Outdoor kitchens are popular in the Dallas area, and for good reason! They give homeowners an additional option for entertaining and provide a relaxing atmosphere in your backyard. When adding an outdoor kitchen to your home, there are many things to keep in mind. Not only can they become an expensive project, but it’s also important to make sure you have durable furniture and appliances, shade, or other cooling options that will keep guests comfortable in the summer – and keep those pesky mosquitos at bay. While this might seem like a lot to consider, you don’t have to go it alone! CGreens Landscape Management has landscape design experts in Dallas who will be there to help you every step of the way. So, before you build that awesome kitchen, here are some things to keep in mind.
Budget
When you decide you want to build an outdoor kitchen, the first thing you need to do is determine how much you want to spend. Your budget will determine what kind of appliances, furniture, utilities, and technology that you are able to include in your outdoor kitchen. Choose a budget you think is reasonable and do your best to stick to it to avoid overspending.
Weather Changes
Dallas summers are brutally hot, but we have all experienced the temperature fluctuation common to North Texas during the other seasons. One minute it is sunny and hot and the next we experience an unexpected cold front. These seasonal (and in-season) fluctuations can cause materials such as tile or stone to crack, which needs to be considered in the building process and in choosing the types of materials used.
Another option to keep in mind in Texas is whether to invest in heaters, misters, or fans. While this can be expensive it will help keep your outdoor kitchen usable year around.
Cooking Appliances
Cooking outdoors can be more demanding than cooking inside, so making sure that you have appliances that are up to the task is important. Here are a few things to consider when picking out the appliances for your outdoor kitchen.
- Power Burners – Boiling water outside is significantly more difficult outside than it is inside. To overcome this, we recommend purchasing a power burner.
- Grills – Grills are the most common cooking appliance that customers want in their kitchen. Take some time to research, keeping in mind what kinds of grills are best for which types of foods. Many homeowners are also choosing grills that are easily concealable.
Mosquitos
Anyone who has lived in the Dallas area in the summer knows how bad the mosquitos can be in the evening. Citronella candles and bug spray can only do so much. There are actually misters that can spray insecticides to keep bugs away from your kitchen! If it’s in your budget, they may be something to consider adding to your outdoor kitchen.
Furniture
Since your kitchen is outdoors, durability is key when it comes to furniture. Investing in quality outdoor furniture now can save you from having to constantly replace items in the future because of weather damage. Make sure you have plenty of chairs and a nice large table. Picking the material for the table is also important. If your table is going to be uncovered it is important to remember that metal, while durable, will get very hot in the summertime. Typically, a darker wood with an all-weather finish is recommended.
The other aspect to consider when selecting furniture is storage. If you do not have cabinets or other built-in storage, consider tables or benches that have storage options built into them.
CGreen Landscape Management has been helping homeowners in Dallas design the yards of their dreams for 40 years. From simple patios for your grill to gourmet outdoor kitchens, we have done it all! For more information on our services, or to schedule a service, contact us TODAY!
