Outdoor Kitchens

1. Research
First decide where your Outdoor Kitchen is to be built. Take into account the approximate size of the kitchen itself and any dining or lounge area you wish to include. Also consider access for builders and any necessary equipment, including excavators.
Research and cost furniture and appliances taking into account what style of cooking you prefer ie: BBQ, Pizza Oven, Roasting or a combination. Don’t forget to consider if you want Gas for cooking whether you have town gas or require bottled gas. Or if installing a wood fired oven, an area for neatly stacked wood should be included.
Think about how exposed or open your Outdoor kitchen will be in all types of weather all year round. This will determine the appliances, finishes, roofing and or coverings used. Also whether you will need heating such as strip heaters or a fireplace and perhaps ceiling fans for summer.

2. Budget
Once you have a rough idea of how much your appliances will cost, it will give you an idea towards your budget. An outdoor kitchen is only going to improve the value of your home so if the budget is tight, allocate enough to the finishes to create a stylish area that doesn’t look cheap. Remember any building work will always end up costing more than you think.

3. Builder
Homeimprovement2day has many builders who specialise in outdoor kitchens and entertainment areas, decide who to quote your job based in the information and reviews on their listing page. Give the builders as much information as possible including pictures of other outdoor kitchens and appliances you like. The builder will give you an idea if what you had in mind will work in your situation, when they quote the job they may also come up with some great ideas you had never thought of.

4. Roofing
If your Outdoor Kitchen is to be more like a pavilion with a solid roof and walls, as well as lighting you will need to consider heating, cooling, sound system and maybe an exhaust. If it is to be a more simple Outdoor Kitchen you may require a retractable awning, sun shade or sail.

5. Finishes
There are a number of different choices for benchtops and cabinetry depending on how exposed the Outdoor Kitchen will be. For benchtops stainless steel, granite and stone are weather resistant but for a more cost effective finish you could consider waterproof laminate. If you like a timber finish Teak is good option as it is very hardy. Some builders are also using marine-grade polymer.

6. Outdoor Kitchen Kits
There are a number of Outdoor Kitchen Kits available in different styles, sizes & budgets. If you are going down the DIY route you will still need the services of a licensed plumber and electrician.

What ever type of Outdoor Kitchen you ultimately end up with you will please the whole family. You can entertain away from the house when the little ones are tucked up in bed or give the teenagers a place to hangout when their friends drop by and perhaps even encourage them to BBQ themselves ! A cool place for a family dinner on a hot summers night or a great way to keep the strong cooking smells out of the house. It will all be money well spent.

Use the Homeimprovement2day directory to find the right specialist  to build your dream outdoor kitchen, and other any home improvement specialists your looking for.