How to Build an Outdoor Kitchen: 6 Things You Need to Know

We all want to spend more time enjoying nature from the comfort of our homes. So if your current backyard setup is less than optimal you might be tempted to hire the first contractor that answers the phone –or family member that volunteers! – to build you a new outdoor kitchen. But, the wrong layout, materials, appliances, and design can create problems that are expensive to remedy.

So, before you start building your custom outdoor kitchen there are a few things you should know.  Save yourself time and frustration by reading these 6 tips before you build an Outdoor Kitchen:

• Select the right location

In most cases, placing your new outdoor kitchen close to the kitchen inside the home will make it easier and more convenient for you to plan your new plumbing, gas, and electrical work.

First, check that you can run water lines from the house to your new outdoor kitchen. Next, make sure that the location is shielded from sunlight and wind so that you always feel comfortable when cooking outdoors

What You NEED to Know About Building an Outdoor Kitchen →

• Carefully consider the layout for your new outdoor kitchen

Outdoor kitchens can come in many sizes, shapes, and layouts depending on the size of your yard. Most have a simple grill or space to cook over an open flame, but if you want other appliances such as a hot/cold water sink, dishwasher, microwave—or any others that are important to you and your family’s lifestyle—be sure to consider the space you have available and use that as inspiration for your new layout.

You may love the idea of having a large, built-in bar with tons of seating or an enormous freestanding outdoor refrigerator; but do you really need it? Will you really use it? Before you make any decisions about your new outdoor kitchen, consider how the space will be used.

Tour this custom outdoor kitchen in Allentown, Pennsylvania →

• Choose the right grill 

When planning your outdoor kitchen there are many factors to consider: where should you place your new grill? What type of grill should you get? Should you build a grill island into your decking? Is that even necessary?!

When selecting a grill for your outdoor kitchen, think about the type of cooking you prefer and when you like to barbecue. If you plan on grilling all year long, make sure your new grill is set up so that it can be used in any kind of weather.

Design Tips you need for Your Outdoor Grill Space →

• Know how much your outdoor kitchen will cost 

If you do not know what your outdoor kitchen will cost, unexpected expenses can arise during construction. The best way to avoid this is by knowing the approximate costs of each component before construction begins.

We want to design a space that meets your needs, not one that costs you 10x more than your budget. So we will include a Budget Study that defines rough budget parameters early in the process, as well as your custom 3D design video. This makes sure we aren’t wasting time and money designing an outdoor living space that won’t be built.

How to Determine the Cost of Your Outdoor Living Project →

• Consider phasing parts of your project 

We believe that you shouldn’t feel financially strained when planning and building your dream outdoor space. So we have developed a proven process to help you consider short-term goals as well as long-term vision when designing your new outdoor kitchen.

One master plan allows you to be efficient and execute your vision over time while breaking up your budget. Your custom master plan will help you get a high-level view of what you will immediately enjoy and what lies ahead while setting priorities for all the decisions you will have to make along the way.

How to Phase Your Backyard Build Over Time → 

• Know what it takes to build a new outdoor kitchen 

Planning and building your dream outdoor kitchen can be tricky: You’ll need to obtain permits, gain approvals, and manage schedules—all while staying within budget.

If you’ve never built an outdoor kitchen before, it could get overwhelming very quickly. The difference between a project that maximizes your home value and one that causes construction delays or hidden costs—or mistakes—often lies in comprehensive design, qualified builders, and project management expertise. So, make sure you investigate a potential outdoor-kitchen contractor’s experience, qualifications, and references before signing on the dotted line.

Who Should You Hire to Build an Outdoor Living Space? →

Whether it’s a simple deck or an elaborate outdoor kitchen design with chef-caliber features & a custom fireplace, we know the right custom outdoor living space with a covered deck will make your new outdoor living space the perfect place to create lifelong memories.  But, we get that you don’t want to work with a swimming pool contractor who will waste your money. And you don’t have time to waste managing multiple crews, contracts, permit applications, and other essential details.  You are not alone!

Let us eliminate the stress and hassle when transforming your backyard into an outdoor living space in the Lehigh Valley. We have partnered with hundreds of homeowners like you to make your unique transformation journey stress-free. Our award-winning design/build process will ensure you never need to communicate with your HOA and township or deal with the hassle of obtaining building permits, engineering, scheduling, or inspections. We will handle all the heavy lifting when it comes to designing & building your new outdoor living space so you can enjoy watching it come to life and feel completely confident you will be proud of your investment.

Here’s how to do it:

Call: Schedule your meeting!

Collaborate: Create your perfect plan!

Construction: With an approved design, construction starts!

Celebrate: Raise a toast to your transformed home and the new life that comes from it!

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR DESIGN MEETING!

(610) 628-2480

In the meantime, download your exclusive copy of the Top 5 Design Secrets Your Contractor Doesn’t Know. So you can stop fearing that you will make the wrong decisions about your new outdoor living space and instead be confident when selecting the right firm to help transform your backyard into the outdoor living space you always dreamed of!