Fabulous Outdoor Kitchens

Archive for the ‘Prepare for change of seasons’ Category

If you are thinking about adding an outdoor kitchen to your backyard, you’ll want to consider making the outdoor kitchen easy to winterize.

Many do not think of this and add it with a sink, only to find they have frozen or busted water lines when it’s too late. Maintenance and the protection of your kitchen will help you to keep the kitchen in good working order so you and your guests can enjoy it the following year.

When you build it, you’ll want to make sure you use material that will be resistant to harsh weather. You’ll have several choices, however, teak wood is a great choice for cabinets and furniture as it is rot resistant and will hold up under bad weather. If you choose another type of wood, make sure you take the time to properly maintain it with a waterproofing stain to extend the life of the material. The flooring for your outdoor kitchen should be one that will resist the harsh weather conditions. If you’ve chosen a wood material, like your cabinets, you’ll want to make sure you weatherproof them before winter sets in.

As for your countertops, you can use stone or slate, although stainless steel countertops are becoming more popular, as well. Sinks should be done in stainless steel, however, you can have stone, or copper. The most important thing to remember with your sink is to have a shutoff valve installed inside your home. This will allow you to drain it in preparing for the winter months. Many old use cold water in their outdoor kitchens so this would work well. You can even insulate the pipes running to your outdoor kitchen, as well as hook up a heat tape.

If you have equipped your outdoor patio kitchen and dining area with a lot of appliances and furniture, you can certainly store them in the garage or shed during the winter months or you can purchase covers for them that will protect them from harsh elements. Cushions and coverings should be put up for the winter under protective cover, however, you’ll want to make sure if you put them in a shed or garage that you place mothballs and other insect and rodent repellents around them. There is nothing worse than hauling out a mouse infested cushion at the end of the winter.

Don’t let the winter months destroy the outdoor kitchen you worked so hard to install. Winterizing yours will help you prolong the life of all your appliances and furnishings and allow you to enjoy it that much longer.

People living in cold, hot and mild climates can all benefit from an outdoor kitchen with specific modifications.

They are gaining popularity with home owners everywhere. Some think about such an area for their home and worry about the climate they live in, however. Locations that are covered with snow several months out of the year and locations that are extremely hot and humid may sound like places where an outdoor kitchen would not be a functional addition to the home. They can be a welcome addition to a house even in those areas, though!

In cold climates, there is no reason why you cannot enjoy yours year round. Many companies manufacture heaters that make outdoor areas, such as kitchens, functional areas even during the colder months of winter. Most are powered by various forms of gas, whether it be LP or natural, and can bathe an area of up to twenty feet with heated air! That is plenty to provide warmth for your entire outdoor kitchen area!

In warm, humid climates, you can enjoy your outside kitchen as well. Ceiling fans can provide air circulation and overhead umbrellas can give large areas of shade. Large curtains can also be hung around outdoor kitchens to provide additional shaded areas. If you are concerned about the heat, a small to medium side refrigerator can be installed in the outdoor kitchen to provide cool drinks whenever needed. Air conditioners can be used in outdoor areas, too, as long as you realize that it will not be as effective as indoors and that it will lead to rather high power bills.

Although more functional during the optimal times of the year for any climate, they can be enjoyed by home owners throughout the year. This outdoor area can be considered a patio with added appeal anytime you want to go outside!