21 Aug Turn Your Backyard into the Outdoor Kitchen of Your Dreams

One great way to make the most of your summer is by transforming your backyard into an entertaining space with an outdoor kitchen and dining space. The pandemic has increased the amount of time we all spend at home, so making your backyard a fun place to be will help your family enjoy the extra time together. While there are some changes you could probably do yourself, make sure you tap some professionals to help with projects such as wiring and plumbing.

Backyard oasis

If you have a backyard that’s underutilized, consider turning it into the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. While outdoor kitchens are best on patios, it is possible to build one on a deck. Just be sure to check the weight limits of your deck before you build, and install some reinforcements if needed.

While your outdoor kitchen should have some basics—countertop, grill, and a sink perhaps—it doesn’t necessarily have to be fully functional. Think about meals you might be cooking outside, and then consider what appliances you’ll need to pull them off. If you plan to mostly grill outdoors, you can forgo the oven and just install a grill.

Call in the pros

Some parts of your outdoor kitchen can be done without experts: if you have some building experience, you can probably manage to build your own countertop. However, some jobs are best left to professionals.

If you’re installing a permanent cooking fixture—stove, oven, or grill—you’ll want to run a gas line. Installing a cooking appliance requires expert knowledge for safety, and the last thing you want is to have your gas lines leaking while you’re outside cooking with your family.

Outdoor kitchens and dining areas can turn into amazing evening hangout spaces if you install light fixtures, but this is a project you’ll also want some help with. If you aren’t an electrician, you risk electrocution when working with exposed wiring. Call in a pro to help you and rest assured the lights will be installed, shock-free.

Other parts of your kitchen that you may need help with are plumbing lines for an outdoor sink. You’ll need a professional to connect your outdoor sink to your home’s water lines, which could turn into a huge mess if handled incorrectly.

Dining al fresco

As you design your kitchen, don’t forget to create a dining space to go with it. Your dining area doesn’t have to be over-the-top; you can get away with a simple table and a few chairs if you want to keep it basic. Think about ways to cover your dining area; an umbrella, awning, or pergola are all great options for creating shade or protecting you from the elements.

Outdoor meals to please

Have you ever noticed how food seems to taste better when eaten outside? Your family and friends will love the meals you prepare for them in your outdoor kitchen, so take advantage of your pantry staples to make use of the food supply you gathered during the pandemic.

Look in your pantry to take stock of what staples you might use for cooking outdoors. Black bean and corn quesadillas are a great outdoor meal and will help use up your cans of beans and corn stashed away in the cupboards. You can make this meal outside on a stovetop or grill, crisping up the tortillas so the cheese melts perfectly.

Even as summer winds down, there are still plenty of warm evenings that will allow you to take advantage of your backyard for cooking and dining. Because we’re all spending more time at home, enhancing your outdoor space will make a huge difference. Think about ways to design your kitchen to reflect your cooking habits, and be sure to hire professionals for some of the more complicated jobs. And, take advantage of your overstocked pantry and make meals that will taste amazing when eaten al fresco.

Author: Tina Martin [email protected]

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