Step Up Your Outdoor Cooking Game with a DIY Kitchen
Outdoor cooking often conjures up images of portable grills perched precariously on the edge of a deck. But what if you could expand your backyard barbecue capabilities with a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen?
Constructing your own DIY outdoor kitchen allows you to create a customized cooking space perfect for entertaining family and friends. From summer cookouts to holiday gatherings, an outdoor kitchen serves as the ultimate backyard upgrade.
Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen
Careful planning ensures your DIY outdoor kitchen not only meets your cooking needs but also fits within your designated backyard area and budget.
Determining Your Budget
As with any major home project, the first step is defining your budget. Outdoor kitchens can range from simple grill stations to high-end built-in complexes. Prioritize the elements most important to you, such as cooking equipment versus cabinetry and counters. If working with a limited budget, consider using reclaimed wood. This not only saves money compared to buying new materials but also adds a unique rustic touch.
Choosing a Location
When selecting where to build your outdoor kitchen, consider the following:
- Sun exposure
- Views of your yard or garden
- Convenient access from your home's rear entryways
- Allowance for a spacious work triangle between the sink, grill, and prep areas for an efficient cooking layout
Designing the Layout
Map out the approximate footprint so you can visualize how much room key elements will require. Most outdoor kitchens include a grill station, sink, food prep counters, storage cabinetry, and dining areas. Allow enough space between each area to comfortably cook, prepare, and clean up after meals.
Selecting Materials
Durability and weather-resistance are top priorities when choosing materials. For cabinetry and countertops, select wood types like teak, cedar, and redwood that naturally resist rot and insects. Reclaimed wood offers savings as well as rustic character. Stainless steel makes a sleek, low-maintenance choice for appliances, sinks, and hardware.
Building Your Outdoor Kitchen
With your layout planned and materials selected, it's time to start construction on your DIY outdoor kitchen oasis.
Constructing the Cabinetry
You can build custom cabinetry to your exact specifications and layout or purchase pre-fabricated modules. Consider including closed storage as well as open shelving to keep cooking tools and serving ware within reach but out of the elements when not in use. Drawers, racks, and other storage solutions maximize space.
Installing the Countertops
Durability is key for countertop materials exposed to the outdoors. Stone and stainless steel stand up well to weather and frequent use. Account for overhangs if integrating a bar area, and pay special attention to seams where water could penetrate if not properly sealed.
Adding Appliances and Hardware
Complete your outdoor kitchen with the appliances and hardware essential for cooking al fresco. Look for equipment rated for outdoor use when selecting your grill, refrigerator, sinks, lighting features, and more. Choose finishes that can withstand sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations.
Incorporating Lighting
Proper lighting extends daytime use into the evening hours. Bright pendant lights above the prep and cooking areas illuminate food preparation while under-cabinet lighting provides visibility for the entire countertop workspace and sinks when needed.
Decorating Your Outdoor Kitchen
With functionality covered, include decorative touches to reflect your personal taste and style.
Including Comfortable Seating
Arrange dining chairs and tables around the outdoor kitchen's periphery to create a casual space for family meals or large gatherings with friends. Sectionals, benches, stools, and even lawn games encircle the space for conversation.
Adding Personal Touches
Make the space your own with backsplashes in ceramic tile, metal, or weatherproof wallpaper featuring vibrant colors and patterns. Planter boxes, vases, centerpieces, and outdoor wall art inject personality. Consider a pergola or rafters decorated with hanging lights and plants overhead.
Maintaining and Protecting Your Kitchen
Properly finishing exposed wood provides protection from moisture, UV rays, bugs, and other damage. Maintain these surfaces by reapplying protective sealants as needed. Store removable kitchen accessories like appliances, tools, and decor in a secure area when not in use.
After all the planning, building, and decorating, the best part of a DIY backyard kitchen is putting it to use. Host intimate family dinners, holidays, or casual summer barbeques showcasing your expanded outdoor cooking capabilities. Spend evenings prepping elaborate meals or simply whipping up weeknight fajitas or fish tacos to enjoy al fresco as the sun sets. However you utilize your new DIY kitchen, it makes bringing the indoor comforts of home cooking outdoors easier than ever.