The 10 Most Common Mistakes When Building an Outdoor Kitchen

It is possible to build an outdoor kitchen from scratch, installing a construction that serves a practical purpose and boosts the aesthetic appeal.

18:31 20 April 2022

It's possible to build an outdoor kitchen from scratch, installing a construction that serves a practical purpose and boosts the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space. But many people make critical errors during the planning and execution of this significant project. The good news is that most of these mistakes can be avoided – if you know to look out for them.

 

The Most Common Mistakes When Building an Outdoor Kitchen

These are some of the most common mistakes people make when building an outdoor kitchen:

 

1. Budgeting too little. These days, outdoor kitchen kits are relatively inexpensive, so even on a tight budget, you should be able to put something functional and beautiful together in your own backyard. Even so, many homeowners end up budgeting too little. They box themselves into a corner, disallowing the best materials and ultimately compromising the value of the installation.

 

1. Budgeting too much. Conversely, it’s also common for homeowners to allocate too much money to the outdoor kitchen product. It’s true, to an extent, that you get what you pay for, but there’s also no reason to overpay. Don’t pay for features or upgrades that you aren’t going to use, and shop around to ensure you’re getting a good deal.

 

1. Installing a kitchen for the wrong reasons. There are many good reasons to install an outdoor kitchen. Maybe you want more cooking space. Or maybe you want a good excuse to have your friends over regularly. But there are also bad reasons for installing an outdoor kitchen, such as trying to outcompete your neighbors or showing it off as a status symbol.

 

1. Overestimating your available space. You may have a vision for the perfect outdoor kitchen in your head, but are you confident it can fit in the amount of space you currently have? Always take measurements before committing to anything – and double-check those measurements.

 

1. Undervaluing counter space. Everyone loves having additional counter space to work with. Given a choice between a small counter and a large one, all other variables being the same, 100 out of 100 people will choose the larger counter. But for some reason, homeowners underestimate the true value of extra counter space in an outdoor kitchen – possibly because this is an auxiliary kitchen, rather than the primary one. In any case, feel free to splurge on more counter than you think you’ll need; you’ll be glad you did.

 

1. Forgetting to add electrical outlets. Almost every outdoor kitchen will come with at least one electrical outlet. But depending on the appliances and devices you’re using, this may not be enough. Make sure you have plenty of outlets available for you and your guests.

 

1. Including too little seating. One of the best selling points of an outdoor kitchen is its conduciveness to gatherings. But if you don’t have enough seating to accommodate your guests, it’s not going to make much of an impression. Make sure there’s adequate seating, with room for expansion in the future.

 

1. Neglecting the importance of shade. Hot summers and precipitation can get in the way of having a good time – so don’t neglect the importance of shade. Be sure to provide adequate shelter for yourself and all your guests. Also note that shade can come in many forms, such as a full pavilion, a small roof, or even an umbrella.

 

1. Ignoring drainage needs. Your refrigerator, ice maker, and other appliances are going to rely on drainage to operate correctly. However, many homeowners neglect this important consideration and end up with drainage issues and appliance malfunctions as a result.

 

1. Mixing and matching. Thanks to modular outdoor kitchens and the abundance of companies manufacturing materials for outdoor kitchens, it’s possible to “mix and match” your kitchen from the ground up. This can lead to some interesting aesthetic choices, and a truly unique kitchen – but it can also make things ugly or interfere with the streamlined efficiency of the build. For the most part, it’s better to get all your materials and appliances from the same place, so everything is uniform. If you choose to deviate from this, always do your research so you can be confident about stylistic and functional compatibility.

 

Getting Started

Do you think you can avoid these mistakes and assemble the outdoor kitchen of your dreams? If so, there are a few important ways to get started. First, review local laws and HOA regulations to verify that you’re legally allowed to build an outdoor kitchen on your property. Then, measure your space and start brainstorming layout patterns. 

 

At this point, you’ll be ready to start shopping around for an outdoor kitchen kit – and potentially hiring contractors to help you put everything together.