Cooking outdoors with your friends and family is one of the most therapeutic and relaxing experiences. But often, when people think about outdoor cooking, they think of a simple barbecue with propane or charcoal grills. You may be accustomed to that, but you can take outdoor cooking to a different level. If you design a proper outdoor kitchen, you can plan it with high-tech appliances; and a spacious patio with sophisticated components that complement your entire house. Forget about dragging out that foldable patio furniture that sticks out like a sore thumb and instead imagine a luxurious space for your outdoors.
Before you start your outdoor kitchen project and delve into landscape design, here are some expert design tips that you need to consider to ensure that your outdoor kitchen suits your needs.
Do Your Research On Types Of Outdoor Kitchens
First, you need to determine the best type of outdoor kitchen for all your needs. You need to consider your budget, lifestyle, and the space you have. For example, if you want a basic outdoor kitchen structure, it can include a grill and an outdoor bar that serves the purpose of a counter. With this basic structure in mind, you can consist of more components to make it into a fully functional kitchen or stick to a more simple setup.
Evaluate the Space Available
Space is one of the most important factors when designing an outdoor kitchen landscape. If you have a lot of space in your backyard, the biggest challenge is to ensure that your house and outdoor kitchen aren’t too far away; otherwise, you might have to walk long to fire up the grill. In cases of smaller properties, you have limited choice in terms of location. Thankfully, even in a smaller location, with proper landscape design, there are various options for appliances, counter space, and plumbing. You also must evaluate your area and decide which devices must be prioritized.
Portable or Permanent
If you are renting a house or are planning to move in a couple of years, you might not be able to build components as you please. Therefore the best decision is to build your outdoor kitchen with appliances and features that are movable or portable so that you can move it with you.
On the other hand, if you do not intend to move, you can design more in-built elements in your outdoor kitchen that complement the landscaping design of your backyard and the home’s exterior. You can also incorporate different types of materials without any worry.
Establish a Budget
While planning any landscape design, budget is the most important aspect that landscapers in Toronto consider. You need to create a budget and work within it. Some essentials that come into play when working with an outdoor kitchen include material, labor, and appliance costs. These are also the areas where most projects face a cost overrun. The safest practice is to keep the estimate of the project on the higher end. A few other factors that are often included in the budget are obtaining permits, electrical and plumbing services, and more. If you plan on doing the project yourself, you will run into several hurdles as a novice will not be well aware of the procedure.
To ensure that your budget is being utilized optimally, considering professional landscapers in Toronto might be best. The landscaping company in Toronto will take care of the minute details, such as obtaining permissions and permits. Before you select any company, you must ask for quotes from all the companies to guarantee that you are getting the best deal.
What Is Your Desired Cooking Style?
When planning an outdoor kitchen, you also need to determine which style of cooking you prefer. For example, charcoal barbeque is the way to go if you like grilled proteins or hamburgers. The outdoor brick oven is perfect for all your Italian cooking, such as pizzas and more. You can even opt for a tandoor or smoker for all your Mediterranean and Indian cuisine.
Outdoor kitchens are fully customizable and can include anything from propane, electric, gas, or charcoal grills to girdles, ovens, and more. But determine which ones you will use before you install it. Another thing to consider which can save on space and budget is where you intend to prep your food. If you intend to prep outside, having ample counter space and a sink is essential.
Another factor that is often overlooked is what is the maximum number of people you intend to cook for. Depending on that, you need to ensure that there is enough space to accommodate guests, prep, and cook. You might also need larger appliances to keep up with the number of people.
Proper Maintenance
Outdoor kitchens are exposed to the wrath of the elements. So if you do not use your outdoor kitchen often, you must keep the appliances and surfaces covered up to ensure they can withstand the weather. If you live near water bodies or coastal areas, you must clean the equipment regularly to remove any dirt or buildup. Without proper maintenance, your outdoor kitchen may deteriorate in quality. This step can also help determine if you can manage your installed equipment. It is best to plan an outdoor kitchen that you can maintain in your schedule.
Work With The Best Landscaping Company In Toronto
Create an exceptional outdoor kitchen design with Land-con. Land-Con is the most preferred landscaping company in Toronto. Land-Con specializes in creating outdoor kitchens, perfect front yards and backyards, cabanas, pergolas, and more. With over 25 years of experience, no matter what space you wish to transform, Land-con’s professionals are ready to help you achieve the best outcome for your front yard and backyard space. Contact Land-con at 416-504-5263 or drop us an email at info@landcon.ca to learn more.
