If you plan on utilizing your outdoor kitchen this summer, it’s a smart idea to get your setup in working shape ahead of time so that you can spend more time grilling and less time worrying. From organizing adjacent seating areas to making sure flooring is ready for the season, getting everything sorted is easy with a plan of action.
Organize Outdoor Seating
Any good outdoor kitchen keeps a seating area close to the action. Think of this place as an “in between” that bridges the gap of a formal dining spread and the kitchen itself. Whether it be a bar area that corresponds with a kitchen island or a lounge area that allows you to stay plugged into the party even as you prepare away in the kitchen, choose pieces that complement your outdoor space.
Dine on a Dash
Having a dining area in close proximity to your outdoor kitchen is an easy way to utilize both areas for the natural flow of your patio. While grand furniture pieces with outdoor upholstery may be tempting, the practicality of lightweight wooden furniture offers a more nuanced level of comfort while dining.
Pro Tip: As unexpected summer weather would have it, keeping an outdoor custom tarp handy is the only sure fire way to protect what’s important in a pinch.
Decisions, Decisions
Even though plastic furniture is the most readily available option among retailers, you might consider opting for durable and weather-resistant materials like cast aluminum, wrought aluminum, stainless steel, wicker, and wrought iron instead. Furniture made of seagrass, teak, and rattan are equally suitable for maintaining a consistent design motif in your outdoor kitchen.
Shade for Days
Although you enjoy spending quality time in your backyard right now, the heat only becomes more intense as the summer treks on. Severe summer rays make a contingency plan necessary when they become too hot to bear. When prepping your outdoor area for the summer season, include adequate shading, whether it be a customized patio shade or umbrellas positioned in different areas.
Pergola Perfection
Consider installing a pergola over your kitchen area to help you prepare in peace. You might even consider constructing a sun shade sail over your patio with a custom tarp to keep your guests cool and comfortable at the same time.
Pro Tip: Think of ways to add shade with innovative landscaping techniques. Seasonal shrubs and trees provide a fabulous safe haven on sunny summer days.
Check Kitchen Appliances
Getting ready for the summer grilling season starts with assessing the condition of the appliances in your outdoor kitchen. As the centerpiece, it’s crucial to confirm your grill is in working order before firing it up. A grill covers your basics in the cooking domain, allowing you to sear, sautee, and stir fry to great finesse in front of party guests.
A fridge or deep freezer is another crucial element of an outdoor kitchen. A good outdoor fridge allows you to store ingredients and supplies accessible for optimal freshness. Consider different ingredients you’ll need for a party and store them in your outdoor fridge within arm’s reach.
Stock Up on the Essentials
When you have food stocked in your fridge or deep freezer, it’s crucial to keep both the basics and a couple of favorites handy for use at a moment’s notice. From burgers and chops to chicken and steaks, the right inventory is of the utmost importance in preparing your setup.
Floor Favor
The summer season demands that your flooring is sealed and safe. Your flooring materials should be slip-resistant and sealed to prevent staining from spills. A beautifully-designed floor helps your patio kitchen stand out and improves the overall appearance of your outdoor dining area.
Safety First
Selecting suitable flooring material is essential for safety. A floor that becomes slippery when wet isn’t reliable when hosting an outdoor summer party, so it’s best to avoid porous or glazed tiles in your outdoor kitchen. Bricks, natural stones, or ceramic tiles are your best bet for flooring in your outdoor kitchen.
Set the Mood with Lighting
Proper lighting is vital in any kitchen but of key importance in an outdoor kitchen. Preparing your meals in a well-lit kitchen saves you the dangers of dealing with hot ovens and sharp knives in the dark. You can; however, combine functional lighting with garden lights to set the mood for a relaxing evening ambiance.
Invest in a multipurpose ceiling light and fan. It does well both in helping lower the temperature during hot summer afternoons while also providing an ample amount of light come evening. Your fan can be protected with multipurpose custom covers to ensure reliability all season long.
Pro Tip: Remove your outdoor TV cover and open your favorite music streaming app. Most offer a visualizer with ambient colors that can brighten the spirit of any evening get together.
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