Enhancing backyard living with outdoor kitchens and hot tubs

by jason_cramp | November 30, 2017 9:00 am

By Lauren Roberts

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In recent years, outdoor living spaces have become one of the most popular home renovations/upgrades, and their popularity only continues to grow. Transforming a backyard into a home resort by incorporating features such as outdoor kitchens and hot tubs have become a huge trend. Adding these components provides homeowners with another option to indoor meal preparation and is a great way to enjoy the outdoor landscape while socializing with family and friends.

 

The modern-day outdoor kitchen now offers everything a cooking enthusiast needs to create gourmet meals without being confined to the indoors. Further, hot tubs are now designed to complement outdoor kitchen areas, as they co-ordinate with and enhance any backyard décor. The two elements combined provide the perfect mix of outdoor cuisine, fun, and relaxation.

With all projects, many options must be considered before moving forward with the actual project. To find out what the homeowner really wants, it is important to ask questions that narrows down what kitchen features and appliances they want, as well as what size hot tub they are looking to incorporate into their backyard. Their answers will paint a picture as to what their ideal home resort would comprise, which will become the blueprint for the design of the outdoor living space.

Today, many hot tub manufacturers offer everything that is needed to create a complete home resort. For example, kitchen islands come in various styles and sizes to create gourmet outdoor kitchens that include convection grills with backlighting for nighttime cooking amongst many other possibilities.

Choosing an outdoor kitchen

Deciding where the outdoor kitchen will be located, and whether it will be a permanent or portable structure, are some of the first steps. While both types of installations will allow a homeowner to prepare food outdoors, there are advantages and disadvantages to each.

A portable kitchen island is a relatively inexpensive way to create an outdoor cooking environment. This is usually a more cost-effective choice that garners wonderful results. They can be as elaborate or basic as the homeowner likes, as almost any type of kitchen appliance and grill can be added to suit their needs.

Most of the same features that can be included in a permanent outdoor kitchen can be incorporated into a portable design. With the appropriate electrical plug-ins, a portable kitchen island offers the same advantages of a permanent structure, but a homeowner also has the option of moving it should they relocate.

For homeowners looking to add value to their home, a portable kitchen island is probably not the way to go. Although less expensive, it does not have the long-term advantages a permanent structure does. A stationary outdoor kitchen is a good choice if a client is looking for a return on investment (ROI) by increasing the resale value of their home. These kitchens offer broader options and more flexibility with respect to customization when incorporating personal specifications (e.g. sufficient space for food preparation and cooking). In fact, these kitchens can incorporate all of the same components and functionality of an indoor kitchen.

While these can be an attractive selling feature for potential buyers, the drawback to installing a permanent structure is the considerable upfront cost. Homeowner’s must be willing to make an investment in spending quality time with family, as well as their personal happiness, by creating the ideal space. Some of the costs involved with these structures include flooring, countertops, seating, lighting, electrical, and plumbing. Maintenance is another consideration, as it will be required from time to time due to wear and tear that can be caused by occasional inclement weather. Proper maintenance and protection (e.g. covering certain components) can help prevent unnecessary damage, however.

That said, mouth-watering menus are now being created for outdoor preparation and the appliances required to concoct a delectable meal are becoming more advanced to provide all of the luxuries of an indoor kitchen. Some of these amenities include: refrigerators, sinks, deep fryers, pizza ovens, storage space, convection grills, and much more. The look can also be customized to include various stone or stucco finishes, fireplaces, and flooring in an array of materials.

Outdoor kitchen appliances

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The cooking area is the foundation of every kitchen. For those located outdoors, the experience should equate with the homeowner’s indoor kitchen, basing it on their needs, style, and budget. If the plan is to prepare large meals, or use the space often, it is important the appliances selected can stand up to daily activity and weather conditions.

As with most purchases, there are no shortcuts to quality; therefore, it is imperative the homeowner does their research. Reading reviews, comparing warranties, and selecting brands with a strong industry reputation is vital. An outdoor kitchen is not only an investment, but also a backyard feature that can be enjoyed for many years to come. It will pay off in the end if the homeowner takes time to make wise decisions pertaining to their ‘wants’ and ‘needs.’

Today’s outdoor kitchens offer homeowners the ability to use various cooking methods to make their menu a hit with family and friends. For instance, they can smoke, fry, grill, barbecue, or use a convection grill. A rotisserie, side grills, and warming drawers are also possibilities. Many opt to use a variety of cooking methods to create a kitchen that works best for them, as it offers choice and allows for creativity. That said, by having all of these different cooking options, it is important to ensure the area is well ventilated, especially if the kitchen is covered and not in an open space.

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Another important aspect of an outdoor kitchen is keeping food at a safe temperature prior to cooking. Therefore, the convenience of an outdoor refrigerator will alleviate the homeowner from having to go in and out of the house. In fact, making food, drinks, and ice more accessible is a great way to combine cooking and socializing in the outdoor space. Cocktail stations, icemakers, refrigerators, beer taps, and wine coolers can help transform an outdoor kitchen into the social centrepiece of a backyard. Further, incorporating bar stools, cocktail tables, or lounge seating will keep the area full of laughter, conversation, and the aroma of good food.

What happens when the party is over? Including an outdoor sink and/or dishwasher is another decision the homeowner must make. These features are a nice addition as they make clean-up easier by not having to haul everything into the house; however, careful preparation is necessary for these items. During the planning stages, prior to construction, a licensed plumber should be hired to connect the water source and drainage systems. This can increase the overall cost of the kitchen as a result.

