Our Company Blog

Learn About Different Kitchen Islands

You may think the options are fairly limited for kitchen islands. After all, outdoor fire pits only come in few sizes and options – not at IBD Outdoor Rooms! There is flexibility when shopping our kitchen islands collection. We take into consideration that every home, family, and dream space is different. We also make certain the measurements and design are perfectly suited for your space before the order is placed. We want to prevent delays, and we want you to have your finished space as soon as possible.

Our six basic kitchen island designs provide plenty of options for the average homeowner to build an outstanding outdoor dream space. Check out our designs online, and then call a representative to get started!

• Santa Fe Straight Design – A straight forward counter and island design that has two standard cutouts. It can be as short or as long as you’d like, and it can include as many cutouts as requested – dining ledges, electrical boxes, cabinet liners, caveats, and back splashes.
• Versailles V-Shape Design –This is perfect for a small space and can fit into a corner. It has two standard cutouts and two available versions. One version has corners that extend to the edge, and the other version turns back toward the unit. These islands can be paired nicely with a back splash, cabinet liners, electrical boxes, and more.
• Lexington L-Shape Design – This L-angled design is also available in other angles including 30, 45, or 60-degree angles. The unit is measured according to the dimensions of the cooking space, and options include: as many cutouts as requested, dining ledges, electrical boxes, cabinet liners, caveats, and back splashes.
• Trenton Tri-Shape Design – This popular design includes six standard cutouts include all options and accessories if wanted. The angle can vary,with 30-45-degree angles being the most popular. This design is especially nice for more than one grilling space.
• Ultimate U-Shape Design – This is our best seller! With this large-format island, it can include all options and accessories available, along with six cutouts are standard with ample counter space.
• Concord & Serpentine Curved Design – These designs are custom-built, and perfect for ceramic grills, dining, and beverage stations. This design has an unlimited variety of finished sizes and is priced with a custom quote after consulting with the client.

Call IBD Outdoor Rooms at 704-960-4530 and get started planning your dream outdoor kitchen island today! Do you want your dream space before all of the summer fun begin? Then you should get started right now!

Pros and Cons of an Outdoor Kitchen

When you start thinking of spring cleaning and warm weather, you often think of improvements you’d like to make. If an outdoor kitchen is on your list, you should make sure it’s an investment you want to make. If you decide to build an outdoor kitchen you want to start planning now, so that you can use it when warm weather hits.

The Cons

• PRICE: Any investment in your property is going to cost money. Since you need specific appliances, cabinetry, and seating made of
  durable outdoor materials, you will have to pay for those. Furniture, flooring, and a heat source like a fireplace or fire pit is also a necessity for an outdoor space. Depending on your location and climate, you may decide to construct a room with walls and even a roof. All of these things cost money.
• WEATHER: Depending on where you live, you may have long periods of time when you are unable to enjoy your outdoor kitchen due to weather. You will also need to weatherize your outdoor kitchen if you don’t plan to use it through winter. If you don’t have a roof on your outdoor space you are also limited to using it only on days of nice weather.
• ACCESSIBLE TO THIEVES AND CRITTERS: If you have expensive appliances outside, then other people can tamper with, damage, or steal your property. This doesn’t always have to be on purpose. A neighbor can light a harmless fire in your outdoor fireplace that results in an accidental burn, leaving you with an insurance claim! An outdoor kitchen can also be damaged by animals seeking a warm, dry shelter for the night—or the season. It’s important to adequately prepare your outdoor kitchen to prevent such visitors.

The Pros

• INCREASING PROPERTY VALUE: If you’re looking to sell or refinance, an outdoor kitchen can do the trick, pushing your property value over the threshold you’re striving for. For the money you spend on the outdoor space, you will get back that and more if you sell in the future. A beautiful outdoor space also increases curb appeal.
• ENTERTAINING: If you’re a socialite, you might value this factor more than others. An outdoor kitchen means you can entertain any amount of people comfortable. You don’t have to worry about crowding your friends into your house.
• COOKING MESSES STAY OUTDOORS: Not only can you do all of your entertaining in your outdoor space (weather permitting), but you benefit from having a separate cooking area that doesn’t leave your own kitchen a mess after a big gathering. You can even install a composting system as part of your outdoor kitchen to help with your cleanup and benefit the environment.
• ODORS AND SMOKE STAY OUTSIDE: Having a fish fry doesn’t mean your house has to smell like fish. Cooking for a large group doesn’t mean your kitchen fills with smoke. These things stay outside when you have an outdoor kitchen to use!
• HEAT STAYS OUTSIDE: Not only does the heat from cooking stay outside when you have an outdoor kitchen, but you can also enjoy cool spring and fall evenings—even winter—when you have an outdoor space with a fire pit.

Your outdoor kitchen won’t affect your home’s interior in the least, which is the best perk of all. You shouldn’t dwell on the cost or the upkeep of your outdoor kitchen, because it benefits everyone. Built well, an outdoor kitchen will withstand the test of time, and be useful for many years.

Safety around the Fire Pit

A fire pit is an excellent addition to your outdoors. Just make sure you know the basics in fire pit safety so that there won’t be any accidents.

Fire pits have become increasingly popular in recent years—they’re the #1 requested backyard design feature according to the American Society of Landscape Architects—and the trend shows no signs of losing steam. The warmth and joy that radiates from the open fire can make parties, intimate gatherings, and simple marshmallow roasts the most sought-after and enjoyable activities of the spring, summer, and autumn months. However, fire pits are wrought with dangers, and to ensure everyone’s safety, there are important safety tips every fire pit owner should know.

Fire Pit Basics

As with any situation involving fire, there are many safety measures homeowners can take to ensure that you and yours remain safe. The following safety protocols are a good jumping off point:

• Always keep a fire extinguisher handy.
• Keep a first aid kit on hand for any accidental burns.
• Don’t light a fire in windy conditions. One stray spark can cause a large fire in no time.
• Don’t light a fire if a fire warning has been issued in your area.
• Don’t allow children to light or play near the fire. Closely supervise children at all times around your fire pit.
• Always use seasoned wood and kindling to light your fire. Avoid using soft woods (e.g., pine or cedar) because they can pop and throw sparks. Do NOT use accelerants (e.g., gasoline, lighter fluid, or alcohol) or trash to light a fire.
• Put out the fire completely before leaving the pit unattended or before going inside for the evening. Even the smallest fire can become a large fire quickly; as such, embers should be completely extinguished.
• Safely dispose of all ashes.

Fire Pit Positioning

You should set up your fire pit in an area that is well away (at least 10 feet) from adjacent walls or building overhangs. You’ll also want to make sure the area is free of combustible materials and on a noncombustible surface. Move all outdoor furniture at least 3 feet away from the fire pit as well. Keep an eye out for low-hanging branches and drooping power lines overhead, and place the pit well clear of them.

Fire pits are very popular, but you need to keep fire pit safety in mind when using one. The tips listed in this blog will help you get the most out of your enjoyable outdoor addition and reduce the likelihood of injury and/or damage to your property. The professionals at IBD Outdoor Rooms are ever ready to meet and exceed your expectations. Give us a call (704-960-4530) or contact us via our website to see how we can assist you with all of your outdoor living projects.