A backyard has so much potential. And if you want to be the host of the neighborhood, why not turn your yard into an outdoor BBQ kitchen for all to enjoy? In this inclusive guide, you’ll learn why a covered outdoor kitchen is the way to go. An outdoor soiree is only fun till a fresh sunburn appears, so keep your cocktails cool with these outdoor kitchen ideas.
At a Glance:
What to Consider for Your Covered Outdoor Kitchen Ideas
DIY vs. Contracted Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor Kitchen Overview
Building a covered backyard kitchen is about more than simply increasing the value of your home. Outdoor kitchen designs bring flavor, fun, and exciting changes to your home. On nights when you want to go out but don’t want to spend the money at a restaurant, take advantage of your outdoor covered kitchen.
There are a few benefits to a backyard kitchen other than it being, well, outside. Since you’ll be using the natural light of the sun to prepare your meals and won’t need to turn on ventilation, your energy bills can drop over time. Also, cooking outside is a great way to entertain. You’ll find your home quickly becomes the place to host friends and family. Not only that, but you’ll save on eating out since you won’t be able to resist your new outdoor kitchen appliances. We’ll embrace all your covered outdoor kitchen ideas and tell you how to bring them to life in this guide.
Before Building Your Perfect Covered Outdoor Kitchen
If you’re contemplating turning your yard into an oasis of culinary exploration, there are a few things you should consider before beginning your project.
Location
Most likely, your outdoor kitchen design will be in your backyard — unless you want to have block parties throughout the week. But whether you choose the front or back of your home, location does matter. Use the natural landscape of your backyard to help design your outdoor kitchen. If you have spacious, rolling hills, position your backyard kitchen to face the natural beauty. The key idea is to keep views open to nature and have creative ideas for walls and privacy.
Layout
The layout of your backyard kitchen should flow from the indoors to the outdoors. Another way to put it, work with your home interior. When designing your outdoor kitchen, grab inspiration and décor ideas that have already been successfully implemented inside. If your home features black metals and brass accents, add touches of those elements outdoors as well.
An outdoor kitchen can take the natural open-air and incorporate it into the design layout. Instead of having separate sections for your oven, grill, and table, incorporate it all into one big stone layout. Pair the food-prep station with your kitchen table (safely, of course). This will beautifully blend the open outdoors into your backyard kitchen.
Another outdoor covered kitchen ideas are to incorporate a pavilion. Have open side entrances without doors or walls while the front of your backyard kitchen faces the scenery. Working with patio cover ideas gives you shade from the beating summer heat and a cozy, snowy covering in the winter.
Budget
Building an outdoor kitchen can bring a hefty cost. Depending on your budget, the time of year, and the materials you want to incorporate into your covered outdoor kitchen will affect the price. If you are running on a budget, as most do, decide which elements are essential to you and which aren’t. Do you really want to incorporate sustainably resourced mixed metals into your appliances? Then make it a priority. Or would you instead find a certain material for your stone patio? Picking and choosing which elements to focus on can cut costs and still give you beautifully crafted outdoor kitchen designs.
DIY Outdoor Kitchen vs. Professionally Contracted
You need to assess a few things before you dig into your Pinterest page for DIY outdoor kitchen ideas. The time, cost, materials, and skill levels are all essential elements when building an outdoor kitchen.
Time
If you’re starting from ground zero and need to lay a foundation, support beams, and the structural integrity of your outdoor kitchen, we’d advise looking into a professional contractor. But, if you have those primary steps finished and want to dive into an open-air kitchen, there are ways you can get it done on your own.
Consider the amount of time you want to invest in this project. If it’s spring now and you want it finished by early summer, you may need a few extra professional hands. Building, designing, and implementing an outdoor kitchen by yourself will take a lot of time, so plan accordingly and be ready for the work.
Cost
The cost of hiring a contractor to design and build all your covered outdoor kitchen ideas will cost more than if you did it on your own. But, if you decide to contract the work, you’ll be able to spend your valuable time investing in other projects, family, or friends. Also, with a professional company to finish the job, there’s more of a guarantee it will be done correctly the first time and fewer liabilities on your head.
The cost between a DIY outdoor kitchen and a contracted outdoor kitchen definitely varies. If you choose to do it yourself, the price will be significantly cheaper, and you will be able to handpick every material and element. In contrast, professionals will eliminate future costs of impending mistakes you might’ve missed in the structure.
