Susan Schlenger

Outdoor Kitchen Island - Ideas and Tips To Consider



Posted: Friday, March 21, 2008

by
Susan Schlenger Landscape Design

An outdoor kitchen island might just be for you, particularly if you enjoy grilling and entertaining outside. More and more people are enjoying being outside and entertaining. In addition, an entire outdoor living room can be part of the design. Outdoor kitchen appliances, kitchen island types and styles, and surface materials all come into play in the decision making.

However, where to start can be confusing. The outdoor kitchen island can be made up of many different parts. The grill might be thought about first, but there are so many other considerations. Rotisseries, side-burners, refrigerators, sinks, smoke trays, trash bins and food warmers are just a few. Consider the amount of people you will be cooking for or entertaining and how elaborate you actually want the area to be. They can be designed from very simple to extremely complex.

Kitchen units can be purchased as a modular unit, where choices are made simple, or modular units are available options to completely customize. Islands can also be custom built with your choice of any materials that are suitable. Some materials to think about are stucco, stone, travertine tile and porcelain tile for the outside of the island. Counter tops can be made of granite slabs or various other types of stone. Tile is another material that can be used.

Perhaps you would like the entire area to be a cozy outdoor living room where you can also just relax? Fire its and fireplaces can add great ambiance. Both can be ordered as free-standing units or they can be custom built. There are those that use natural gas or propane, while others are strictly wood burning.  You can also add sofas, comfortable chairs and rugs to the outdoor space. Just make sure the materials are somewhat weather resistant. A pergola can be part of the design, either over the cooking area or covering the entire outdoor living space. Once again, these can be custom built. However, with the popularity of outdoor spaces, there are various modular kitchen units that actually have pergolas as an add-on option.

And what about an outdoor television? Today they are made to withstand all kinds of temperatures, are glare-free, and can be satellite ready.

Wonderful outdoor kitchens can be had. You can keep it simple by starting with modular units if you like. If you find they are too limiting, consider some of the other options.

Susan Schlenger is a Landscape Designer with a degree in Landscape Architecture. To read more about this subject, visit  Outdoor Kitchen Island. You might also enjoy reading more about the Outdoor Pergola.

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