Outdoor kitchens have become the latest popular trend in the United States today. Homeowners are learning about the joys of using an outdoor kitchen to spend quality time with family and friends.

Whether you are building a new home or merely remodeling the one you already own, creating an outdoor kitchen could be a wise investment. You can consider some of our best outdoor kitchen design ideas.

When considering an outdoor kitchen, you should make a list of possibilities before getting started. You will need to know the dimensions of the kitchen layout before buying any outdoor kitchen appliances and/or accessories. 

Also, you will need to keep in mind the space above and below the grill when deciding on a kitchen design because you will want to make sure the smoke blows away from the cooking area. 

Most importantly, you will need to weatherproof your outdoor kitchen so that it withstands the harsh elements of mother nature. 

Possibilities to consider for an outdoor kitchen

• Barbeque grill.
• Smoker
• Pizza oven.
• Firepit.
• Bar
• Refrigerator.
• Sink.
• Entertainment system.
• Prep surface.
• Storage space for food.
• Cabinets.
• Ceiling fan.
• Heating.
• Lighting.
• Furniture.
• Flooring.

Weatherproofing your outdoor kitchen is most effective when you do it during installation. If not, then you can always contact your local appliance store for assistance. 

Since outdoor kitchens must be prone to all weather conditions, a little more work to achieve this may need to be done.

Choosing the correct materials carefully will help protect your investment so that you can enjoy your outdoor space for years to come.

Flooring material

Since the flooring is the foundation for the outdoor kitchen, it needs to be protected from outside elements.  Concrete flooring is a natural choice for the outdoor kitchen but keep in mind that the materials and finishes used should not be slippery when wet.  Concrete options such as stamped, washed aggregate, or salt finish are all affordable, durable, and versatile.  Another great alternative is wood.  Wood can be stained to match appliances and countertops and can be weatherproofed.    

Covering

An outdoor kitchen covering needs to be installed properly to withstand the various climate conditions.  Options range from a full roof and ceiling to open canopies.  You can even build walls to help protect against the weather conditions. 

Appliances

Installing outdoor kitchen appliances will depend on the size of the outdoor kitchen space.  Ceramic and stainless-steel appliances are two good options since they are durable and weather resistant to withstand the sun and rain.

Cabinets

You can order weatherproof cabinets from specific stores but can also do it yourself by using existing wood furniture.  Always make sure to know what is involved before beginning any project.        

Hardware

It is important to use non-rusting hardware and fasteners such as hinges, nuts, bolds, screws, nails, and much more.  This helps to increase the durability of an outdoor kitchen.

Lights

Outdoor kitchen lights should not be exposed to the outside elements.  Also, using weatherproofed fixtures is crucial to avoid short-circuits. 

Furniture

Selecting high-quality weather-resistant furniture pieces that can withstand moisture is important for durability.  You should also consider using a sealer to waterproof the pieces, which will make for easy cleaning. 

When designing your outdoor kitchen, always make sure that the materials you use are highly water and heat-proof. Since an outdoor kitchen helps retain some of the comforts of the indoors, waterproofing it will ensure it stands the test of time.   

See also: Tips for Cleaning Your Outdoor Kitchen

Benefits of an outdoor kitchen

• Great for entertaining.
• Saves on utility bills.
• Increases the value of your home.
• Expands your living space.
• Improves the taste of healthier foods.
• Keeps the smells outside.
• Saves money on eating out.

As modern outdoor kitchens become more elaborate, so do the features and appliances.  As homeowners enjoy them year-round, no matter what the weather conditions are, weatherproofing is even more important than ever. 

See also: How to Choose an Outdoor Kitchen Sink for Your Home

If you are looking for an experienced company to guide you through creating your outdoor kitchen in the Lafayette, LA, area, call Facets of Lafayette today at 337-981-7860 to speak to one of our team members. 

We are the largest distributor in Louisiana for plumbing fixtures, appliances, lighting, outdoor accessories, and much more. We can help you design an array of spaces keeping your lifestyle needs in mind.