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Start Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen Today

Even though we know spring will eventually be here, the winter months can feel even longer, especially if you are an outdoor person. Why not take advantage of this time to plan your dream outdoor kitchen and living space? At IBD Outdoor Rooms, we specialize in creating and designing outdoor kitchens that can suit every need and fit every budget. To help you get started with your outdoor kitchen plans, we wanted to share with you some planning tips from HGTV that can organize your desires.

Question Yourself

During your first stages of planning your outdoor living space, think about what you want and need from your outdoor kitchen. Ask yourself the following questions:

• How often will I cook outside?
• What are my grill options? Propane, natural gas, or charcoal?
• What foods do I want to cook outside?
• What do I want to store in my outdoor kitchen? Grilling tools, plates, entertainment equipment?
• Do I want my outdoor kitchen to include a dining and entertainment area?
• Would I like to be able to wash my hands and/or dishes outside?
• Will I need a space for a refrigerator?
• Do I want my outdoor kitchen to be close to the house or a separate space?

Decide Where the Outdoor Kitchen Will Be Located

Many of our customers at IBD Outdoor Rooms choose to place their new outdoor kitchen adjacent to their homes. Your house provides a natural shelter as the walls of your house protect your appliances from the sun and wind. It is also very simple to extend a roof overhang to protect your outdoor kitchen from rain and snow. If you are on a strict budget, it is much less expensive to run utility lines from your home to your outdoor kitchen. However, you may want to place your outdoor kitchen further away from your house, especially if you are considering building a fully-equipped kitchen. No matter where you decide to build your new outdoor living space, you should be sure to check your local building codes to see what exactly you can and cannot do. Our staff at IBD Outdoor Rooms can help you with these details.

Maximize Your Outdoor Kitchen Layout

Now that you have decided on its location, you can begin to plan exactly how you want your outdoor kitchen to look. Similar to indoor kitchen layouts, your outdoor kitchen configuration will depend on its site, how much space you have, your cooking style, and your budget. While you can choose a straight line kitchen built up against a wall or a U-shaped layout that mimics an indoor kitchen, IBD Outdoor Rooms specializes in installing outdoor kitchen islands. A natural entertaining focal point, an outdoor kitchen island combines all of your cooking appliances into one area. We can customize an island to suit your specific needs. We can also assist you with choosing your cabinets, countertops, and flooring. And, you can leave all of the utility planning and design to us.

Ready to start planning your dream outdoor kitchen? Click here to contact IBD Outdoor Rooms to consult with our staff concerning your plans.

The Functional Versatility of Outdoor Kitchen Islands

If you have an outdoor kitchen or are considering adding one to your backyard, installing an island creates more storage space and more room for food preparation. At IBD Outdoor Rooms, we specialize in creating your perfect outdoor kitchen, and we feel an island is an essential part of this space. We have six different designs for outdoor kitchen islands that can be modified to your specific needs and wishes. Kitchen islands provide you with so much needed versatility, and being able to select exactly what features and design you want makes this aspect even greater. We would like to share with you a few of the benefits of outdoor kitchen islands so that you can see why we feel they are so important.

Storage Space

Everyone needs more storage space in the kitchen, especially an outdoor kitchen that is not equipped with as many cabinets. An island gives you extra storage space for your grilling tools, plates, glasses, silverware, snacks, and more. Not having to bring all of the necessary cooking and dining utensils outside every time you use your outdoor kitchen makes entertaining on your patio much easier. We know you will be so thankful for the extra storage room your outdoor kitchen island provides.

Buffet Serving Area

Outdoor kitchens generally do not have a lot of counter space, which can be challenging when you need to set up a buffet serving station. An island allows you to have the perfect spot for arranging food for a party or gathering. You will not have to take up valuable dining space to set up your buffet on a table. Nor will you have to make your guests go inside to get food placed on your indoor kitchen counters. Your outdoor kitchen island is the ideal and convenient place to set up a buffet for your family and friends.

Security

Some of our clients at IBD Outdoor Rooms choose to create a top-quality outdoor kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances. We can enclose your grill and refrigerator to keep it safe from weather conditions and possible thieves. Strong winds can cause your grill to topple over, which could damage that expensive appliance. eHow Home recommends your appliances be surrounded by a sturdy brick, stone, or wood island to protect them from the elements. Additionally, enclosing your grill and refrigerator makes it impossible for anyone to even attempt to steal them.

Decor

Not only are outdoor kitchen islands functional and versatile, but they also add an attractive addition to your patio and outdoor kitchen area. IBD Outdoor Rooms can customize and build your outdoor island to your exact specifications and decor tastes. We carry six basic designs, the Santa Fe Straight, the Versailles V Shape, the Lexington L Shape, the Trenton Tri Shape, the Ultimate U Shape, and the Custom Concord and Serpentine Curved. We can use whatever material you wish — brick, stone, or wood — to accent and coordinate with the rest of your outdoor kitchen.

If you are wanting to add an island to your outdoor kitchen, contact IBD Outdoor Rooms today. We can also design and construct an entire outdoor kitchen to best suit your needs.