An outdoor kitchen is a great addition to any home. It allows you to enjoy cooking closer to nature, particularly if you’re entertaining guests or simply having a weekend cookout with your family.
If you’re planning to build or remodel your deck, this is also the perfect time to add a kitchen to it and expand its functionality. This is not a DIY project, however, so it’s best to choose from a list of the best home exterior remodeling companies in your area.
Before you start laying the groundwork for your new outdoor kitchen, it’s best to take a look at some of the most important considerations:
Weight Limit
It’s great if you already have a deck and all you have to do now is remodel it to fit a kitchen. However, your deck should be able to handle the weight of the new kitchen. You don’t want it to sag, especially if the deck is old. You also have to determine what you will be adding, such as a pizza oven, an outdoor bar, some furniture, etc.
Utilities
There are also lines you need to install so you can connect the utilities for the new outdoor kitchen. Those include the following:
- Gas line for the cooking appliances
- Plumbing for the sink
- Electrical for other appliances, including the refrigerator or the wine cooler, lights, and perhaps an outdoor TV and a sound system.
Other Considerations
You should also consider installing new cabinetry for your outdoor kitchen. Cabinets will also add to the weight of your kitchen.
It’s also a good idea to start this project simultaneously with other home improvements. If you’re working with siding contractors to replace your old siding, for example, and part of it is within the area of the new outdoor kitchen, you won’t have to worry about removing your kitchen setup so new siding can be installed.
Speaking of siding, make sure your cooking areas do not affect siding, windows, and other parts of your home. Heat can cause warping or even start a fire.
Triangle Home Exteriors can help you build a new outdoor kitchen. We are also roof replacement experts. Get in touch with us today at (919) 615-1101 or send us a message. We’ll set your appointment in Cary, NC.
