Summer musings from an affirmed BBQ Addict....
 Ahhh summer... one of my favorite seasons! For those of you who know me well, you know that I love to cook outdoors. From brats to brisket and from tenderloin to turkey - give me a good smoker, grill and/or deep fryer and I'm king of the backyard (at least for a few hours..). So I thought, why not write about outdoor kitchens! Signature Builders has the experience and I get to pontificate on some of my favorite project ideas. Here are a few things to consider if you plan to build or remodel an outdoor kitchen:
- Think through the Design: All
of the same considerations for a great indoor kitchen apply to an
outdoor kitchen - but you also have to plan for sun, rain, ice, wind,
varmints and the occasional neighborhood kid. More challenging...more
fun!
- Overhead, Underfoot & Hidden Spaces: Most
outdoor kitchens include a covered space so you can use it anytime
regardless of weather. A rubber membrane can be put under an upper deck
to prevent leaks in a lower patio kitchen. Lighting, outlets, overhead
fans, lots of easy-access storage, easy-to-clean surfaces and flooring
and simple winterizing will be key elements of your design.
- Choose Resilient Materials: There
are so many great materials that can be creatively used in an outdoor
kitchen. We have seen / used materials such as stained/decorative
concrete, stucco, tile, stainless steel, stone and non-porus synthetic
composites, etc.
- The Good Stuff: Just
think about how you like to cook and then make room (and shelter)
for your favorite gear, such as a built-in gas grill, smoker or firepit,
mini-fridge and/or a ready-to-pour beer tapper. Don't forget built-in
storage for the Weber, charcoal, uten-sils, accessories - and the
ever-critical spices, herbs and rubs.
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- The Extras Make it Yours:
I've been thinking that adding a small garden box right next to the
prep area would be perfect for picking the fresh basil. You might be
thinking about a gas fire pit or a real stone fireplace. How about a
sunk-in hot tub next to the wine fridge - so you can sink-in after a
long day of work or play....
So enough with all this chit
chat... I'm heading out to my grill with some good ol' Wisconsin
brats. Don't forget to call or email me if you are thinking about
building an outdoor kitchen. I can even help you break it in when we're
done!
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