Cooking outdoors is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while you prepare your meal. Not only is it fun, but it can also be quite convenient. If you are looking to add an outdoor kitchen station to your home, there are many hardscape design ideas that you can choose to bring some of the comforts of the indoors right to your backyard.
In this guide, we are going to cover five of the top benefits of having a hardscape outdoor kitchen on your property. If you are looking to install one in your backyard, contact our team of professionals today to get started.
1: Spend More Time Outdoors
One of the best reasons to add an outdoor kitchen to your home is that it will allow you to spend more time outdoors during the warmer months. If you live in the northeast, you likely want to soak up as much outdoor time as possible during what sometimes seems like a short summer. Don’t worry! Even in colder climates, you can still enjoy your outdoor kitchen by adding a fireplace or heater to the space!
2: Less Smoke and Smells in the House from Cooking or Grilling
Another great benefit of installing an outdoor kitchen is that it will allow you to cook or grill without filling your house with smoke and strong smells. This is especially beneficial if you’re grilling seafood or anything that puts off a distinct fragrance that may not be ideal to have lingering inside your home after dinner. Instead, fire up the grill and try that new salmon recipe your mouth has been watering over!
3: Entertain Guests Outside
If you enjoy hosting guests, an outdoor kitchen is a perfect addition to your home. You can prepare meals while socializing with your guests and enjoy the outdoors together.
Kitchens can also be paired with other hardscape features like bars, patios, inground pools, and firepits to create a comfortable atmosphere. You can create an entertaining outdoor living space and enjoy the fresh summer air without ever having to step foot indoors.
4: Increase Your Home’s Value
While hardscape features are an investment, they can also increase the value of your property. Having an outdoor kitchen installed does not only give your home a competitive edge over others on the market, but it also makes your home seem larger! Whether you’re looking to entertain outdoors for years to come, or you may be interested in selling your home in the future, an outdoor kitchen is a great home upgrade.
5: Safer Than Cooking Indoors
Kitchen accidents are one of the most common causes of house fires. These can not only put your safety at risk, but a blaze can also damage your home and treasured belongings beyond recovery. Cooking outdoors poses far less of a fire threat to your home. If you are someone that is wanting to use high heat or open flames to prepare meals, you may enjoy the peace of mind that an outdoor kitchen can provide when it comes to house fire prevention.
Considerations for Installing a Hardscape Outdoor Kitchen
If you are interested in adding an outdoor kitchen station to your property, consider some of these important factors as you plan your project:
Municipal Codes and Regulations
Before you begin any construction project on your property, it is important to check with your municipality to see if there are any codes or regulations that need to be followed.
You may also need to acquire a specific permit to begin your project. This is especially important for hardscape features like outdoor kitchens as they can require electrical, water, and gas hookups. As always, one of our local hardscape professionals can assist you with this process.
Distance from the House
You will need to decide how far away from your house you would like your outdoor kitchen station to be. Some people prefer to have it close to the house so they can easily access indoor amenities like running water, electricity, and the main kitchen. We’ll make our recommendations after our initial consultation.
Appliances
When planning your outdoor kitchen, you will also need to decide which appliances you would like to include ahead of time as the exact specs need to be included in the design plans.
Some common appliances found in hardscape outdoor kitchens are grills, smokers, ovens, stoves, and refrigerators. You may also want to consider adding a sink and counter space for food preparation as well as storage for your outdoor cooking supplies. Our team is happy to guide you as you make your selections.
Fire Safety Features
If you are including any kind of fire feature in your outdoor kitchen, like a fireplace or pit, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions.
This could include surrounding heat sources with fireproof materials as well as any roofs, countertops, or overhangs. Many homeowners like their outdoor kitchens professionally built with some sort of permanent overhead covering to provide shade, which should be constructed with non-combustible materials or properly treated to prevent fires.
Plan an Outdoor Kitchen Hardscape Project
Gallivan Corporation is the Capital Region’s leading team of hardscape designers and installers. We offer a wide range of materials, finishes, and custom solutions to help you bring your vision for your yard to life. We believe that your outdoor living space should be an extension of your indoors.
If you are looking to install a hardscape outdoor kitchen station in your yard this summer, contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.