Managing the budget

To be successful in creating the ultimate home resort the client has envisioned, a budget should be established first. The cost to build an outdoor kitchen can range between $12,000 and $30,000 depending on what the homeowner is looking to create. Be sure to find out what the client requires, what their timeline is, and how much they want to spend so there is no miscommunication.

Countertops and flooring

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When planning the counter and cooking areas, it is imperative to have an accurate estimate of the space needed for various activities. For instance, when preparing a meal, a large enough area is needed to place all of the ingredients, prep the food, and then arrange it when it is ready to be served. This area will be used a lot, so the more space that is available, the more comfortable and happier the homeowner will be when cooking outdoors.

Designing the look of an outdoor kitchen can be fun for the client, as it allows them to customize everything to co-ordinate with their backyard décor, including the landscape, patio, or deck. Many different materials can be used to finish the countertop, including granite, ceramic, tile, and stucco. When selecting a countertop surface, resilience, durability, maintenance, and weather conditions specific to the area should be kept in mind.

Cabinet space is another consideration when designing an outdoor kitchen. It is something there can never be enough of; therefore, it is a good idea to plan for more storage space than what may be needed. The style of the cabinetry and the material used to build them will vary depending on the budget, as well as the region’s climate. One of the most popular materials is high-grade stainless steel, which does not rust and is suitable for use in most geographical areas.

Finally, flooring is another significant component in outdoor kitchen design. A water- and stain-resistant material should be selected (e.g. concrete or stone). Many patterns, colours, and textures can also be used; however, weather should be kept in mind. The floor must be able to withstand extreme conditions according to the climate in the location where the kitchen is being built.

Outdoor dining rooms

Once all the prep and cooking is done, it is important to have an area where the homeowner can enjoy their meal. From a conventional round table (with an umbrella) that seats four to a family dinner table, which can accommodate 10 plus people, there are a variety of outdoor dining options are available.

Some opt to have a dining area connected to the kitchen island in the form of a breakfast bar that makes it fun to combine all of the social aspects of an outdoor cooking environment. Breakfast bars tend to be a more practical option, as they also provide extra counter space for food prep or serving.

Adding chairs makes the area a relaxing and comfortable space to spend time with family and friends while keeping the laughs and conversation going with the cook. Chair styles can vary; however, it is important to choose a set made of a material that is not only stain-resistant, but also can withstand various weather conditions. The fabrics must be for outdoor use to ensure many years of enjoyment.

Lighting

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Lighting is an important consideration for setting the mood and enjoying the outdoor living space in the evening. To ensure this is done properly, an expert should be hired to create a lighting plan that works with the backyard features and landscape environment. Safety is also important; therefore, illuminating the kitchen and surrounding areas should be part of the design scheme. A well-lit cooking and dining area is important to the overall atmosphere the homeowner wants to create.

Further, the dramatic appeal of an outdoor kitchen and lounge area can be greatly affected by different lighting techniques. Various options include: chandeliers, lanterns, lamps, ceiling fan with lights, mounted task lights, string lights, recessed lighting, porch lights, or wrought-iron sconces. Once the sun goes down, the ambiance can be set by the positioning and shading offered by the lights.

Heating and cooling

Heating and cooling devices are available when needed for those chilly nights and scorching summer days. Adding an outdoor fireplace or fire pit can create a cozy feel around the outdoor kitchen space, while also serving to pull the entire area together. These features add warmth and deliver a soothing glow to the décor.

Portable air coolers, misting systems, and fans can help keep the atmosphere cool and comfortable should relief from heat and humidity be required.

Add a hot tub

The next step in transforming the backyard into a home resort is adding a water feature. Including a hot tub with an outdoor kitchen is one way to create the ultimate outdoor living space.

To make this happen, a drawing of the backyard’s layout, including the hot tub and outdoor kitchen areas, should be done first. The following points should be kept in mind when preparing these plans:

• Identify how much space is available for each feature area (e.g. the hot tub and kitchen);
• Design the area to complement the outdoor kitchen and sitting area; and
• Leave space to add foliage, rocks, pathways, water features, and/or decks.

Preparing for the hot tub delivery is another critical step. The area where it is being installed should comprise a solid, flat foundation capable of supporting the weight of the water-filled hot tub. Access to the backyard is also key. There should be enough space to complete the delivery and allow installers to connect the hot tub properly. A nearby electrical connection is required to hook up the hot tub. The type of unit being installed will determine the specific electrical requirements.

Just like the many options a homeowner has when installing an outdoor kitchen, they have several choices when it comes to a hot tub or swim spa, as well. Some may prefer an entry-level plug-and-play model, while others a top-of-the-line unit that offers the ultimate in hydrotherapy and relaxation. Either way, there is a hot tub or swim spa available to fit any décor, landscape, and outdoor space.

[6]Lauren Roberts is a recent graduate of the University of Redlands in California. Her work has been published in online, as well as in print in the most recent edition of the Redlands Review. Lauren currently works as a public relations specialist for home resort manufacturers Cal Spas[7] and Cal Flame[8]. She can be reached via e-mail at lroberts@calspas.com[9].

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/features/enhancing-backyard-living-outdoor-kitchens-hot-tubs/

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