Contractor Tips Blog

Feb
17

3 Ways to Improve Your Outdoor Cooking Area

Posted in Paver Driveways

Do you love grilling and cooking outdoors? There is something about cooking outside, and eating alfresco, that makes meals more enjoyable. You can get out in the fresh air and relax with friends and family, all while creating wonderful food to share. Why not make it even better with an improved outdoor cooking area? Here are three ways to enhance your cooking area outdoors to make it simpler to grill and prepare your alfresco meals.

  • Expand your patio. If you are stuck grilling in the grass, it is time to expand your patio to include a cooking area. Whether you opt to revamp your entire patio or just add on a paved area for grilling, you deserve to have a level spot for your grill. Tumbled marble or travertine pavers are a perfect fit for your patio and outdoor kitchen area.
  • Go big. Consider investing in a complete outdoor kitchen for your patio. Your grill can be the centerpiece, but having counters and burners for cooking your pasta or corn-on-the-cob makes it easier to complete the entire meal outside.
  • Add plumbing. Don’t bring in those messy pans into your indoor kitchen to scrub when you are done grilling. Plumb in a sink for easy cleanup outside and quick access to water for making your meals.

An outdoor kitchen or cooking area can add value to your home and make afternoons on your patio with friends and family more enjoyable. Talk to your local paving contractor about extending your patio to include an outdoor cooking area or complete kitchen to make the most out of 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

Mar
28

Outdoor Kitchens

Now that the weather is continuing to improve and day light savings time is here, it is time to start thinking about spending more time outdoors.  One of the more popular activities in the warmer months is cooking outside.  While everyone grills out during the warmer months, why mot think about taking it to the next level by building a custom outdoor kitchen that is not only functional but is a key element in any outdoor living area.  Outdoor kitchens are extremely popular and are extremely functional.  In addition they add value to any home, especially in areas of the country such as South Florida where outdoor living spaces are highly desirable.  

An experienced design build contractor will be able to create a design to meet almost any budget, while incorporating the elements that are important to the homeowner.  Designs can range from the very simple, where a grill is built into a wall, to very complex designs that incorporate grilling areas, ovens, work surfaces, refrigerators, sinks, ice makers, storage and other features, which mimic a traditional indoor kitchen.  These more complex designs also incorporate plumbing, electrical and ventilation into the design as well. 

The design of the outdoor kitchen can be incorporated into an overall short and long-term landscape and hardscape plan for the property including pools, patios, dining areas and retaining walls.  In many homeowners see a great deal of value in being able to design, build and enjoy their outdoor kitchen space now and having it fit into the long plan for the property’s outdoor living space!

Posted on behalf of Tri-County Pavers & Design Corp.

Jan
17

Expand Your Cooking Space With An Outdoor Kitchen

No one wants to be stuck inside cooking when it is beautiful outside. A custom outdoor kitchen on your patio or deck can give you more space to cook while enjoying the sun and the company of your family or guests. In addition, you can cut down on cooling expenses by doing your cooking outside without heating up your home during the warmer months. 

Creating An Outdoor Kitchen That Is Beautiful And Functional

For many families, the backyard or patio is the main area for entertaining and spending time together, making it a perfect place to add a custom kitchen area. Whether you just want to add counter space around an outdoor grill to make it more functional or you want the versatility of a full kitchen outdoors, you can design this area to blend with your décor and be useful at the same time. 

  • Add natural rock – Give your outdoor kitchen a rustic theme by using natural rock as the exterior of your cabinet and counter area.
     
  • Easy cleaning – Stainless steel appliances are perfect for an outdoor kitchen,as they’re easy to clean and maintain.
     
  • Outdoor plumbing – Add a sink and wash area so that cleaning can be done outside, keeping your indoor kitchen free of the mess.
     
  • Match your patio – Use bricks, pavers or other stones for your kitchen enclosures that match the rest of your patio, making your kitchen blend perfectly with the rest of your outdoor area. 

Consult a professional outdoor kitchen contractor who can help you make the most of your patio. Together, you can create a beautiful cooking area for family gatherings, entertaining or just to give you a cool place to make dinner. It can add to both the functionality of your patio as well as the value of your home.

Posted on behalf of Tri County Pavers & Design

Jul
3

Outdoor Kitchen Components

Once you’ve come up with a design and structure for your outdoor kitchen, it’s now time to consider appliances and accessories and with outdoor kitchens enjoying so much popularity these days, the market is crowded with options.  

Grills 

The grill typically takes center stage in the outdoor kitchen. They are usually made of stainless steel and can be stand alone units or components that are dropped into a professionally built structure. Grills can also include side burners and stainless steel counter space for food prep. 

There are also plenty of grill accessories available, including grill hoods that protect your guests from annoying smoke and warming drawers for storing cooked food. 

Mini Refrigerator 

These are particularly useful for keeping cold drinks and ice within reach and storing condiments. 

Sinks 

These stainless steel units fit right into your professionally built outdoor kitchen counter. They can be fed by hose, or through your home’s plumbing. 

Electrical outlets 

These are handy for using any electric appliance outdoors, including blenders, stereos and outside lighting. 

Heater or Fireplace 

If you are planning to use your outdoor kitchen space in cooler months, a small built in electrical heater is an invaluable tool. Better yet, have your landscaper or professional paver build an outdoor fireplace – the ultimate in luxury and romance! 

Kitchen Island 

A kitchen island in your outdoor kitchen is just as useful as a kitchen island in your indoor one. Your local expert paving and landscape contractors can help you design one that will suit your needs perfectly.

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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