everything that is part of or immediately surround your outdoor kitchen and barbecue.
What Elements Can I Include in My Outdoor Kitchen?
Remodeling California can help you select and then proceed to install a host of different elements for you outdoor kitchen and barbecue. Here are some of the most popular features that our clients often have us include:
- One or more built-in or freestanding grills. Stainless steel grills are often built into attractive stone, brick, or stucco “veneers,” and outdoor teppanyaki grills are also popular. Choose a location with access to gas and electric, or we can run out new lines to the location you desire. You will also need to choose the size and features you want in your grill and whether it will burn propane, wood, charcoals, or some combination.
- Counter tops of any dimension and material you desire. Outdoor counter tops are often of stone, granite, ceramic tiles, or stainless steel. These are often laid on top of wood storage cabinets or stone, brick, steel, or concrete block structures for support. If you have cabinetry underneath your counters, it is important to make them resistant to both heat and rain and to tightly seal them to keep them dust and bug free.
- Other kitchen appliances besides the grill. Many install pizza ovens, side burners, deep fat fryers, refrigerators, ice machines, beverage dispensing stations, full/half bars, and warming drawers. If you put in a refrigerator, you will need to choose between freestanding and built-in, under the counter options.
- An adequately sized sink built into the main support structure. Stainless steel will prevent rusting, a double sink will make dishes easier, and you need a good drain and new plumbing pipes installed. Also consider getting a high efficiency faucet to cut down on your water bill.
- A fire pit in the general area with large, decorative surround stones, perhaps built into a patio. A roasting spit can even be installed (and be fully detachable), and you can put “stone or log seating” all around so guests can huddle in for warmth, marshmallow roasting, and interaction.
- Quality, durable flooring. Your outdoor kitchen and guest area should have a good “floor” under it, perhaps a stone or brick patio, stamped concrete pavement, or weather-resistant wood decking. Oftentimes, it is desirable to interconnect decking with a nearby pool and to include greenery and landscaping elements at your outdoor kitchen’s boundary zones.
- Provisions for privacy and shade. For greater privacy, you may wish to install fences, short stone walls, and trellises in strategic locations (without obstructing the view too much). To create shade, use a patio cover, umbrellas at tables, or a pergola. In some cases, it is possible to build a roof or overhang over all or a portion of your outdoor kitchen, and it also helps to position your kitchen near existing trees/shrubs or plant new ones.
- Install outdoor-rated lighting fixtures. We can run new wiring and put in the lamps and floodlights that will keep you outdoor kitchen usable in the evening hours. We can also install timers and motion sensors and use LED fixtures so you save as much as possible on electricity.
Contact Remodeling California Today for Assistance
If you are interested in learning more about outdoor kitchens and barbecues or to get a free quote, feel free to call Remodeling California today at 800-724-9946 or fill out our online contact form.
We can help you design and plan your outdoor kitchen and barbecue as well as crunch numbers to ensure you stay in budget. We can help you select your ideal appliances and materials, give our advice on counter/seating height, and assist you in every way possible.
We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, offer multiple financing plans, can arrange for all necessary permits/inspections, and serve all Los Angeles and L.A. County.
