No summer is truly complete without a backyard barbeque. The taste and smell of food cooked on the grill, kids playing in the yard, and spending time with those you love are what summers were made for.
While a simple grill on the patio will get the job done, why not up your barbeque and entertainment game by investing in a complete outdoor kitchen? Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular, and we think it’s a trend worth following.
Keep reading to learn all you need to know when considering an outdoor kitchen for your yard.
Benefits Of An Outdoor Kitchen
Increase The Resale Value Of Your Home
Having an outdoor kitchen will not only benefit you now, but this bonus feature will be a huge selling point should you ever decide to sell your home.
Nothing shouts luxury quite like a beautiful outdoor kitchen. More and more homebuyers are looking for outdoor entertainment spaces when searching for a home. A quality outdoor kitchen is sure to be eye candy to potential buyers.
Expanded Living space
When attached to your home, an outdoor entertainment area truly feels like an extension of your home, like it was always meant to be there. Adding a kitchen, along with comfortable furniture, is sure to make your outdoor area your favorite part of the house.
An outdoor kitchen provides the flexibility to decide where you want to cook. By cooking outside, you can avoid added heat in your home during the summer. Outdoor kitchens also provide added cooking space for making large meals, such as Thanksgiving dinner.
Perfect Entertaining Place
There is nothing quite like spending a pleasant evening outside surrounded by family and friends. Good food makes it even better. Add an outdoor kitchen to make your outdoor space the perfect place for entertaining.
No one wants to miss out on any part of a get-together just to go inside to cook dinner. Adding a kitchen to your outdoor space will make it possible for you to still cook dinner without missing out on any fun.
Lower Energy Bills
During the hot summer months, cooking indoors is not ideal. The heat from the stove or oven will increase the temperature of your home, making the A/C work harder to keep your house cool and comfortable.
Being able to cook outdoors means that extra heat will stay outside. Without the added warmth from cooking, your A/C won’t have to work as hard, lowering your monthly energy bills.
Increase Time Outdoors
Spending time outdoors is vital to our overall health. Fresh air is good for our lungs, and sunshine provides necessary vitamin D, which improves mental health, strengthens your immune system, and more.
Spending more time outdoors is a breeze when you have a relaxing outdoor space, complete with a kitchen. Plus, wouldn’t it be lovely to cook your meal while hearing the birds sing in the background?
Should An Outdoor Kitchen Be Covered?
Now that you’ve read the benefits of an outdoor kitchen, next comes the question, “should an outdoor kitchen be covered?” The short answer is yes. And here’s why,
Protection From The Elements
Covering your outdoor kitchen is essential to protect it from the elements. Harsh UV rays from the sun, rainwater, and strong winds can significantly lower the lifespan of your outdoor kitchen.
More Usage
If your outdoor kitchen is uncovered, you will spend much less time using it. Cooking outside under the sun’s blazing heat or getting soaked from the rain is less than ideal. Covering the area will make it easy to utilize your kitchen, no matter what’s in the forecast.
Types Of Coverings For Outdoor Kitchens
As you can see, covering your outdoor kitchen is a must, but which type should you get?
Temporary Coverings
If your budget is tight, you may be unable to invest in a permanent covering. If this is the case, you still have some options. Separate covers for your grill, tables, and other accessories are a good way to keep them clean from dirt, debris, water, and bird droppings.
Opt for a shade sail or canopy if you want to cover a larger area. Temporary coverings will provide some protection but are called temporary for a reason.
Permanent Coverings
Permanent patio coverings are the best way to protect your outdoor kitchen. There is no denying that a permanent cover for your outdoor kitchen is significantly more expensive than a temporary one. However, the benefits from a permanent cover will be more than worth it.
A permanent cover will provide ample protection for not only your outdoor kitchen but your other outdoor furniture as well. The increased lifespan of your kitchen and furniture will undoubtedly offset the initial cost of the structure.
The main types of permanent patio coverings to consider for your outdoor kitchen include pergolas, awnings, gazebos, and louvered patio covers.
Important Things To Consider
When planning and designing the perfect cover for your outdoor kitchen, there are a few things to consider.
Size
The overall size of your structure should cover the entire outdoor kitchen, along with room for a table or any other furniture you would like in the space. You’ll also want to consider the number of people that will be utilizing the space.
The height of your cover is critical. Your covering should be around eight to nine feet tall. A short roof may limit ventilation, allowing too much smoke to accumulate. A roof that is too tall won’t provide ample protection from the elements.
Location
Choosing a location for your outdoor kitchen really depends on what you want and what is most convenient for you.
Many people choose to have their outdoor kitchen and covered patio area attached to their home. This is convenient for quick access inside, and the area will become an extension of the house.
However, a freestanding patio cover may be a better fit for you. If you have a backyard pool, you may want to install your covered outdoor kitchen adjacent to the pool area for easy and all-inclusive entertainment. The same goes for if you have a fire pit.
A covered outdoor kitchen is an excellent option for those wishing to spend more time entertaining outside or simply wanting to keep unnecessary heat out of the house.