Essential Elements for Building the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen

Everybody is talking about outdoor kitchens! Their popularity has surged in recent years, and everyone with a backyard is looking to carve out their own unique piece of the pie. Cooking “al fresco” (Italian for in the fresh air) allows you to elevate your outdoor space and organize more versatile social gatherings. 

Shepherd’s Hardware is the local expert in Armstrong, B.C. for all your DIY and professionally managed projects—here are some outdoor kitchen essentials you’ll want to keep in mind!

Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen

Before you go out and buy an entire new dining set and line of appliances, it’s important to plan the layout of your outdoor kitchen. We want to make sure the ideas you have in your head are actually plausible when it comes to the space you have available, where you want it to go, and even the impact your local climate may have on the design.

Keys to Consider:

• Available Space: Try to ensure that you can cook, dine, and move around, all in the same space. Try to envision how the space you have can be effectively utilized.
• Location: The location of your outdoor kitchen should be easily accessible from inside, yet far enough away that smoke and odors don’t drift indoors.
• Climate: Weather in the North Okanagan can vary quite a bit. Keep durability in mind; ensure your outdoor kitchen can withstand the different temperatures and conditions. 

Essential Appliances and Fixtures

The right combination of appliances and fixtures is important for tying the space together and making it as functional as possible. Here are our top outdoor kitchen essentials that are must-haves…

• Grill
• Refrigerator
• Sink
• Storage Cabinets

When trying to choose these items, you want to prioritize high-quality, durable, and weather-resistant products that are going to hold up to long-term outdoor use. Check out Shepherd Hardware’s Outdoor Appliances to see what we have available for pick up in-store!

Creating a Functional Workspace

One of the top outdoor kitchen essentials is having a functional workspace where you can serve, prepare food, and otherwise work to make every outing a raging success! Different countertop materials have different benefits, let’s look at a few of the most common.

Countertop Materials

• Granite: Durable, resistant to heat and stains.
• Concrete: Offers a customizable look and is long-lasting.
• Stainless Steel: Easy to clean and maintain; modern aesthetic.

Work for the space and the space will work for you—picking high quality materials from the beginning allows for a more seamless cooking and serving experience down the road.

Seating and Dining Area

Comfortable, stylish, and weather-resistant furniture are outdoor kitchen essentials that turn your now functional design plan into one that is livable and inviting. You want to choose tables and chairs that match your other decor and accommodate your usual number of guests. Loungers and benches are perfect accent pieces that are both versatile and space-saving, as well.

For a range of stylish outdoor furniture options, visit Shepherd's Hardware Outdoor Furniture.

Adding Ambiance with Lighting

The correct balance of lighting not only makes your outdoor kitchen safer to work in, but it also creates an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming. Consider these different lighting types and features…

Lighting Options

• Task Lighting: Used for food prep and cooking. Helps you to see clearly while you’re cutting, grilling, and assembling meals.
• Ambient Lighting: Used to create a more inviting atmosphere; think string lights, lanterns, or LED strips. Helps to make the space “warmer”.
• Pathway Lighting: Allows guests (and yourself) to move safely around the outdoor kitchen area; helps prevent tripping on walkways, steps, and edges.
  

By carefully selecting and combining these different types of lighting, you can create a functional, beautiful, and welcoming outdoor kitchen to be enjoyed anytime; day or night.

Weather Conditions

Pergolas, awnings, and other weatherproof covers for both your appliances and your company are good considerations to have when designing your outdoor kitchen. There’s nothing worse than putting in the effort to cook a fabulous meal and invite everyone over, only to be derailed by unexpected weather. 

Having these features in place mitigates the chances of such things from happening, but also just gives you and your guests more options for cooking, eating, and relaxing in your new outdoor space.

Maintaining Your Outdoor Kitchen

Let’s close by talking about maintenance. Maintaining your outdoor kitchen is essential for keeping your equipment, furniture, and decor in top condition; this can be done in the following ways…

Cleaning

Regularly clean out your appliances, furniture, countertops, and any cabinetry/storage spaces to prevent stains, buildup of grime, and remove other debris that may have accumulated just from everything being outdoors.

Inspection

Regularly check for signs of wear or damage. Since everything is outside, there’s constant opportunity for things to become impaired or hampered in some way. Keep an eye out for fabric tears, rust, sharp edges, loose/missing screws, and other discrepancies that require attention.

Seasonal Care

Depending on the season, you may want/have to implement different measures to keep the space livable and/or maintained. Examples include pest control during summer months and a deep cleaning prior to sealing things up for the winter.

‍

Building your perfect backyard cooking, eating, and entertaining space with the right outdoor kitchen essentials takes careful planning and investment. You want to select durable appliances, create a space that is functional, and add in elements to make it comfortable and welcoming. Shepherd’s Hardware in Armstrong, B.C. has everything you need to make this project a success—come visit us today!

‍