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An outdoor kitchen can be a
great do-it-yourself project . It can be bit challenging but once it sits there
on your backyard, your heart will swell with pride every time you barbecue on
it! What’s more, you can save a lot on contractor fees and at the same time put
your creativity to test.
A typical project will take about 50 hours of
your time. Include additional time to go the market and get supplies, plans and
kits. You could put the requisite number of hours in one go or put in chunks
during weekends for whenever you have free time.
For hassle-free construction, follow these 8
simple steps to get the maximum from your outdoor kitchen.
Start Planning
Remember the famous Dwight
Eisenhower quote, “Plans are nothing; planning is everything.” The more thought
and research you put into the planning stage, the better the end product will
be. Make sure to write everything down on paper. A vague concept in mind only
leads to confusion later on. Be specific. Get your family together and chalk out
your requirements:
- What type of cooking you would be doing and
how often. Are you a high end griller living in California, Florida or Texas
or a low end griller who cooks out occasionally on Memorial Day, Fourth of
July and maybe Labor Day?
- Will you have the food outside or intend to
bring it inside to eat?
- Are you are designing the outdoor kitchen for
a small family or are you planning to use it as a place to host parties and
gatherings?
- What furniture must be used with the design?
- What time of the year you will use the outdoor
kitchen most often?
- Do you want the outdoor kitchen to be a
flexible and movable arrangement, or do you want it permanently installed?
Scouting For a location
After diligent planning,
you would graduate another important consideration: choosing a good location. If
you have a large backyard, then make sure to have the kitchen closer to the
house, as inevitably you will have to go to and fro for supplies. Another
important tip is to know which way the wind blows. The smoke from the grill
should not go towards the eating table. Additionally, if the grill is placed in
a shaded area, make sure the smoke can escape easily. Trapped smoke blackens
walls and surrounding structures over a long period of time.
Estimating Your Budget
What’s your budget limit? A
good self-made outdoor kitchen can be easily built for under $7000. This
includes a high quality grill, a kitchen island, countertops and flooring. If
you plan to make a patio along with roofing, your budget could be considerably
more as contractors may charge high fees.
Making a list of equipment
Before designing or getting
a plan for an outdoor kitchen, it is a good idea to make a list of equipment you
might need. Rather than buying a grill after you make a grill island go the
other way round. Select the grill you want and make the island around it. Also
consider other accessories you may need, such as sinks, cabinets, outdoor
refrigerators, access doors and others.
Get a workable plan
Before rolling up your
sleeves, get a plan. There are many books and step–by-step kits available in the
market. To make things even simpler, DVDs describing the entire process of
making the kitchen are available as well.
Getting a Permit
Your local building
officials may require a building permit for an outdoor kitchen. Bring a copy of
your property survey and a map that shows where your property lines are. The
building department will ask that everything be thoroughly documented, from the
wiring and plumbing to the construction specifics of structures such as patios.
You shouldn’t feel disappointed if the permit is declined, it happens to the
pros also. Simply do the modifications as suggested by the department.
Get set’n go
You will have some hard
work in store. Take it as fun, and proceed slowly. Rushing through the project
will only tire you. Get your family involved and work as a team. Avoid building
the kitchen during rains. It makes a lot of mess! To get some bargain deals on
equipment try online comparison shopping engines to get the best price. If you
need help there are many forums online whose members will be more than willing
to help you.
Beautify and refine
Your DIY outdoor kitchen
would look a little unsophisticated in the beginning. Now is the time to work on
aesthetics. Lay flooring that complements the overall surrounding. Choose
umbrellas, get a fire pit, and install lights on the grill. Get a basket or two
to keep on the countertops and decorate it with plants. You will be amazed at
what you have built!
Here's a final bit of
design advice: Use materials that require little maintenance. You want surfaces
that are easy to clean, require little or no paint, won't rust, and are immune
to weather damage. Suggested materials are masonry, stainless steel,
pressure-treated lumber and outdoor-rated tile.
About The Author
Jatin Dhillon
is a freelance writer ,web publisher and a hopeless barbecue addict .His website
Outdoor Kitchen Design Guide gives
numerous articles and valuable insights on building
outdoor
kitchen islands and choosing outdoor grills.
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