Outdoor Wood Fireplaces – Outdoor Kitchen Tips To Remember
Outdoor Kitchen Tips To Remember
Thinking about installing an Outdoor Kitchen? If so, here are a few tips to remember when designing your new outdoor kitchen. These days everyone wants one so why not join the group. Did you know Outdoor Kitchens are the second most popular remodeling project after completing your indoor kitchen? After all, summertime has always been about backyard barbeques, pool parties and sunset cocktails in the warm evening so, why not upgrade your outdoor living space for some primo entertaining and extend the party to your backyard for more fun with your family and friends.
If you are not a kitchen design professional, be sure you partner with one or at least understand good kitchen design principles. Contact Yorkshire Garden Center for professional assistance at (703) 331-0123 or schedule an appointment on our website and one of our design experts will be glad to assist you.
1) Choosing the right Countertop for Your Outdoor Kitchen
First, your countertop will be a centerpiece of your outdoor kitchen and choosing the right countertop is the first decision you need to make that will ensure years of enjoyment and admiration.
Choosing the right counter top is but one of many details you must consider with designing your outdoor kitchen plan. The most important factor to consider is exposure to all the elements. You will want a countertop that is easy to use and clean and one that will last for years without looking shabby. For this reason alone granite is the best choice. You can get the same quality and luxury as inside the home with natures most durable surface. With easy up-keep, granite counter tops are the perfect choice for your outdoor kitchen plan.
If you live in a Hot climate, then providing for shade is a no-brainer, but especially important with a granite countertop… you could fry an egg on granite if exposed to direct sunlight for several hours. Other options include slate, soapstone and concrete countertops, which are very durable and can be molded to any shape with a wide variety of color options. Please note: concrete countertops are normally colored using dyes and they are prone to discolor and turn yellow over time when exposed to outdoor weather. Blues, blacks and other dark or vibrant colors are the most susceptibl
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e to yellowing. So, pick lighter earth tones colors and seal the concrete often to avoid excessive fading and color shifting.
2) Apply good kitchen design principles for functional zones of the kitchen.
Cold areas (refrigeration), hot areas (grills and cooktops), wet areas (sinks) and dry areas (prep counters and storage) must all work together effectively in the proper proximity, with each allocated enough space. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a great resource for kitchen planning guidelines.
3) Consider the relationship between the indoor kitchen and outdoor kitchen.
How self-sufficient do you want the outdoor kitchen to be? (e.g., cooking, clean-up, storage)
How could they be used together when cooking or entertaining? What is the traffic pattern between them.
4) Select low-maintenance materials designed to withstand the rigors of an outdoor kitchen.
High-quality stainless steel provides a sanitary surface, easily cleaned and is corrosion resistant in harsh environments.
Natural stone counters work well, but some require sealing on a regular basis. The densest granites, such as absolute black are among the least porous stones but may not be ideal for your design aesthetic.
Consider how hot counter materials may get under constant sunlight. Some materials stay naturally cooler than others, and it isn’t always a light-versus-dark color issue. The best way to test is to leave a sample in the sun.
Counters and patio/decking material (especially near the grill and other cooking equipment) should be highly resistant to grease stains. Do not be afraid to mix patio materials.
5) Compliment the design of the home.
The outdoor kitchen design should compliment the architecture of the home and the landscape. Use compatible materials and incorporate subtle architectural details.
6) Plan the entire outdoor entertaining space as part of a single functional plan.
Dining areas, lounging areas, cooking areas and pool areas often coexist. Think of these as outdoor rooms and consider the flow of traffic between them as part of the design.
Try not to isolate the outdoor cook from the rest of the party. Create opportunities for interaction and conversation within the outdoor kitchen and between the outdoor kitchen and other areas.
7) Plan for utilities.
The location of the outdoor kitchen and the equipment within the kitchen can greatly affect the installation or placement of the necessary gas, water and electrical supply.
Extend the outdoor entertaining season with heaters, shade and rain shelter.
Shade from pergolas and awnings in both the cooking and dining areas can make a big difference to the homeowners enjoyment of the space.
Appropriate rain shelter for the outdoor kitchen can help keep the cook dry and comfortable even if the guests migrate indoors. Do not, however put a combustible ceiling or awning above an outdoor grill. If necessary, use an outdoor-rated ventilation hood.
Natural gas patio heaters can be used effectively under eaves and pergolas. Also, radiant heat under the patio and counter tops have been used in outdoor kitchens where money is no object, and portable propane patio heaters are a good solution for more modest budgets.
Fireplaces and hearths are perhaps the most attractive option for adding heat to an outdoor entertaining area.
9) Incorporate music and other entertainment.
There are many options for high-quality outdoor speaker systems. Incorporate music into your design so you do not face the design challenge of adding it later.
Video monitors and televisions can also be successfully incorporated into the outdoor entertaining areas if appropriately sheltered from the elements. In addition to shelter, not all equipment delivers a good picture in bright sunlight c
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onditions. Consider this as part of the specification process.
10) Provide ample lighting.
Providing adequate task lighting in an outdoor kitchen can be quite a challenge, but it is necessary to keep the kitchen working after dark.
Ambient lighting and lighting for the dining area are also critical to the success of an outdoor living space design.
Safety lighting on paths and steps is a must.
11) Most importantly, understand your needs and the equipment available.
How does the user cook inside? Outside? Do they do their own cooking, at parties or hire a chef? How many people and how often do they entertain? Does the outdoor kitchen need to be as comfortable for a family of four to use as it is for a group of 20 or more?
Is the user a gourmet grill master or an occasional griller? Do they prefer charcoal or gas, or do they sometimes prefer each type on different occasions? Is a hybrid grill the right solution or would two grills be a better choice?
What other equipment is needed for refrigeration, wood smoking or pizza-making?
Overall, by addressing each of these topics, you can create outdoor cooking and entertaining areas that deliver great experiences year after year. Remember Yorkshire Garden Center Team of experts is available to help you understand the equipment and design considerations. Please give us a call to help you design and build your outdoor kitchen. We are open 7 days a week and can be contacted at (703) 331-0123.
By: Vincent M
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Outdoor stone fireplaces are the best and inexpensive way to add elegance and style to the outdoor space at a home. Crafted with attractive stones, an outdoor stone fireplace makes a perfect gathering place on frosty nights.
Stone is the most preferable material for constructing an outdoor fireplace, as it is long-lasting and non-combustible. This versatile material can be well-shaped and designed to suit any outdoor setting, both contemporary and classic.
Outdoor stone fireplaces embody strength and durability and are a perfect choice for the patio, backyard or pool. It is easier to install and clean when compared to other outdoor fireplaces. The most notable feature of any outdoor fireplace is that it can withstand the harsh climatic conditions. It reduces overheating and thus prevents fire hazards..
Usually, top quality marble, sandstone, natural stone, cast coral stone, stucco, and granite are used for building the outdoor stone fireplaces. An awesome combination of these stones can also be used for the construction. Some outdoor stone fireplaces come with massive stone beams and rock columns whereas others are as simple as a mantel.
Outdoor stone fireplaces can be wood burning, gas or electric type. Even though wood burning stone fireplace is cheaper and attractive, it can cause air pollution due to the excess output of carbon monoxide and other hazardous gases. The gas outdoor stone fireplace is designed to function with propane or natural gas.
A fine number of outdoor fireplaces, prefabricated as well as masonry construction, are available to add color to the outdoor area of a house. They come in brilliant colors and designs and the hand-carved outdoor fireplace is among the choicest possessions of any householder.
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