Build an outdoor
grilling arena
W
ho wants to be cooped up inside when the
weather is warm? Build yourself an outdoor
kitchen to entertain guests and enjoy the great outdoors.
With a little help from an expert local landscaper and
a creative designer, you might just wish you could spend
the entire year cooking outside.
For those who enjoy gathering friends and family
together to cook and relax in the backyard, an epic
outdoor kitchen is a must. Before you begin your plans,
consider the size of the group that typically attends your
events. You will want to make sure
there is ample space for those close to you to sit back
and relax.
CHOOSING A SPACE
You’ll need a backyard that offers plenty of space to
renovate a grassy patch into a stellar new
outdoor kitchen.
30 | At Home • June 2018
Perhaps you already have a deck constructed that
would make the perfect area to entertain your guests.
If your deck looks dated or worn, consider hiring a
professional power-washing service to bring it back to
life. Even brand new outdoor appliances cannot shine
to their full potential on a weathered backdrop.
For those without a porch and a bare backyard,
you have the job of finding a suitable area for a
backyard kitchen.
When looking for an area in your yard, here are
some factors to consider:
Make sure the ground is level. This can sometimes
be as easy as using sand as a base but may require
a professional to run heavy equipment to create a
suitable plot.
Try to build your outdoor kitchen under plenty of
shade. If you are unable to build under the comfort
of trees, consider building a roof, using a portable
pavilion or installing umbrellas.
COUNTERTOPS AREN’T ONLY
FOR INSIDE
An amazing outdoor kitchen will feature a
beautiful island or bar. Some popular materials
used to construct this piece are wood and brick.
Choosing wood can save you a lot of money, but
brick will give your area a more rustic appearance.
The covering for your bar is where you can
really make your kitchen stand out. If you plan to
incorporate your grill or smoker into your island
area, try to pick a counter covering that pairs well
with its color.
For instance, a granite countertop pops when
used with stainless-steel appliances. The two create
a reflective shine that will be a conversation piece at
your next barbecue.