What you need to know before building an outdoor kitchen

It’s a fact that the kitchen is the most popular room in the house.

It’s where you gather with family and friends to cook, converse and commiserate and celebrate. It’s where homework gets done, decisions get made and quiet moments are spent early in the morning, before the day’s rat race begins–just you, the newspaper and a cup of coffee.

Soon, the kitchen may also become the most popular room in your backyard.

The popularity of outdoor kitchens is exploding. And why not? If a kitchen is such a wonderful place inside, it’s got to be even better outside, right?

Right–but only if you do it right. Here’s a look at some outdoor living design ideas to consider before you start designing your outdoor kitchen:?

Consider convenience: As with any home improvement project, convenience should be your top priority when it comes to your outdoor kitchen. In the case of outdoor kitchens, convenience starts with the appliances and comfort starts with laying out your space in an intuitive way.

Make sure you at least have the refrigerator, sink and heat source for cooking. Otherwise you could find yourself running inside every time you need something. That’s not cooking, that’s called “grilling out.”?

Consider your countertops: Yes, you’re going to be cooking in the great outdoors. Yes, a certain amount of ruggedness could be accepted, but why would you want to?

Countertop space is important–especially if you are going to be doing a lot of cooking. Make sure you have plenty of it and make sure you choose a material that can withstand everything that Mother Nature will likely throw its way. Consider something durable, easy to clean and beautiful–consider granite. ?

Consider comfort: If your outdoor kitchen isn’t designed to be comfortable, you might never use it. When you are thinking about your outdoor living design ideas, think about having a nice table, comfortable places for people to sit, shade from the sun and a heat source. These are the little things that can make a major difference in your kitchen.

If you are ready to build an outdoor kitchen, stop by or contact the experts at Arch City Granite & Marble. They have helped hundreds of people just like you plan, design and build the perfect outdoor space to cook, converse, commiserate and celebrate.