An outdoor kitchen gives you the perfect excuse to spend more time outside entertaining, hanging out with the family, and just enjoying a little peace and quiet. Best of all, you can design and install your own hardscape kitchen, complete with all the amenities of an indoor one. Lakeview Garden Center & Landscaping of Fairfield, OH, offers some great tips for you as you plan your outdoor kitchen.

Hardscapes: 5 Factors to Consider When Designing Your Outdoor Kitchen

1. Location

As you start planning your hardscape, examine your backyard. Whether you’re cooking for a group or for two, you’ll be hauling a lot of supplies and food from your indoor kitchen to the outdoor one. Also, if you have a child’s play area, you’ll want to keep them far away from sizzling grills and ovens. Optimize convenience and safety by locating the kitchen near your home’s back door and away from the kiddos.

2. Layout

When it comes to your kitchen’s layout, plan carefully. Treat it like an indoor kitchen by spacing the major work stations like the oven, sink, and fridge near each other but not too close. The optimal space between the stations is 4 to 9 feet apart. Imagine cooking specific dishes in your kitchen, and experiment with different designs.

3. Appliances

Next, select your appliances. Unless you do a lot of large-group entertaining, you probably won’t need a full-size refrigerator. Consider purchasing appliances that are small, sturdy, and efficient. They’ll be exposed to the elements, so try to situate them so they’ll be as sheltered as possible. And don’t forget utilities. You’ll need to plan for electricity, plumbing, and gas outlets before you get started.

4. Entertainment

While you’ll need workspace lighting, you can also add that perfect party ambiance with under-cabinet or recessed lighting in the flooring. Consider installing an entertainment system as well, with speakers for music and a TV for movie nights.

5. Covering

Don’t forget to shelter the area from sun and rain with a beautiful covering of your choice. The options here are endless, but consider going with a design that matches or complements your home. Make your yard your own and show off your great design skills.

Turn your backyard into the perfect entertaining venue this summer with a gorgeous outdoor kitchen. Lakeview Garden Center & Landscaping has the experience and the ratings to help you create a beautiful hardscape, landscape, and more! Contact them today at (513) 829-6624 to set up a consultation appointment, and visit their website for more great ideas.