YOUR LINK TO THE LOCAL EXPERTS
The Saturday Life section connects you to practical know-how from local people who know.
Whether you’re a resident grill master or just appreciate a good burger, cooking outdoors is key to fun, casual entertaining. We talked to two local experts for tips on how to take your outdoor dining to the next level.
First considerations
Before even picking up the phone to call the contractor or, if you’re brave, heading to the hardware store, you should decide how much you’re going to use the space. Affordable options are available, but outdoor kitchens are usually a big investment.
“Find out if you like being outside,” said Jim Teske, a landscape architect with Dayton Patios by Centerville Stone and Brick. “Then, if you’re hooked, you’re going to want extra things.”
If you do get hooked, “you need to have a plan from the very beginning,” said Mike VanDam, owner of Dayton Patios by Centerville Stone and Brick. “The No. 1 rule is to always check the city codes and limits on spacing away from the house.”
Both Teske and VanDam recommended having a contractor do at least some of the work, for example pouring the concrete foundation. Good contractor generally handles obtaining permits.
Next, “choose your grills and components wisely. Outdoor kitchens are an investment, and mix-and-match will only decrease the value of your living space,” VanDam said. A well-put-together outdoor kitchen can add tremendous value to a home, but, VanDam says, a poorly laid out space can actually detract from it.
Multi-use spaces
That splintery deck equipped with a grill and a cooler? Forget about it. Today’s outdoor kitchens are all about luxurious, usable space. “Outdoor kitchens are usually not just for one purpose,” said Teske. Countertops ideally double as buffet spaces, bars or dining surfaces.
“You want flexibility for use by your own family versus if 25 people come by,” Teske said. Being able to use your outdoor space in a variety of ways is important.
Outdoor living in general is a top trend, with many homeowners installing outdoor fireplaces, speakers and even weatherproof televisions in their spaces. “Adding square footage outside almost adds extra square footage to the house in terms of additional living space,” Teske said.
Design elements
Of course, much of what goes into any living space design is personal taste, but our experts shared some basic guidelines to keep spaces functional.
VanDam stressed “the placement of your appliances, place grills, ovens, cooktops and heating elements close to one another. Place the refrigerator, ice bin, wine coolers, and freezer together, and the sink in its own area. Cabinets can be placed where convenient, usually beneath cooking areas or sink.”
If you’re really gung-ho about cooking outdoors (and want to splurge), Teske mentioned that weatherproof dishwashers are hitting the market and gaining in popularity.
Most outdoor kitchens are designed to wow, and many contractors are able to create 2-D and even 3-D models before breaking ground. “It changes everyone’s perception of outdoor living,” VanDam said. “If you see or dream something, it can be done.”
Of all the design elements that go into an outdoor kitchen, VanDam said that lighting is the one most often overlooked. It’s hard to enjoy an evening of grilling when you can’t see the burgers, so be sure to thoroughly investigate your lighting options.
If your budget is small now, there’s nothing wrong with starting small and adding on later. Start with a grill and mini-fridge — Teske said that outdoor fridges can run anywhere between $75 and $2,500 — and add things like pizza ovens and dishwashers later on.
Safety first
Cooking with grills and installing gas lines isn’t all fun and games. Take some basic safety precautions when designing your outdoor kitchen to ensure that you and your family can use the space for years to come.
Keeping fire extinguishers close at hand and being sure grills are properly vented are two major considerations, VanDam said. Be sure that sinks can properly drain and that all gas lines have a shutoff valve. Properly insured electricians and plumbers are a must.
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