Outdoor kitchens are one of the more unique and interesting features that Maryland homeowners have been including in their outdoor living plans in recent years. These spaces are awesome for family and friends alike—but before you get too excited thinking about the finished product, you have some things to consider. Outdoor kitchens are significant investments, and you want to be fully satisfied when the project is finished.
Unsure where to start, or what factors you need to consider in order to end up with the perfect outdoor kitchen space for your Anne Arundel County area home? Diamond Decks has you covered.
Determine Your Budget
As with any major—or even minor—home project, determining what you are comfortable with spending is priority number one. Budgeting sets important limits and helps to better plan out how money will be used. Your budget governs amenities, appliances, seating, materials used, and much more; your budget also makes certain that you won’t regret any of your choices and that you’ll be happy with your new outdoor kitchen.
Decide How You Want to Use Your Space
The term kitchen is a broad one, and a modern outdoor kitchen can be outfitted with all of the same features and options as an indoor kitchen.
Understand Your Cooking Space Options
Some cooks prefer to prep their food indoors first, and simply kit out their outdoor kitchen with the grill, oven, range, or smokers that they will need to actually cook the food. Others prefer a lot of luxurious counter space for chopping, dicing, and getting everything ready all in one place. Which are you?
Remember, outdoor kitchens can include:
- Marble, stainless steel, or cut stone countertops
- Ovens and ranges
- Grills and smokers
- Fire pits
- Fireplaces
- Sinks and faucets
- Refrigerators and/or drink coolers
- Storage including cabinets and drawers
Balancing Entertainment and Functionality
Do you want all of your entertaining to take place on an adjacent patio or deck, or is your outdoor kitchen going to include guests as well? If you plan on having guests relax while you cook nearby, it’s imperative to either integrate your outdoor living spaces into your kitchen or build your kitchen to accommodate guests.
Some of your options for guest seating and entertainment include:
- An outdoor bar with bar seating
- Table settings with a patio
- A louvered roof patio
Figure Out Your Lighting Needs
Setting up a good lighting design is critical for guest safety, comfort, and for task lighting so you don’t burn a precious steak or kebab. The outdoor lighting you choose should address a variety of factors, including:
- The time of day do you plan on entertaining or using your outdoor kitchen
- The size of your outdoor kitchen
- Whether the outdoor kitchen is roofed or covered from the weather
- Whether or not you plan on doing prep work in your new outdoor kitchen
In most cases, your contractor can work with you to ensure your outdoor lighting needs are met. Just be certain to communicate clearly to them what you plan on doing with this outdoor living area, when you plan on using it, and how much light you prefer.
Professional Outdoor Kitchen Installation in Maryland
At Diamond Decks, our custom outdoor kitchen design and installation contractors have been offering the best in outdoor kitchen services for years. We work closely with you in order to provide a tailored experience that wholly focuses on what you want and need out of your outdoor living spaces.
Looking to find out more about custom outdoor kitchens in Ellicott City, MD, and the surrounding areas? Connect with us online for a consultation, or call (443) 688-6072.
