If you often cook or grill in your backyard, then it’s great to have a nice setup for doing this. An outdoor kitchen and bar are perfect for those al fresco meals, plus they look great in your garden and can even add to the value of your home. Having all this in place gives you plenty of space to prepare and cook your outdoor meals, and it also provides a good space for entertaining and socializing with guests, so you don’t have to be lonely while you cook.

If this sounds like a good idea for you, then read on for some tips on how to design your outdoor kitchen and bar.

The best materials to use

All the materials you use, from the floors to the countertops, needs to be able to withstand being outdoors. They should also be resilient to the odd spill or two. Decking, concrete slabs, or paving stones are all safe bets for the flooring around your cooking station. You should avoid absorbent materials like wood cabinets as any rain could ruin these.

The island itself will also need to be made from sturdy materials such as brick, stone, or concrete. Natural stone such as marble or granite is a good option for your outdoor countertops because they are durable and weatherproof while still functioning well for food preparation. These materials should be sealed to make them even more weatherproof.

Other things to consider

Even if you live in a warm climate, the weather can be unreliable, so you might consider placing a cover over your cooking station so that rain does not spoil your fun. However, you will also need to consider the issue of ventilation if you are covering over a grill. A retractable cover is a good option, as this can allow you to enjoy the sun and hide from the rain, depending on the weather.

You also want to make sure you’re comfortable outdoors whatever the weather. Keep cool in the sun with an outdoor fridge or wine cooler to keep those drinks chilled, and you can install a fire pit to keep you warm after the sun sets, keeping the party going after it gets dark.

If you’re looking for inspiration when deciding what your outdoor kitchen and bar should look like, then take a look at some of these examples. Once you’re ready to design and install your outdoor kitchen, contact us at Amanzi Granite for our services around Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point, and Kernersville.