The kitchen is the center of culinary operations and entertaining guests. With that in mind, it makes sense to expand the kitchen wherever possible to accommodate expanded cooking and dining needs. Plus, when the weather warms up in Calgary, you may start craving fresh air and a chance to cook outside.
Expanding your living space with an outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. With the right tools, a little planning, and a few DIY ideas, you can transform your deck, backyard, or patio into a beautiful kitchen.
Benefits of an Outdoor Kitchen
A Great Place for Entertainment
Outdoor kitchens are perfect for entertaining guests as they provide plenty of space where everyone can sit down at one time. It also provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Instead of sitting in front of a TV or computer screen, you can sit outside with friends and family while crafting cocktails, making dinner, or hanging out by a firepit. An outdoor kitchen is just another way to have fun or enjoy nature on your terms.
Cut Dining Out Costs
An outdoor kitchen will help cut your dining out costs while entertaining guests. Instead of taking your guests out for a fancy meal, you can prepare a feast in the backyard with some fresh herbs and veggies from your garden.
Reduces Your Energy Bills
Outdoor kitchens are more energy-efficient than traditional indoor ones. For instance, unlike in an indoor kitchen, you don’t need to run an air conditioner to cook comfortably outdoors. The nice and cool evening weather outside will keep you comfortable in the summer months. This can help cut your energy costs.
Accommodates More Cooking Appliances
Having an outdoor kitchen also means you can accommodate more cooking appliances. For example, an outdoor kitchen will allow for a larger area for grills, pizza ovens, meat smokers, and other large equipment.
Your Indoor Space Will Smell Fresh
An outdoor kitchen will keep the pungent odour of certain foods out of your indoor space. This means your indoor space will always smell fresh.
Things You Need to Build an Outdoor Kitchen
Flooring
Laying down flooring is the first step to building an outdoor kitchen. You can use your existing deck or patio to create a seamless transition between inside and outside. This will help reduce the risk of water damage and make maintenance easier. You’ll also have a more durable and slip-resistant surface to stand on.
Depending on your budget, flooring options range from a concrete or flagstone surface to a composite or cork tile surface. Each of these comes in a wide variety of colours and styles. You can even find specialty flooring for an outdoor kitchen, like a walk-in tile floor.
Check out landscape suppliers Calgary to explore and narrow down your search for reliable flooring material and other outdoor kitchen items.
Countertops
Before you start installing appliances, you’ll need a countertop. It is good to use durable and water-resistant material for your countertop. Wood is the most common countertop material, but stone, metal, granite, and even glass are popular options.
Choosing a countertop is also figuring out what style you like and matching it to your budget.
Appliances
Now that you’ve got your countertops and flooring picked out, it’s time to decide on the appliances for your outdoor kitchen. You could go with an all-in-one gas or electric stove, but you may also want to consider a kitchen island to maximize working space.
An island will allow you to store and clean more pots and pans, saving you time and effort. If you have ample space, you can also consider installing a fire pit, a sink, a pizza oven, a curved stone bar, a corner unit, a storage unit, a large grill, and even a refrigerator.
Extras
Besides the major appliances, you can install a table and chairs in your outdoor kitchen. You may also want to put a few concrete benches and plants for style and durability. Stools also come in handy when you’re dining outdoors. But don’t choose cheap plastic folding chairs. Instead, opt for seats made from a lightweight yet durable material.
Final Thoughts
For many homeowners, expanding their living space means building an outside kitchen. Luckily, with the proper planning, landscape supplies, and the above tips, you can create an inexpensive outdoor kitchen perfect for entertaining your friends and family. If you are searching for outdoor kitchen kits in Calgary, contact us at Ornamental Stone today!