Contractor Tips Blog

Aug
6

3 Reasons to Add a Backyard Kitchen

More and more people are using their backyards and patio area as an addition to their living space. Why spend time indoors when you can relax outside in the fresh air? The only problem is that when it is time to eat, everything still needs to come out from the indoor kitchen. While firing up the grill is one way to move the cooking duties outside, there is still quite a bit of running in and out. Why not add a backyard kitchen to complete your outdoor space? Here are three great reasons to build an outdoor cooking space.

  1. Convenience. Make it simpler to feed the family or guests by bringing the kitchen to where you eat. If you love eating alfresco, then make it more convenient with a full kitchen connected to your patio or deck. Add a fridge, sink and cabinets to have everything you need outside. Plus, cleaning is so much easier when you can do it outside.
  2. Conversation. If you are the cook in the family, you know how much you miss when you stuck in the kitchen cooking. Join in the fun and stay part of the conversation during gatherings with an interactive outdoor kitchen space.
  3. Value. Your outdoor kitchen will not only be a benefit to you and your family, it can add value to your home. Many people enjoy outdoor living and a backyard kitchen could be a great selling point if you put your home on the market.

Don’t spend another summer running to and from your indoor kitchen. Call your local paver contractor to discuss building your new backyard kitchen for your outdoor living space.

Posted on behalf of:
Tri County Pavers & Design
3300 S Congress Ave
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
954-603-3244

Oct
26

5 Elements to Consider for Your Outdoor Kitchen

The backyard cooking area has greatly evolved from the stand-alone gas or charcoal grill to a full-blown outdoor kitchen. If you are ready to graduate to a fully equipped kitchen for your outdoor living area, there are some elements to keep in mind before you begin creating your design. Consider these basic factors that are involved in creating the perfect outdoor kitchen.

  1. Floor and shelter. The base of your kitchen is usually on your back patio, usually a cement or paved area. You want a floor that can be easily cleaned with a hose. For some homes, some sort of shelter may be needed, like a pergola that offers a little shade and possibly a roof or wind break.
  2. Appliances. Almost every outdoor kitchen will have a grill. But in addition, many also have a smoker, a rotisserie, an oven, warming shelf, a refrigerator, ice makers, wine coolers and other appliances. You can make your outdoor kitchen as elaborate or simple as you want.
  3. Counters and cabinets. For most outdoor kitchens, you want to counters and cabinets to be made of outdoor-friendly materials like natural stone and shelves/drawers made from stainless steel.
  4. Lighting. While you may be grilling during the day, don’t forget those late night gatherings where you may be cooking past dusk. Make sure to include lighting to give you the ability to safely cook your late night meals.
  5. Utilities. Many outdoor kitchens will have all the same utilities as an indoor kitchen including plumbing, electricity and gas lines. These need to be planned in advance of beginning your kitchen construction.

To get the outdoor kitchen of your dreams, trust a contractor that can help you complete your outdoor kitchen from start to finish. A contractor with experience in outdoor structures and working with natural stone is a must.

Posted on behalf of:
Tri County Pavers & Design
3300 S Congress Ave
Boynton Beach, FL 33426

Jul
3

Outdoor Kitchen Design

Outdoor kitchens are one of the biggest trends in home design and it’s easy to understand why. Nothing really is better than sitting outside in your own backyard, enjoying a delicious barbecue dinner with family and friends. 

A custom outdoor kitchen will last the lifetime of your home and add value to it, but there are some things you should consider up front to make sure the project is done right. 

Budget 

Outdoor kitchens come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can range from a simple patio, canopy and grill to an elaborate outdoor room made of stone, with counters, cabinets, hearths and benches. It all comes down to money, though, and how much you can do yourself versus what you would need a professional to do. 

A word of advice: If your budget is limited, spend your money on professional services to build permanent structures such as flooring, counters, etc. This really is an area that you want done right. 

Location  

Proximity to the house is a big consideration when designing your outdoor kitchen. Many homeowners prefer a location adjacent to their indoor kitchen for convenience – it’s much easier to bring dishes in and out of the house if you’re closer. It also makes sense economically because the outdoor kitchen can share plumbing and electricity with the indoor kitchen. 

Functionality 

You should consider functionality in your outdoor kitchen design. Cabinets, counters, grills and refrigerator should all be located in places that make cooking and entertaining quick and easy. 

Cover 

If you are spending all the time and money to make an outdoor kitchen, it makes sense to protect it from the elements and allow you to use it in less than ideal weather as well as later into the season. For those who live in hot climates like Florida, a cover will give you a shaded area to relax and enjoy your meal away from the bright sun. Covers can range from a fabric tarp or canopy to a roof extension or arbor. It all depends of course on budget.

Nov
15

Considerations for Outdoor Kitchens

Posted in Landscaping

Outdoor kitchens are all the rage these days and for good reason.  A custom outdoor kitchen is an excellent addition to any home for outdoor entertaining.  They add beauty and value to your home while providing years of enjoyment and pleasure.

Before you call your contractor, take a few minutes to consider what you want to get from your outdoor kitchen.  Careful planning now can avoid overspending for an outdoor kitchen that is more elaborate than you will ever need or failing to incorporate features in your outdoor kitchen that will limit your enjoyment.

First, think about how much you plan to use the outdoor kitchen.  Will it be for regularly entertaining large numbers of guests or just occasionally entertaining a few friends and family?  An outdoor kitchen can cost anywhere from one thousand to fifty thousand dollars depending on the size and amount of equipment included in the design.  You want a design that complements the beauty of your home, but try to align your budget with the amount of enjoyment you anticipate getting from the outdoor kitchen over the years.

Next, decide where you want to put the outdoor kitchen.  Most outdoor kitchens are located close to the home to allow for convenient outdoor entertaining and to minimize wiring and plumbing considerations.  However, try to place the grill where the smoke will tend to blow away from the house and your guests.

As you begin construction, don’t try to cut corners on the equipment, plumbing or electrical installations.  Outdoor equipment has to withstand exposure to the weather and your plumbing and electrical components should be specifically designed for outdoor use.  An experienced outdoor kitchen contractor will be able to help you design and build a beautiful, durable outdoor kitchen that meets your needs within your budget.

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