The Ultimate in Entertaining

Adding an outdoor kitchen to your yard can increase your home’s appeal and offer more hosting options.
By Kerri Penno

Adding an outdoor kitchen to your home opens up a whole new world of entertaining possibilities. The outside of your home, if properly designed, can be one of your home’s best attributes, and the perfect setting for simple meals, elegant hors d’oeuvres or classic cocktails.

Because outdoor kitchens serve a different purpose than indoor kitchens, where large meals are prepared, designers recommend decreasing the size of the amenities included in your second kitchen. Marc Currie, sales and marketing representative for C.A. Niece Lumber Co., recommends utilizing smaller ovens and stovetops, as well as smaller refrigerators, microwaves and dishwashers. After all, you want the kitchen to add convenience and possibilities, not take away valuable patio space. C.A. Niece Lumber Co., located in Lambertville, NJ, retails Marvin Windows and Doors, AZEK BUILDING PRODUCTS, Princeton Classic Mouldings, Timbertech Composite Decking and other building materials.

Make your appliance choices based on what you envision doing with the space. If you want the convenience of having snacks and beverages on hand, focus on the refrigerator, storage space and an outdoor electric icemaker. If you want to eat more dinners outside, whether to enjoy the fresh air or keep cooking smells and mess out of your house (think lobster boil or fresh fish), focus on a nice grill/range top stove.

One aspect not to scrimp on, however, is the counter space. Indoors or out, more room to maneuver, for prep work or serving space, is always appreciated. “Large counter spaces can also double as the bar and kitchen table,” Currie says.

Right for the Space
According to John Schweizer, landscape designer, Gasper Landscape Design and Construction, Richboro, PA, layout is crucial to the successful use of a space. His team relies on their creativity to visualize a project and ensure all the elements are laid out properly, to complement and enhance the functionality of the space. “When we design, we have function in mind,” he says. “Everything has its proper amount of space and is used to its fullest potential.” Gasper’s designers begin by asking the customers questions about how they will utilize the space to make sure the design fits their lifestyle.
While Schweizer says it’s beneficial to have the outdoor kitchen located so it is accessible from the pool area, he cautions customers to remember in this climate, pools are only in use for a few months, while an outdoor kitchen can be enjoyed year round. He recommends keeping the kitchen near the house for easy transport of food and amenities. The kitchen should be convenient to both the house, and the outdoor dining area, without taking over the space and hampering its functionality.

To add to the ambiance and really make your new entertaining area shine, consider adding an outdoor fireplace in conjunction with the kitchen, either near a sitting area or with new seating added to the design, so your family and guests can lounge by the fire at night.

According to Currie, materials for indoor and outdoor kitchens vary significantly because of weather. “Woods and materials that resist rot, decay and insect damage are ideal for an outdoor kitchen,” Currie notes. To further protect your kitchen from the elements, he suggests adding an overhead cover to deflect precipitation and to shield your materials from the sun.

Gasper offers its customers various weatherproof options for outdoor kitchens, including full kitchenette cabinetry, complete with sliding drawers and doors, with plenty of storage space. Masonry products and finishes are chosen depending on how they complement the home’s architecture. Designers try to incorporate natural stone whenever possible.

Fit to Scale
An outdoor kitchen can be scaled to fit homes of different sizes and calibers. Schweizer says the concept can be executed to the fullest, with a full-size refrigerator, multiple grills, granite countertops and materials that rival typical in-home kitchens, or it can be simplified and designed to fit smaller homes. No matter the size of your home or the scope of your vision, contact a landscape professional today to find out what an outdoor kitchen can add to your property and lifestyle.

It is important to ensure that your outdoor kitchen complements your home and its landscaping, Currie suggests using a design service, such as an architect or landscape designer. “Contractors and designers will work hand and hand to make sure every detail is accounted for,” he states. Make sure your contractor provides design services or is willing to work with an architect or landscaper.

As with any home renovation or addition project, selecting the right contractor from the beginning should be any homeowner’s first priority. Unless you already have a strong relationship with a quality contractor who is familiar with your home, it is wise to have multiple contractors take a look at your project. Gasper Landscape Design and Construction is a one-stop company which provides both design and construction of their projects. Currie recommends consulting at least two contractors, but never more than three. “Ask your local lumberyard for some local contractors with experience in outdoor structures (e.g., decks, sunrooms, pergolas and outdoor kitchens),” Currie suggests. Once you get bids and design concepts from your contractors, it’s time to make your selection and begin creating your outdoor paradise.

Kerri Penno is a freelance writer based in Conshohocken, PA.