An Outdoor Kitchen on a Budget? Yes, Please

An outdoor kitchen that’s as well-equipped and functional as your indoor one would be a dream-come-true. While costs may prohibit you from having all the luxuries you have indoors, you don’t have to give up on the idea altogether. You can have an awesome kitchen space outside without spending a fortune. You just need a little guidance. Let’s get into the details.

Here’s what you need to do in order to get an outdoor kitchen you’ll love.

Start With A Plan

One of the surest ways to avoid wasting money during a building project is to have a detailed plan.

Going into a project willy-nilly will make it very difficult to stick to your budget.

Talk to a contractor who can come to your home and look over your backyard space.

He’ll take the lay of the land, take measurements, and work with a designer to come up with a blueprint that’s perfectly suited to your home.

To keep your costs down, the contractor may suggest putting your outdoor kitchen near enough to your home to share plumbing and electrical wiring – if a refrigerator and sinks are in your budget.

Get Creative

Often, any kind of home remodeling project on a budget requires some out-of-the-box thinking.

When you’re creating your outdoor kitchen space, consider items you already have inside that can be repurposed outside.

For example, a movable storage cart from your inside kitchen could work outside for holding grilling tools, seasonings, paper towels, etc.

A cart or mobile island will also provide counter-space for outside meal-prep.

It could be stored in the garage and rolled to whichever kitchen space you’re using at the moment.

If you need an inexpensive option for an outdoor water source, you can purchase a garden sink that hooks up to your hose. You can find them for less than $100.

Choose A Grill

The grill is one of the most important aspects of an outdoor kitchen.

Whether you prefer charcoal or propane, it’s not too difficult to find a grill that’s both large enough to accommodate anything you want to cook AND fit into your budget.

It’s always great to have options. If you do have some wiggle room in your budget, consider an island that has a built-in grill. They’re made to withstand the elements and can be installed on a patio. You can also find them with wheels so you can rearrange whenever you want.

Think Storage

Cabinets that are specifically manufactured for outdoor use are ideal. There are several options that your contractor will be able to walk through with you in terms of price, but they generally fall into these categories.

• Stainless steel. It’s durable, resists stains and corrosion, and it goes with almost any design style. Be aware, though, that stainless steel can get very hot when it’s in direct sunlight. Keep this in mind when you’re making your plan.
• Polymer. This plastic material holds up very well, especially to moisture, and it won’t fade.
• Brick, stone, or stucco. Though you think of them as walkway or patio materials, these options actually make very durable outdoor cabinetry. Talk to your contractor because they do have to be built on-site.

Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen

Don’t give up on your desire to have an outdoor kitchen because you think you’ll never be able to afford it.

Talking to a contractor who can help you make a plan and getting creative with materials are the first steps to realizing your outdoor kitchen dream.

For help remodeling your home, contact your local experts at VKB Kitchen and Bath.