Summer in Canada is hardly long enough. In a matter of a few months, Canadians try to soak up as much sunshine, eat as much BBQ, and have as many campfires as possible. This is all because we know that, in just a short time, the frigid cold and endless snow will be back. That’s why we have to make the most of every summer day. One of the greatest ways to do this is to cook alfresco in the outdoor kitchen of your dreams.
Take a look at these tips on designing your dream outdoor kitchen so you can truly make the most of every single summer day.
Tips for Designing Your Outdoor Kitchen
Consider Your Space
The first thing you need to consider is the space you have to work with. Everyone has a different backyard or outdoor area and it’ll greatly affect the layout of your outdoor kitchen. Inspect your yard and determine how much space you have available and what type of layout would work best.
If you have limited space, a smaller kitchen with an island and built-in grill, sink and some storage might work well. If, however, you have a large yard, you could go with a more elaborate design that includes a grill, a built-in side burner, a bar and a seating area.
Think About Your Needs
At the same time you’re considering the amount of space you have, think about your needs. What do you plan to use your outdoor kitchen for, primarily? Will the grill be the main feature? Will there be multiple types of grills? Do you need a fridge to keep food and drinks cold? Will you also be doing the food prep outside?
Your intended use of the space will inform your decisions about the layout and types of appliances, accessories, and furniture you will need.
Choose Quality Materials That Last
Don’t forget that since it’s an outdoor kitchen, it’ll be exposed to the elements – rain, snow, wind, and heat. So, it’s essential to choose quality materials that can withstand all the weather of the four seasons. You’ll want to find materials that are:
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Resistant to heat
- Moisture resistant
- Protected from UV rays
Stainless steel is an excellent choice for appliances, while stone or concrete countertops are both stylish and durable.
Make Sure You Have Enough Storage
Every kitchen requires ample storage space. The same is true for outdoor kitchens. There’s a large selection of various styles and sizes of storage, from built-in cabinets to modular components. The ones you choose will depend on how much space you have and how you plan to use your kitchen.
Either way, don’t forget to make space for cutlery, cooking utensils, dishes, and other outdoor kitchen accessories. And again, you’ll want them stored away where they’re safe from the elements. You could install cabinets, drawers, and open shelving to maximize your storage options.
Light Up the Night
Finally, you want to make sure your outdoor kitchen is well-lit. Summer days in Canada are long, but if you want to take advantage of every last minute, you might find that you’re prepping, cooking, and serving food after the sun sets.
Adequate lighting is crucial for safety and functionality, but it also adds a nice ambiance to your outdoor space. Consider adding task lighting above your grill and prep area and maybe some ambient lighting around the dining or seating area(s). And if you really want to brighten things up, install an outdoor fireplace nearby. Then, after dinner, you can all sit around the fire and continue the summer fun into the night.
Get Started on Your Outdoor Kitchen Now & Save!
With summer just around the corner, why wait on designing the outdoor kitchen of your dreams? Get started and give yourself something to look forward to! Team Harding has all the appliances, accessories, knowledge (and recipes!) to help your dream outdoor kitchen become a reality. We have everything you need to make your outdoor space a summer oasis!
Make the most of summer with an outdoor kitchen and save up to $500 on built-in components!
Create your custom outdoor kitchen with Team Harding.
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Team Harding has been Ottawa’s leading home comfort specialist since 1994. We are a family-owned and operated local business and all of our installers and technicians are fully licensed.
