The more the temperature rises, the more time all of us want to spend outside. Extending your indoor space to the outside with an outdoor kitchen is a great way to ensure you and your family will spend some much needed time outside this summer. While an outdoor kitchen may sound like an expensive task, we’re letting you in on four steps to build an outdoor kitchen on a budget, so you can build the outdoor kitchen of your dreams without breaking the bank!
Outdoor Kitchen Layout
First things first, you need to decide where you’ll place your outdoor kitchen in your yard and choose the layout you want for it. You’ll want it to be as close to your indoor kitchen as possible, so it’s easy to transfer tools, dishes, food and other kitchen necessities.
Placing your kitchen near an exterior wall will make your new kitchen more affordable, with easier access to plumbing and electricity if you plan to have sinks and refrigerators. But really, all cooking in an outdoor kitchen requires is a gas or charcoal grill and a surface to place your food. Let your budget determine any extra amenities you add.
Determine Your Kitchen Essentials
Now that you’ve decided where to place your kitchen, you’ll need to determine the essentials for your outdoor kitchen. Of course you’ll need a grill for cooking. Make sure you invest in one with the suitable number of burners, counter surfaces and storage cabinets for your needs. Will you mostly be cooking for your family, or do you plan to entertain a lot? Take these things into consideration when planning your outdoor kitchen essentials.
And don’t forget post-meal clean up. Garbage and recycling bins are also musts for an outdoor kitchen. Depending on your budget, you may also consider add-ons such as a roof, bar, or pizza oven.
Get Creative For Your Budget
If you’re on a tight budget for your outdoor kitchen, get creative and upcycle furniture and appliances you already have or visit salvage yards for affordable kitchen cabinets, countertops, appliances and anything else you need for your outdoor kitchen. You can also check out discount retailers and big box stores that will have inexpensive options for you to choose from.
The Extras
Make sure to consider things like lighting and seating for your outdoor kitchen. If it’s somewhere you spend to plan a lot of time in or entertain in, you want it to be a comfortable space for you and your guests. Your outdoor lighting should illuminate your cooking, eating and relaxation areas. Intergrate lounge chairs and add an outdoor kitchen table and chairs so you can enjoy all the food you whip up in your outdoor kitchen!
An outdoor kitchen is a great way to extend your indoor living space come summertime. Use these steps to create an outdoor kitchen on a budget!