TONGS AT THE READY! TAKE BARBECUING TO THE NEXT LEVEL BY INSTALLING A FULLY-FUNCTIONING COOK SPACE
The most wonderful time of the year is finally here and we’re not talking about Christmas. Sizzling season is upon us and we’re basically eating and drinking in the garden for as long as we possibly can. So if you’re completely dedicated to alfresco life, then perhaps it’s time to consider an outdoor kitchen this summer?
There are several things to think about when planning an outdoor kitchen, from plumbing and electrics to worktops and flooring, so it’s important to factor everything in as early as possible. ‘Budget is, of course, a factor to consider from the outset, as it will impact every element of the plans you make,’ says Duncan Aird, founder, Outdoor Kitchen Expert. ‘Depending on the scope and specification, a budget of around £45,000 is a solid starting point. Regardless of what the budget is, it needs to be kept in mind throughout the process.’
So, before you begin, consider the location. Do you want it near the house (and therefore kitchen) so that you can shuttle things back and forth easily? Or perhaps further away so that the dining space becomes less an extension of your home and more a destination in its own right? ‘The further you are from the house, the more useful storage and appliances such as a fridge can be. By nature we use things more if they are convenient, so ensure a set-up which makes using it a pleasure, not a chore,’ explains Polly Wilkinson, founder, Pollyanna Wilkinson Garden Design. ‘You can have a lot of fun when designing an outdoor kitchen. If you go bespoke, you can tailor it to mimic your interior kitchen, or mix it up with some interesting tiles. Alternatively, there are some excellent modular kitchens to choose from, which can be tailored to your needs.’
Outdoor kitchens come in all shapes and sizes. ‘From a simple barbecue with units for food prep to “the whole shebang” including a sink, tap, fridge and multiple cooking appliances,’ adds Polly. ‘There’s nothing like an evening meal outside, but you need to be able to see what you’re doing. Remember to run electricity for lighting in the kitchen and consider the work surface and floor so it’s easy to clean up spills.’
1 FLOOR IT
‘Outdoor porcelain tiles are ideal for a kitchen due to their durability, heat and stain resistance and easy-to-clean surfaces,’ says Amanda Telford, marketing manager at CTD Tiles. ‘Tiles can cover a variety of hard surfaces and outdoor porcelain paving will give you a low-maintenance, stylish surface with excellent slip resistance. Many schemes extend the same surface design into their home.’
2 WEATHER APPROPRIATE
‘From a fully functional kitchen to a simple barbecue area, designing your outdoor kitchen will depend on your budget, l
