A well-planned, practical outdoor kitchen will expand your outdoor living area, and give you a place to cook, eat, and organize small and large gatherings. Ultimately, there’s no reason why the outdoor kitchen of your Yorktown, NY, residence shouldn’t be as functional as your indoor one. There are many ways to decide on the kitchen design that will suit your backyard, but here are some of the basics that will get you started:
Floor Material
The first step to building a durable outdoor kitchen is a high-quality foundation, created by establishing the floor materials and layout. It is important to be aware of the weather changes and weight of the appliances you plan on installing. If you are using natural stone as a base for your kitchen, give some thought to the maintenance that might come with it. Natural stone, such as marble, for example, tends to stain easily and gets slippery when wet, so it may not be the ideal material for an outdoor kitchen in Yorktown.
Proper flooring adds value and durability, so make sure you choose patio flooring materials that can endure grease and food spills, bad weather, and the weight of your appliances.
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Essential Appliances
Before looking for a location and planning the layout of your kitchen, decide on the essentials for your kitchen. Depending on the space available, personal preferences, and budget, determine the things that you might include in your outdoor kitchen. For example, you can go with a simple, basic kitchen design and include a grill, sink, refrigerator, countertops, cabinet and a dining area. A pizza oven or a bar are also popular options and are great for creating a large, fully-equipped outdoor space.
Kitchen Layout
Every functional kitchen is organized into four main areas, these include preparation, cooking, serving, and cleanup areas. The space available in your kitchen heavily depends on the layout. If you are into stand-alone counters, which is common in smaller kitchens, the counter will need to have everything you need in one small place. This is also the most economical design out of all standard layouts. An L-shaped layout has two separate legs, one for cooking and the other for prep, cleanup, and service. The legs are connected and provide additional storage space. A U–shaped layout is great for a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen, as it provides the most room for kitchen appliances, and incorporates all of the four main kitchen areas.
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Location
Safety should always be a concern when looking for a location for your outdoor kitchen. The best way to ensure safety is to consult a professional that will advise you on the best options for the location of your outdoor kitchen, especially when open flames and smoke are concerned.
When it comes to finding the ideal location for your kitchen, consider locating your outdoor kitchen near your indoor kitchen if possible. This layout is crucial for creating a well-integrated kitchen, as you’ll have direct access to the indoor kitchen for additional support and storage.