So you’re finally planning to pull the trigger and build the glorious outdoor kitchen you’ve always dreamed about. A project of this magnitude requires plenty of planning and budgeting upfront. And if you’ve not done it before, it’s also a minefield of oversights and errors that can lead to costly corrections or painful regrets.
What happened to all the money!
Outdoor kitchens are fraught with costs that surface in unexpected places. Materials, labor, permits—it all adds up quickly, and it’s easy to go over your budget. Research how much your desired outdoor kitchen elements cost. Include every little thing. Then gather several estimates. Always budget for an overrun proportional to your project’s price. It will be needed, and this prevents your ideal from being.
Never be afraid to start, though. There are outdoor kitchen options for almost any budget. Only rely on actual, current costs for purchase, delivery, installations, and adaptions, so you will know—not guesstimate—what fits in your working budget. (Not Enough Money)
Get out of my way!
Walking through your newly completed outdoor kitchen is not the time to realize you need more room. Cramped cooking quarters or inadequate storage space will haunt you.
To avoid that catastrophe, consider the kinds of events you plan on hosting, along with the max number of people who might attend. If you don’t have the square footage for a grand outdoor kitchen, make it as efficient and comfortable as possible.
Also, don’t forget that you need room for dining and lounging, clearance for people to walk around comfortably, and standing space for people to stop and chat. Allow at least three feet of walking space between pieces of furniture, within the kitchen, and around the edge of the patio. (Not Enough Space)
Patience, schmatience!
There’s a wise saying to measure twice and cut once. But if something hasn’t been delivered yet, that’s impossible to do. So wait. Cutting an improperly sized opening in your beautiful island before the grill or fridge arrives isn’t worth any amount of time you hoped to save. Redoing cutouts will only cost more time and money. (Making Cutouts Before Products Arrive)
Just set it on the floor!
Counter space is precious in any kitchen. Think about how much space you use to prep and cook food indoors (or wish you had), and that will guide you on what you need outside for prepping, plating, and serving. Put enough around the grill for the big tools, platters, and temp gauges. (Not Enough Counter Space)
Where’s the extension cord!
List everything that needs an electrical supply—television, grill thermometer, blender, refrigeration units, rotisserie kit, sound system, electric carving knife, string lights, wine cooler, and mixers. Don’t forget about charging mobile devices. Post-installation electrical costs can blow your budget, especially if deconstruction is needed to install new outlets. A few of the charging stations should have USB ports for charging devices, and all outdoor outlets must be GFCI outlets. (Not Enough Electrical Outlets)
I just want to sit down!
The entire party vibe turns edgy when unsettled guests don’t have plenty of places to sit and relax. Since people tend to gravitate toward the scent of food cooking, whether inside or out, consider adding in counter seating by the grill, which brings friends and family close to the action and allows you to engage with your guests while keeping the cooking area clear of foot traffic. (Not Enough Seating)
Run for cover!
Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate with our joy of outdoor living. So provide a safe haven from the heat, rain, and other elements that threaten to ruin your barbecue. Shade structures, like pergolas, awnings, and roofs, not only protect your guests but your outdoor kitchen equipment as well and improve the efficiency of outdoor refrigeration units. (Not Enough Shade)
What’s with all the puddles?
Outdoor ice makers, refrigerators, sinks, and beverage coolers require access to drainage. Otherwise, you could ruin your appliances and waste your investment or spend eye-watering amounts to create that drainage avenue later. Save money by locating all your appliances that need drainage into a “wet zone” within reach of the floor drain. Add every plumbing need for your wet-zone devices into your plans and budget. (Neglecting Drainage)