Outdoor Kitchens: The Perfect Father’s Day Gift!
For the dad that has everything
Father’s Day is quickly approaching and we’re guessing that you might be looking for ideas to show just how thankful you are for the “Father” in your life. Whether this is your husband or father, coming up with something special on Father’s day is always difficult. If this dad of yours already has everything you could buy in a store or order online, you’ll have a challenge on your hands. Given that Father’s Day falls right at the beginning of Summer, perhaps you can create something special and permanent that he can enjoy all season long, and for years to come. If he loves to spend free time outside, we have the perfect gift idea for you; an outdoor kitchen.
An outdoor kitchen is the ultimate luxury to add to your outdoor space. They allow you to spend as much time as possible outside during the warmer months, as you can cook, eat and entertain in the open air. If the dad in your life loves to grill, he’ll be absolutely thrilled with an outdoor kitchen.
Outdoor kitchens can range from simple to luxurious, all depending on your personal taste and budget. If an outdoor kitchen sounds like the perfect gift idea to you, you’ll need to know where to start and what to include. Following are a few important tips to help you prepare for your new outdoor kitchen.
1. Find the perfect location
When you decide that you want to build an outdoor kitchen, first consider your options for the location. Choose the part of your yard that will provide privacy, safety and accessibility. The location shouldn’t be too far or close to your house. You want to make sure that smoke won’t waft back into your home. Pay attention to wind patterns when planning your space.
Where will you benefit most from an outdoor kitchen? Are you going to be frequently going from indoors to outdoors? If that’s the case, make sure your kitchen is situated close to your indoor access, so you don’t have to carry anything too far. If you have a pool or deck, perhaps your outdoor kitchen will be better situated near that, so you can enjoy conversation with family and friends at the pool or patio while cooking.
One other thing to consider when thinking about location is the view you have from inside your home. If you enjoy looking out at your pool or a nearby scenic view, be sure to build your kitchen out of the line of sight. You don’t want to block your view!
2. Consider the appliances you need
It will be hard to determine the size of your kitchen if you haven’t chosen your appliances yet. You won’t know how much space you need until you know how large your appliances will be. That’s why you’ll want to choose your appliances early on in the process.
Take the time to think about how often dad will be using the outdoor kitchen and in what capacity. Is it simply a place to store drinks while your family and friends play in the yard? Is it a place you’ll hang out and relax in after a long day? Or will you be cooking and entertaining out there every chance you get? Ask yourself these questions to help you consider exactly what you need to include.
If you lean more towards using your outdoor kitchen for grilling, then you might only need a grill and countertop. However, if you see yourself and your husband or dad cooking many of your meals out there and your budget affords it, you might want to consider an oven, stove top, refrigerator and perhaps even a dishwasher, especially if your new outdoor kitchen is located far from your home.
3. Choose outdoor countertops that can hold up in weather
When designing an outdoor kitchen, you have to consider pieces and materials that can hold up in just about any weather. This is especially true for countertops – not only do they need to hold up in weather, but bottles constantly being placed on them, kids dripping water on them from the pool, and everything else that goes with entertaining. You don’t want to be worrying about water marks and etching.
By far, the absolute best solution for outdoor countertops is granite. Granite is an extremely durable, natural stone that can hold up in almost any element. Colors won’t fade in sunlight and when properly sealed, granite is resistant to stains and scratches. If you live in a hot area, consider choosing a light-colored countertop, as it will stay cooler to the touch.
4. Add entertainment & lighting
If your family entertains a lot or your husband or dad loves sport or music, consider adding outdoor entertainment to your new space. These days, outdoor televisions, speakers, and smart lighting are all good ideas. This way, you’ll be entertained and connected in your new outdoor kitchen area.
5. Ensure there’s enough room to entertain
Chances are if you add an outdoor kitchen, your home is going to be the house friends and family flock to. That’s why it’s important to make sure there’s enough room for everyone! Add in an island or peninsula with bar seats, or consider a large outdoor dining table for everyone to gather around.
If you think you will be enjoying your outdoor kitchen in the cooler months as well, consider adding heat lamps or a fireplace to your kitchen design. This way, you’ll stay warm while still reaping the benefits of the outdoors.
We hope these tips will help you get started with your new outdoor kitchen plan for Father’s Day. Once complete, both you and your husband or dad will have a new oasis to escape to for years to come.
If you have any questions about choosing countertops for your outdoor space, feel free to contact us at any time.