Skill
Your skill level plays a major part when it comes to an outdoor kitchen design. If you have previous work in a construction position, you may understand what it takes. But simply watching a YouTube how-to video probably won’t get you where you need to be. You don’t want to worry about the structural integrity of your new outdoor kitchen, so make sure you understand the project entirely before you start.
If you’re still wanting to give it a go at DIY-ing your outdoor kitchen, do it! We won’t stop you. Maybe consider which projects you can take on and which you should contract out. For example, placing beams into cement may not be your forte, but laying the bricks and materials down on the patio might. Separate the workload and watch as your covered outdoor kitchen ideas come to life.
Patios and Pergolas
There are, of course, a few different ways to craft your outdoor kitchen ideas. Incorporating a patio provides you with a cool surface to walk on and space to cook your favorite summer meals. Typically, patios are uncovered and leave the open sky at your disposal. If your home has a pool, you may like a place to dry off while chowing down on a juicy hamburger.
In contrast, a pergola brings relief from direct sunlight on hot days. But pergolas are also not fully covered. They leave room for the elements to slip through in different designs and cracks. Pergolas give an element of Tuscan design to your backyard. Our experts advise that you bolt down your pergola in case of weather that could sweep it away.
If you want a roof over your heads for your outdoor kitchen meals, add vinyl, plastic, or aluminum material to your pergola. Some roofs even come with automated controls, so whether you want to bask in the sun or shelter your skin, there are options for both.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Kitchen Appliances
Choosing the right outdoor kitchen appliances impacts the feel of your kitchen, discover what Spencer's TV has to offer below.
Built in Grills vs. Free Standing
One of the main appliances you’ll need for your new area is an outdoor kitchen grill. Without it, how will you get those wafts of summertime smells to stream through your neighborhood? The good thing is you have a few different backyard grill options.
Choose between a built in grill or a free-standing grill. If you want your kitchen to feel like one continual piece from the inside of your home to the outside, consider building a grill into your aesthetic. Imagine a continuous flow from your kitchen sink, to your rangetop, to your built-in grill.
If you’ve ever struggled to figure out where to place the tray for the hamburgers, the spatula, and other needed tools for grilling, a built in grill eliminates all the hassle. You’ll have excess space to comfortably prepare your meals for friends and family with ease. Keep in mind built-in grills are pricier, but they will definitely add value to your home when deciding to sell.
Check Out Our 6 Best Gas Rangetops for Cooking Aficionados
If your home does feature a pool, you don’t want to be alone grilling while your friends are swimming, right? A freestanding grill gives you the flexibility to move where the fun is. Grill up your hotdogs and while they cook, take a dip in the pool. Also, a free-standing grill comes with you. Don’t invest upwards of $1,500 just to leave your grill behind when it comes time to sell!
Refrigeration
Not all refrigerators are built for the outdoors, but at Spencer’s, we have options to fit all your needs. Our outdoor kitchen refrigerators will cover every base. If you’re hosting a birthday party, easily fit that scrumptious cake in your outdoor fridge and when it’s time to sing “Happy Birthday,” it’s right there.
Outdoor kitchen fridges also give you easy access to fruit trays, sodas, and snacks that you can easily access at any given time. Without mopping your indoor kitchen floors with pool water or leaving the sun’s rays, use your outdoor refrigerator for all your needs.
Covered Outdoor Kitchen FAQs
We’ll answer a few common questions regarding outdoor covered kitchen ideas.
Q: Can you put a BBQ under a pergola?
You can safely use your backyard space as an outdoor BBQ kitchen if you have a pergola. Experts recommend being aware of where you place the grill, though. The heat from your appliance can cause metals and structures to rust or melt if your grill is too close. As always, practice safe grilling techniques.
Q: Can you use a gas grill under a covered patio?
You can use a gas grill under a covered patio if there is adequate ventilation. Make sure your gas grill won’t warp or stain your covered patio by having 10 feet ceilings.
Q: What is the average price of an outdoor kitchen?
The price range for an outdoor kitchen has a wide gap. Depending on the size, materials, and if you choose to use a contracted company, all lead to variations in budget. The average price of an outdoor kitchen is anywhere from $5,000 to upward of $17,000. Again, it all depends on your backyard-covered outdoor kitchen ideas.
Why Trust Us?
Since 1973, Spencer’s TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction have always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!
Shop Outdoor Kitchen Designs Now
At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop outdoor kitchens online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you find the best covered outdoor kitchen ideas for you. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!
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