Outdoor Living: How to Design the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen/Bar

Now that summer has officially begun, there's no better time to start planning unforgettable moments with your nearest and dearest. As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, it's the perfect opportunity to gather friends and family for outdoor adventures, lively parties, and cherished memories. Whether you're splashing around in water balloon fights, digging into board games, or blasting old-school tunes for the whole neighborhood, one thing's for certain: everyone needs food and drinks!

What better way to throw a summer party than with your very own outdoor kitchen or bar? 

Whether you dream of grilling hamburgers or mixing cocktails, now is your chance to turn these dreams into reality!

Join us as we explore some of the benefits, ideas, and budgeting that go into creating your outdoor space.

Benefits of an Outdoor Kitchen/Bar

Outdoor kitchens and bars are more than sights for sore eyes; they also reap immediate and long-term benefits. Let's examine why an outdoor kitchen or bar is a great investment.

Increased Home Value for Luxury Home Buyers

Let’s talk about investment for a second. According to sources using data from The American Institute of Architects, the ROI for an outdoor kitchen ranges from 55-200%.

Though surveys from 2016-2017 don’t show that the average homebuyer has an outdoor kitchen or bar on their list of must-haves, outdoor kitchens or bars do appeal to a subset of homebuyers looking for a luxurious feature in their home, for another example, a hot tub. And, much like hot tubs, outdoor kitchens and bars can serve as desired additions that elevate the overall appeal and value of the property.

Because of this, your outdoor kitchen or bar can be the selling point for avid party-hosters, home cooks, and grill masters.By investing in such, you’re not only enhancing the quality of your own life, but also increasing the desirability and marketability of your home, making it an enticing option for prospective buyers seeking built in entertainment. 

More Space Than Indoor Kitchens

"Too many cooks in the kitchen" becomes a real issue with limited counter space. If you have to deal with this headache, you can design an outdoor kitchen that maximizes counter space so you can easily move around.

Naturally, outdoor kitchens typically offer an abundance of space compared to indoor kitchens. Unlike inside, outdoor kitchen designs often have expansive layouts that offer ample room for cooking, entertaining, and socializing. With this extra space, it also allows you to customize the outdoor kitchen to suit your specific needs and preferences. 

There’s also no need to worry about feeling cramped or confined while preparing meals or hosting gatherings. The spacious layout provides freedom of movement and ample countertop space for food preparation, cooking, and serving. Additionally, outdoor kitchens often feature larger appliances and special equipment, such as large grills, pizza ovens (my personal favorite), and refrigerators, further enhancing their functionality and versatility. 

Overall, the generous space offered by outdoor kitchens adds a level of comfort, convenience, and charm that is unmatched by indoor kitchens. 

Year-round enjoyment

While outdoor kitchens may shine brightest during the summer months, the best part about modern outdoor kitchen designs is that they are made to handle the weather changes that come with new seasons. Whether it is a rain shower or a chill winter night, features like built-in heaters and fire pits will transform your outdoor kitchen into a cozy retreat, still perfect for gathering with loved ones and enjoying the comfort food that comes as the temperatures drop. 

Thoughtful design elements such as waterproof / weatherproof materials ensure that your outdoor space remains comfortable and functional in all conditions, offering entertainment and enjoyment all year round!

Dinner and a Show!

Our favorite part of outdoor kitchens and bars? You can curate an atmosphere where cooking or bartending is part of the entertainment. With the right patio setup, your outdoor kitchen can become the “Chill and Grill” zone for family and friends.

The outdoor bar of your dreams can double as a stage for performing the cocktail-making skills you've been practicing for this occasion. 

But, beware: hungry neighbors may not be able to resist themselves from joining after the delicious scent of ribeye fills the neighborhood.

How to Plan and Budget for your Outdoor Kitchen or Bar

So, you’re sold on the idea of an outdoor kitchen or bar but don't know where to start. The first thing is deciding on a budget, then deciding your must-haves, and your preferred aesthetics.

