Designing an outdoor kitchen

The days of rolling a portable barbecue out and calling it an outdoor kitchen are gone. Today, Australians want a fully functional kitchen they can use every day. Here are some things to think about when designing an outdoor kitchen.

Materials

Even if it’s under a patio covering, an outdoor kitchen is exposed to the elements far more than an indoor kitchen. The materials it’s made from will make a big difference to its longevity.

• Granite, engineered stone (such as Caesarstone) or stainless steel are good choices for benchtops.
• Glass and stainless steel make very durable doors, but aren’t your only choices. Outdoor kitchen specialists offer highly water-resistant powder-coated doors and drawer fronts suitable for outdoor use.
• Stone veneer stands up to the weather and looks great as a splashback or feature wall in an outdoor kitchen.
• If you choose timber, be sure you choose a timber that is rated for outdoor use. Jarrah, for example, is a good choice.

Your cabinets, too, will need to be able to stand up to the weather. Some kitchen builders who specialise in outdoor kitchens use a marine-grade polymer (high-density polyethylene or HDPE) in cabinet construction to ensure their kitchens last. Others sell prefabricated stainless steel cabinets that are perfect for installing in brick or stone benchtop bases.

Appliances

To have a proper kitchen, you will want to have a sink and a fridge, but an under-bench fridge and single-bowl sink will probably do if space is at a premium. Think about appliances that are not appropriate for or don’t fit into your indoor kitchen and make them part of your outdoor kitchen. For example, you can install a pizza oven or gas barbecue with a rotisserie in your outdoor kitchen.

Your indoor–outdoor space

When you install an outdoor kitchen it becomes an extension of your home and your home becomes an extension of your outdoor space. Think about ways you can make a seamless transition between your indoor living areas and your outdoor kitchen and garden. You could try some of the following:

• Knock out the wall between your living room and outdoor kitchen and install bifold or sliding glass doors.
• Replace your kitchen window with full-length sliding windows and extend your indoor kitchen benchtop into your outdoor kitchen.
• Extend your garden into your outdoor kitchen and dining area.

Incidentally, your outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to be attached to your house. If you have a large backyard that’s going to waste, consider building a gazebo or other detached outdoor structure for your kitchen. A detached outdoor kitchen can be great for entertaining and makes a nice change of environment for family dining or just relaxing with a cuppa outdoors.

Don’t forget the features that make an outdoor kitchen special. Imagine, for instance, having a fire pit to enjoy while you’re dining. Strategically placed outdoor lighting will highlight features of your garden at night and make your outdoor kitchen feel like it’s part of your garden. And keep your goal in mind. You’re not just building a kitchen; you’re building a beautiful outdoor living space to enjoy all year round.