Thanks to Atlanta’s moderate climate, residents like to spend much of their time outside, enjoying the great outdoors. In fact, they are going a step further, not only bringing the living room outside, but also the kitchen. “It’s the easiest way for people to enjoy their outdoor spaces,” says Jeff Joyner, residential designer with Piedmont Landscape in Chamblee. “And it’s great for entertaining.” With the continued improvements in building materials as well as outdoor appliances, there’s no better time to build an outdoor kitchen than right now.

Prep your design
When planning your outdoor kitchen, the first step is to evaluate the space.
• How much room do you have to work with?
• Is the terrain even?
• Will this project be incorporated into another, existing outdoor room?
• How accessible is the space?
• Do you have an existing concrete slab (such as a patio) to start with, or will you need to create a whole new base for the kitchen?
• Are there any homeowner association rules or covenants to which you must conform?
The answers to these questions can be used as guidelines to the overall design. “Planning and design is crucial,” says Ron Schneiberg, general manager of Unlimited Landscaping & Turf Management in Buford. “Have a plan in writing. I think in the long run it pays for itself over and over again.”
Next, decide on the function of the outdoor kitchen. “What are you going to do with it?” says Rusk Jones, who, along with partner V.J. Neto, runs Outdoor Conceptions Group in Cumming. “Tell me about your lifestyle. Do you like to cook?” These answers can steer the design of the space to conform to what you have in mind.

Another crucial factor in planning an outdoor kitchen is the budget. As with all home-improvement projects, it’s easy to get sidetracked along the way and want to add something here or there, or upgrade those amenities. And, before you know it, you’ve spent a lot more money than you planned. Therefore, you need to set a budget and stick with it. Setting this parameter not only saves you money, but also aids the landscape architect or engineer in the design process by narrowing down
available choices.


A culinary delight
While small, premade outdoor appliances may cost between $2,000 and $3,000, customized kitchens can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the design and space in which you’re working. Another thing to consider, along with the cost of the kitchen and the labor, is the added expense of running new utility lines (water, gas, electric, etc.) outdoors.
Finally, make sure you hire a reputable contractor. “Choosing the right landscape architect is the pivotal step,” says Evan Rogers, a partner with Scapes in Marietta. Having a good relationship with your contractor will help the entire process go more smoothly.

With the ever-increasing amount of innovations in outdoor kitchens, homeowners can have an outside culinary workspace comparable to those found in the finest interior kitchens. From grills and refrigerators to countertops and flooring, there’s no reason to limit yourself to the traditional “outdoor” fare any longer.

Homeowners who love to cook will be thrilled with the new technology available in outdoor grills and cooktops. Infrared burners are popping up everywhere and are becoming the norm with outdoor chefs. This cooking technique heats up cooking surfaces quickly while spreading the heat evenly, eliminating hot or cold spots. Manufacturers such as Wolf, TEC, Viking and Fire Magic are just a few of the industry leaders embracing this technology.

Of course, grill accessories also are catching on with homeowners. These include steamers, rotisseries, woks and griddles. Many homeowners are including warming bins to keep one part of the meal warm while they cook another. “It’s more of a duplication of an indoor kitchen,” Joyner says.
Nowhere is this more evident than with appliances. Refrigerators, wine coolers, trash compactors, icemakers and even dishwashers are making the move outside. Sinks, too, are commonplace in outdoor kitchens. Simply put, if it’s found in an interior kitchen, it’ll show up in an outdoor kitchen. Having all the appliances and fixtures you need to cook a meal outdoors (even if they are on a smaller scale) will keep you from running in and out while you’re trying to cook for family and friends.


From the indoors out
Unlike outdoor kitchens of the past, today’s spaces closely resemble their indoor counterparts. This is due, in large part, to such additions as cabinetry, countertops and flooring that are very similar to those used inside. These kitchen essentials are available in versions that are crafted specifically to hold up well under weather and natural conditions.

When you’re shopping for cabinets, look for those made of composite materials, polymer, teak or stainless steel. These are all weather-resistant and built to last under outdoor conditions. Manufacturers such as Wer/Ever and Viking offer a variety of options.

Likewise, choose countertops that won’t deteriorate under adverse weather conditions. Materials such as granite, tile, concrete and stainless steel work well. When selecting countertops, Joyner suggests matching the material to the style of the house. To create a nice flow, you may even use the same material inside and out, or choose colors and styles that complement
each other.

For flooring, the overwhelmingly popular choice in the past has been flagstone. However, there are many new choices gaining favor with homeowners and contractors that will help your kitchen stand out from the norm.

Pavers, bluestone, concrete, tile and wood are just a few of the flooring options gaining a foothold in outdoor kitchens. “There are a lot of opportunities and options out there,” Rogers says. Again, it’s important to make sure that whatever type of flooring you choose, it’s properly sealed and weatherproofed.

Warmth in the workplace
There are several ways to make your outdoor kitchen a fun and inviting space that provides a completely different atmosphere from your indoor kitchen. One popular choice is the inclusion of a fire pit or fireplace. “The big thing I hear about a lot is the fireplace,” Schneiberg says. “The fireplace seemed to start the whole idea of the outdoor kitchen.” Many homeowners include a fireplace in their design not only as a heat source, but also as a focal point. Just keep in mind that these can be pricey additions, and they also require a significant amount of space.

Homeowners who are tight on money and/or space may want to opt for a fire pit instead. Like a fireplace, a fire pit provides warmth, but in a smaller circle in the ground or a raised column. Either choice will add coziness to the kitchen.

Make sure you include enough tables and chairs around the kitchen and fireplace to accommodate your family and any friends who may visit regularly. Plenty of seating will encourage people to hang out together long after a meal is finished.

Tips for success
Although it’s easy to get carried away by all the new amenities and accessories available for outdoor kitchens, make sure you plan for these extras accordingly. That means planning for them from the start. Natural gas grills, refrigerators, sinks and other appliances all require gas lines, plumbing, electricity and possibly sewer hook-ups. “Most times, outdoor utilities are not already set up and need to be installed,” Schneiberg says. “This should be done in the planning/design stage, and you should leave it to the professionals.”

Likewise, don’t wait until after the project is done to plan out your backyard. “Always budget for landscape, because you will tear up the land,” Jones says. “Not every tree has to be ripped down; they can be moved. A real landscape professional will guide you in that area. You also want to tie the work together. A landscape architect builds the box that everybody plays in.”
Planning your landscape along with your outdoor kitchen is also important to the aesthetic aspects of the design. You want a space that looks nice in your yard and where you will enjoy spending time. Consider adding a water feature or a flower garden near the kitchen to enjoy while you cook and dine.
It’s evident that outdoor kitchens are not just another passing fad. In fact, most professionals expect them to become the norm. “With almost all new homes, it will be a consideration in building,” Joyner says.

Whatever route you take to build one, an outdoor kitchen will add plenty of value and enjoyment to your home and landscape.