Outdoor Kitchen Must-Haves For Your Tuscaloosa Home
The Alabama days are getting longer, which can only mean one thing–warmer weather is right around the corner!
Are you someone who loves to spend time outdoors? Does your ideal Friday or Saturday night involve firing up the grill to share a meal and create unforgettable memories outside with the ones you love most? If so, an outdoor kitchen should be the next project on your to-do list.
Outdoor kitchens provide the perfect space for hosting barbecues, family gatherings, and social events. And not only does it allow you to enjoy the beautiful weather while cooking and entertaining, an outdoor kitchen also adds value to your home.
Still not convinced you need one?
Check out these reasons we think you should consider an outdoor kitchen and a few features you can include in your design.
3 Reasons You Need an Outdoor Kitchen
Reason #1: Increase Functionality
An outdoor kitchen lets you take the party outside and expands your living space. Instead of running back and forth between the indoor kitchen and the outdoor living space, you can do all your cooking outside. This not only makes things more convenient, but it also allows you to spend more valuable time with your guests.
Reason #2: Add Value to Your Home
Installing an outdoor kitchen is a great way to increase the value of your home. Homebuyers are often willing to pay more for a home that has a functional and well-designed outdoor living space. So not only will you enjoy the benefits of your outdoor kitchen while you're living in your home, but you can also expect to reap the financial rewards when it's time to sell.
Reason #3: Enhance Your Lifestyle
Having an outdoor kitchen makes your outdoor living space a more functional and enjoyable place to be. Whether you're cooking a simple meal for your family or hosting a large gathering, having an outdoor kitchen will make the experience more enjoyable and memorable.
Photo Credit: NatureKast Weatherproof Cabinetry
Ready to get started?
Features You Should Consider Including in Your Outdoor Kitchen
Knowing what you want out of your new space before construction begins is essential because it can save you time, money, and frustration. The first step in the planning process is to consider all the ways you will utilize your new outdoor space. From there, you can select features and appliances that will complete your thoughtfully designed space that your family will love for years to come.
For The Outdoor Chef: A Grill, Smoker, Pizza Oven, or Flat Top
Several types of cooking appliances are good for outdoor kitchens, including built-in grills, smokers, pizza ovens, rotisseries, and outdoor burners. Each of these appliances offers unique cooking capabilities that can enhance the outdoor cooking experience. When choosing your cooking appliances, you’ll want to consider things like the size and type of cooking surface you’ll need most and the fuel source. It’s also best to choose cooking appliances that are made specifically for outdoor use. That way, you know your appliances are built to withstand the outdoor elements and exposure to extreme temperatures.
Photo Credit: NatureKast Weatherproof Cabinetry
For The Outdoor Entertainer: A Full Size Refrigerator, Beverage/Wine Refrigerator & Kegerator
An outdoor refrigerator allows you to keep food and drinks cold without running back and forth to the indoor kitchen. Like the cooking appliances, you’ll want to purchase a refrigerator specifically designed for outdoor use. If you’re a beer drinker, you may even want to consider installing an outdoor kegerator with a built-in beer tap. Or, if you’re a wine enthusiast, a wine fridge could also be a nice addition to your outdoor kitchen.
Photo Credit: NatureKast Weatherproof Cabinetry
A Sink Makes Outdoor Cooking Convenient
An outdoor sink is a must-have for any outdoor kitchen. It allows you to wash your hands, clean dishes, and prepare food without constantly running inside. When choosing a sink for your outdoor kitchen, consider options made of stainless steel or other materials that are proven to hold up well outdoors.
Photo Credit: NatureKast Weatherproof Cabinetry
Quality Countertops Made For The Outdoors Are Worth The Investment
The truth is countertops are an important feature of any outdoor kitchen. A high-quality outdoor countertop may not be cheap, but it’s well worth the investment. Before selecting countertops for your outdoor kitchen, we recommend consulting with a kitchen professional to learn which materials will hold up best. A professional will help you select a countertop material that is durable and easy to clean. They’ll also help you design countertops that accommodate the amount of workspace you need. They can also provide guidance on certain colors you may want to avoid. For example, if your countertops are installed in an area that is exposed to direct sunlight, you’ll want to avoid black or dark-colored countertops because when the sun beats down on them, they can become steaming hot to the touch. Dekton countertops are a good choice for an outdoor environment because they are made of UV-resistant materials.
Photo Credit: Consentino Dekton
Weatherproof Outdoor Kitchen Cabinetry That Looks Like Real Wood
When planning the layout of your beautiful new outdoor living space, it’s important to remember that just any ol’ cabinetry from a local big box store simply won’t do. You’ll need top-quality cabinetry that’s designed to withstand the Alabama weather, outdoor elements, and extreme temperatures year-round.
Toulmin Kitchen & Bath is proud to carry NatureKast™ outdoor cabinetry. NatureKast offers the finest in weatherproof outdoor kitchen cabinetry with the look and feel of real wood. The cabinets are comprised of 100% waterproof PVC, which is assembled using a weld-like bonding process that makes for the strongest cabinet box on the market. With NatureKast™, you can revolutionize your backyard cooking and dining experience with a cabinet layout designed around your grill, Big Green Egg, flat top, pizza oven, or griddle. Ensure your home is ready for the next backyard bash with all the bells and whistles from NatureKast, like a raised outdoor bar or custom outdoor cabinets for your television.
Photo Credit: NatureKast Weatherproof Cabinetry
Need help selecting features for your outdoor kitchen?
Why You Need A Professional To Design Your Outdoor Kitchen
Designing an outdoor kitchen can be a complex process. That’s why which it's very important that you work with a kitchen professional from start to finish. Here are a few reasons you should consider hiring a professional to help you design your new outdoor kitchen.
You Benefit From Their Expertise
A professional kitchen designer has the expertise to help you design an outdoor kitchen that is functional. They can also help you choose the right materials and appliances, as well as provide guidance on the best layout for your space.
A Kitchen Designer Can Save You Time and Money
Working with a professional can actually save you time and money in the long run. A professional kitchen designer will help you avoid costly mistakes and can help ensure your outdoor kitchen is designed efficiently.
A Kitchen Designer Knows How To Maximize Your Space
A professional will have design ideas you may not know even existed. They can help you maximize your new space by designing an outdoor kitchen layout that fits your specific needs. A kitchen designer is also qualified to make recommendations on what is possible based on plumbing and electrical configurations and building codes that must be considered when constructing any type of new space.
Ready To Make Your Backyard The Life Of The Party?
An outdoor kitchen is a must-have for anyone who loves to entertain or spend time outdoors. With the right features and design, it can add value to your home and enhance your lifestyle. Are you ready to add an outdoor kitchen or living space to your home? Our Toulmin Kitchen & Bath design team is here to walk you through all of your options. Curious how much an outdoor kitchen may cost? To get a general idea of your investment, please review our Toulmin Kitchen & Bath pricing guide.
Questions for our design team? Give us a call at (205) 579-9744, or schedule a design consultation online. We look forward to working with you!
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