If you’re looking to take your at-home entertaining to the next level, then an outdoor kitchen is the way to do it. With the right amount of shelter, your outdoor kitchen can be utilised all year round, meaning there’s really no excuse for not getting your friends and family over to your home for a meal. Outdoor kitchens have fast become a must-have in home designs since they started taking off around 2018. Whether you’re big into barbecuing, love a good pizza fresh out of the oven or simply need more kitchen space, cooking outside is the way to go – especially in Western Australia. Take the cooking smells outside and leave your home smelling fresh.
When planning your outdoor kitchen, there are few things you should consider before starting construction:
Shelter from the Elements
The main thing you’ll need to consider when building your outdoor kitchen is how much shelter it will have from the elements. In Western Australia, we are blessed with sunny weather for most of the year, but come winter time, you’ll still want to be able to make full use of your outdoor space. By erecting a pergola or roof over your outdoor kitchen area, you can make it usable all year round, no matter what the weather throws at you.
Choose Low-Maintenance Surfaces
You want to spend your time enjoying your outdoor kitchen, not cleaning and maintaining it. When choosing surfaces and finishes for your benchtops, cabinetry and flooring, opt for low-maintenance materials that won’t require hours of work to keep them looking their best
For example, granite benchtops are beautiful but require regular sealing and polishing to keep them stain-free. A better option might be engineered stone which has all of the good looks of granite but is more durable and easier to care for.
1. Engineered stone – This material has all of the good looks of granite but is more durable and easier to care for.
2. Stainless steel – A great choice for both durability and easy maintenance, stainless steel won’t show fingerprints or water spots.
3. Composite materials – Made from a mixture of wood and plastic, composite materials are a low-maintenance alternative to natural wood.
4. Ceramic tile – Tile is a popular choice for flooring in outdoor kitchens because it’s easy to clean and maintain.
5. Glass – Glass cabinets are a beautiful addition to any kitchen but they do require some extra care to keep them looking their best Include.
When choosing surfaces and finishes for your outdoor kitchen, opt for low-maintenance materials that won’t require hours of work to keep them looking their best. Engineered stone, stainless steel, composite materials, ceramic tile, and glass are all great choices that will make your outdoor kitchen look great without a lot of extra work on your part.
Ample Storage
One mistake people often make when planning their outdoor kitchens is not including enough storage space. After all, what good is an outdoor kitchen if you have to keep running back inside for supplies? When designing your layout, make sure you include ample storage for everything you need to prepare and serve a meal outdoors, including cutlery, crockery, BBQ utensils, spices and more.
Building an outdoor kitchen is a great way to take your entertaining up a notch while adding value to your home. When planning yours, be sure to consider how much shelter it will have from the elements, choose low-maintenance surfaces and include ample storage space so you can make the most of cooking al fresco!