Outdoor Kitchen Tips by Ianspoolsandscapes

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Ian McGregor Pools Landscaping
www.ianspoolsandscapes.com
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Outdoor Kitchen Tips Create Your Cooking Oasis
More and more people are choosing to create an
oasis in their backyard over traveling away or to
a cottage. These Staycation backyards can
include many features including a fabulous
outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens are a fast
growing trend because they not only become a
great gathering spot for family and friends but
they add incredible value to your home.
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• Things to consider when designing outdoor
  kitchens and entertaining areas
• Work with a designer so your kitchen functions
  well. Cold areas (refrigeration), hot areas
  (grills and cooktops), wet areas (sinks) and dry
  areas (prep counters and storage) must all work
  together effectively in proper proximity, each
  with enough allocated space.
• Remember that indoor and outdoor kitchens are
  simpatico. The most significant difference
  between indoor and outdoor kitchen design is
  often the exposure to the elements (shelter and
  durability considerations). Other differences
  include more difficulty in running utilities such
  as water. And there is usually no outdoor wall,
  so the outdoor kitchen equipment typically
  defines the room boundaries. Outdoor rooms bring
  a whole world of additional cooking options, like
  open-wood flame or smoking.
• Its important to consider the relationship
  between the indoor and outdoor versions of your
  kitchens and entertaining areas. How will they be
  used together when cooking or entertaining? What
  is the traffic pattern between them?

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• Select low-maintenance materials and equipment
  designed to withstand the rigors of an outdoor
  kitchen. The easier the kitchen is to clean and
  maintain, the more you will use and enjoy your
  investment. High-quality stainless steel provides
  a sanitary surface thats easily cleaned and
  corrosion-resistant. Counters and patio or
  decking material should be highly resistant to
  grease stains and able to withstand high
  temperatures.
• Complement the design of the homes architecture
  and landscape. Use compatible materials and
  incorporate subtle architectural details.
• Plan the entire outdoor entertaining space as
  part of a single functional plan. Dining areas,
  cooking areas and pool areas often coexist. Think
  of these as outdoor rooms and consider the flow
  of traffic as part of the design. Dont isolate
  the cook from the rest of the party.
• Plan for utilities. When planning layouts, keep
  in mind the best practical placement or
  installation of the necessary gas, water and
  electrical supply.

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• Extend the outdoor entertaining season with
  heaters, shade and rain shelter. Incorporate
  shade trees, pergolas and awnings in cooking and
  dining areas, but dont put a combustible ceiling
  or awning above an outdoor grill.
• Incorporate music and other entertainment so you
  dont face the design challenge of adding it
  later. Keep in mind that televisions need to
  deliver a good picture in bright sunlight.
• Provide adequate task lighting as well as ambient
  lighting to accommodate after-dark cooking and
  entertaining.
• Consider your outdoor entertaining needs. How
  many people and how often do you entertain?
• Source http//www.ianspoolsandscapes.com/outdoor-
  kitchen-tips/