Use Pinterest!

Pinterest is an awesome visual search engine to help bring your vision to life. With Pinterest, you can create a mood board, as well as multiple customizable boards with all your outdoor kitchen/bar must-haves. With billions of pins showcasing various outdoor kitchen designs, layouts, and features, pinterest offers a vast pool of ideas to explore and draw inspiration from. Whether you’re seeking a sleek or modern design, or a rustic and cozy setup, Pinterest provides a wealth of curated boards and collections created by design professionals and DIY enthusiasts, offering expert tips and practical ideas to help guide your planning process. 

Pinterest also serves as an invaluable platform for discovering new products, trends, and ideas, providing recommendations and insights to your project. So, whether you need a space to organize your thoughts, or if you’re stuck on design ideas, this is the place to go!

Research Durable Materials

Outdoor kitchens and bars must be durable enough to withstand the outdoors' wear and tear. That's why it's crucial to research which materials are proven to withstand the test of time (and harsh elements).

Some of these materials may include…

1. Stainless steel: Stainless steel keeps its shape even in the face of extreme seasonal temperature fluctuations. When exposed to excessive heat, extreme cold, or other weather-related factors, it doesn't bend, bulge, shrink, or expand in the same manner as other other materials might. 

2. Concrete: Concrete is known for  its hardiness and ability to withstand the elements,making it ideal for outdoor kitchen usage. Whether you experience hot temperatures, rain, snow, or freezing temperatures, your concrete countertop will endure if maintained well!

3. Stone: Stone stands up well to the elements, doesn't absorb stains or odors as easily as other materials, and shouldn't fade in the sun. Natural stone like granite, slate, or limestone also adds a timeless and sturdy appeal to countertops, backsplashes, and flooring.

4. Brick: Brick would be a great option for building the kitchen's structure, including walls, flooring, and even pizza ovens or grills (again, my favorite!).

5. Tile: Porcelain or ceramic tiles are excellent for covering countertops, backsplashes, and flooring, providing durability and easy maintenance.

6. Outdoor-rated wood: Wood species such as Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Garapa and Massaranduba are proven to perform incredibly well in outdoor environments such as outdoor kitchens, and can last up to 75 years!

7. Outdoor-rated appliances: Invest in stainless steel appliances such as grills and refrigerators specifically designed for outdoor use to ensure durability against different weather elements. 

8. Weather-resistant sealants and finishes: This is very important when building an outdoor kitchen; apply these to protect surfaces from moisture, UV rays, and other outdoor elements to prolong its life.

Budgeting for an Outdoor Kitchen/Bar

Without stating the obvious, your budget will entirely depend on how many features you want for your outdoor kitchen or bar, as well as the quality of the materials.

When budgeting for an outdoor kitchen or bar, you may ask yourself:

How spacious do I want it to be?
What features are nonnegotiables?
Can I find a reliable vendor who can offer a warranty?

Also, consider the ROI. While it may be tempting to go with the most money saving materials initially, choosing low-quality options could potentially lead to higher long-term expenses due to frequent repairs or replacements. Investing in premium materials like granite countertops supported by durable brackets could initially incur a higher cost but can ultimately save you money by withstanding the test of time.

By carefully considering these factors and making informed decisions, you can create an outdoor kitchen or bar that not only fits your budget but also enhances your outdoor living experience for years to come.

Building and creating an outdoor kitchen/bar is a process that goes beyond simply coming up with something to do with your backyard; it's about turning your outside living area into a comfortable, practical, and entertaining area. By exploring the myriad of benefits, planning and budgeting, conducting research, and gathering creative ideas, you lay the foundation for a project that reflects your unique lifestyle and preferences. An outdoor kitchen offers countless opportunities to enhance your everyday life, whether you're dining with loved ones, entertaining guests, or just spending a quiet evening outside by yourself. So, as you set off on this project, don't forget to keep things organized, have an open mind, and most of all, have fun!