Outdoor kitchens are one of the most popular property additions for residential and commercial properties. A brick outdoor kitchen is a functional space where residents and customers can gather and enjoy al fresco dining during the summer or relax under the stars in the winter. Whether you plan on feeding friends and family or inviting the whole neighborhood over to your marble patio, an outdoor kitchen installation is the ideal choice for convenience, enjoyment, and utility.

As with any other home improvement project, there are plenty of things to consider before going through with the patio remodel. Here’s what to consider before an outdoor kitchen installation.

1. Your Budget

The budget should be your first concern with any project like this. You should have an idea of how much you’re willing to spend and how much the project might cost. The great thing about a patio remodel is that there’s a wealth of choice for appliances, layouts, and styles. This selection means there’s an option to suit most budgets. Talk to a professional about what you need to see if your budget meets your wish list.

2. Features and Storage

There’s an almost endless amount of options for your custom brick outdoor kitchen. However, you should consider what features you want and plan accordingly. Basic features include things like a gas line, a water line, and a mini-fridge. Do you want just a grill and sink area for cooking and cleaning, or do you want real pantry space and a fridge for storing food? How much storage space do you need?

3. Lighting

Lighting is another area where there’s plenty of options. There are standard lights, hanging lights, lamps, and more. If you’ll mostly be using your outdoor kitchen during the evening and night, why not invest in some warm mood lighting? Ceiling lights make for a wonderful atmosphere and keep important electrical parts away from potential splash damage. Once again, talk to an expert if you aren’t sure.

4. Flooring Quality

Flooring quality is an important consideration for any kind of kitchen, especially an outdoor one. Whether you pick a marble patio, pavers, or something else, you’ll need quality. It’s inevitable that some food will end up on the floor eventually. You need a floor that can withstand potential damage from food and drinks – and cleaning chemicals used to clear messes. Good quality flooring is also easier to clean and maintain.

5. Staying Cool

They say if you can’t stand the heat to get out of the kitchen. Kitchens get pretty hot when you’re cooking and outdoor kitchens are no exception. You’ve also got the warm sun to compete with when cooking outdoors. The good news is that staying cool in an outdoor kitchen is easy with a bit of work. Create a shaded area or use an overhead fan for a cool spot. Don’t forget about the opposite end of the spectrum – staying warm in the fall and winter. A fireplace really brings an outdoor space together, keeps you warm, and looks gorgeous even when left unlit in the summer.

6. The Grill

The grill is the heart of every outdoor kitchen. What kind of grill do you want for yours? Good quality grills like Delta Heat or Twin Eagle have everything you need from an outdoor grill. Do you want an integrated grill or a freestanding one? Do you need a grill with some extra storage space? No matter what you need, the perfect grill for your outdoor kitchen has you covered. As the cornerstone of any outdoor kitchen or living space, choosing a grill takes some careful consideration. You want to be sure you get the perfect one for you.

7. Space and Layout

What general layout did you have in mind for the kitchen? Thinking about the layout will give you an idea of how much space you need. Do you need extra areas like a seating area or a built-in bar? Do you want an entertainment area more akin to an outdoor living room? Do you just need a small amount of space for your kitchen? Consider how much room you even have in the first place. Your options might be limited by the size of your patio space.

8. Outdoor Plumbing

If your outdoor kitchen includes appliances like a sink, dish washer, or ice maker, then you need to get outdoor plumbing to power them. It takes special skills and experience to arrange outdoor plumbing properly so talk to an expert about what you need. Careful planning now prevents disasters in the future. Outdoor plumbing can be just as important as indoor plumbing.

9. Accessibility and Entertainment

Don’t forget about entertaining your guests in your new outdoor space. Installing things like built-in speakers for music, playing games, and watching television. This is another area where you need to consider the lighting. Lighting makes an outdoor space accessible and safe for everyone. Speaking of accessibility, consider making the space accessible for disabled people. Include pathways, walkways, and ramps where appropriate so everyone can join the fun.

10. Permits

Just because you want to build an outdoor kitchen doesn’t mean that the city will let you. Bueacracy isn’t fun, but it’s a necessary evil and one you can’t afford to overlook. Make sure you keep track of all the intangible things that come with planning and creating an outdoor kitchen. After you’ve decided on the features and layout you want to install, talk to a professional to see if your plans meet city and house code requirements for the electrical and gas connections. It’s better to get any planning permission or permits you need ahead of time to save on nasty surprises in the future.

Preparation for an Outdoor Kitchen Installation

We hope you found our list of things to consider before installing an outdoor kitchen helpful. If you need any help planning and putting together your outdoor living space, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch today and learn more about how U.S. Brick & Block can help you with your outdoor kitchen installation. Get a free estimate today.

Need some tips? Check out The 9 Must-Have Appliances For Your Custom Outdoor Kitchen and Building an Outdoor BBQ Kitchen on a Budget.

Looking for inspiration for your outdoor kitchen installation? Check our our Instagram for a look at our projects.