When planning an outdoor kitchen, one important consideration is its location. A frequently asked question is how far should an outdoor kitchen be from the house? The answer is that the ideal distance is between 15 and 20 feet away from the kitchen in your home. There are several reasons for this, including convenience, comfort, and budget considerations.
Some benefits of having your outdoor kitchen near your indoor kitchen include the convenience of not having to carry food or other items over the grass. The best location should be easily accessible for bringing out supplies and ingredients and returning inside for additional items without the hassle of a long walk. Additionally, locating the outdoor kitchen nearby your indoor kitchen allows for easy access to the indoor appliances and other resources that can be used while cooking outside.
To make your outdoor living area comfortable, it’s important to keep seating areas where guests aren’t exposed to the intense rays of the sun’s setting. Depending on the orientation of your home and outdoor living space, you can choose the perfect spot for proper seating, maybe under the shade of an umbrella or awning. Proper lighting around the outdoor kitchen and dining area is also essential for ambiance and comfort.
Another reason to keep your outdoor kitchen close to your home is budget considerations. It’s cheaper to have utilities running a short distance away from your home than running the utilities farther away. The closer the kitchen is to your home, the less costly it will be to run electricity, gas, and water lines to your outdoor kitchen.
Overall, when deciding on the best location for your outdoor kitchen, the ideal distance is between 15 and 20 feet away from the kitchen in your home. With this distance, you can enjoy the convenience of not having to walk far for supplies, provide a comfortable space for guests, and save money in the long run by keeping utilities close to home.
Finding the Right Spot for Your Outdoor Kitchen
If you love spending time outdoors and hosting guests, an outdoor kitchen may be the perfect addition to your backyard. However, before you start building, it’s essential to choose the right spot for your outdoor kitchen. Finding the right spot can significantly impact how much you enjoy your outdoor kitchen.
Benefits of Having an Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen comes with numerous benefits, including convenience, entertainment, and increased home value. With an outdoor kitchen, you can cook and serve meals without having to run back and forth to the indoor kitchen. Additionally, it provides a perfect opportunity for socializing and entertaining guests. Outdoor kitchens have also become a popular feature in real estate property listings, making your home more attractive to potential buyers.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Location
Choosing the right location for your outdoor kitchen is crucial. There are several factors that you need to consider before settling on a final spot. Here are some of the critical factors to explore:
Accessibility
Consider the distance between your indoor kitchen and your outdoor kitchen. You want to ensure that it is easy to transport food and other items from the indoor kitchen to the outdoor kitchen without much hassle.
Privacy
You don’t want your neighbors staring at you or your guests while you’re cooking. Choose a spot that offers some privacy.
Shade
An outdoor kitchen located in direct sunlight is neither practical nor comfortable. Consider a spot that provides some form of shade.
Wind
Choose a spot that’s sheltered from strong winds. Cooking in a windy area can be challenging and dangerous.
Ideal Distance for Your Outdoor Kitchen
When it comes to the ideal distance between your outdoor kitchen and your home kitchen, experts suggest keeping the distance between 15 and 20 feet. This distance is close enough for convenience and far enough to maintain privacy and reduce noise.
Importance of Staying Cool in Your Outdoor Kitchen
Staying cool in your outdoor kitchen is essential, especially during hot summer days. Consider putting seats where guests aren’t exposed to the intense rays of the sun’s setting. You may also want to consider adding a canopy or pergola for shade. It’s crucial to keep your guests comfortable and safe from the sun.
Budget-Friendly Tips for Your Outdoor Kitchen
Building an outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to break the bank. Consider the following budget-friendly tips:
- Use affordable materials such as concrete for your countertops instead of more expensive options such as granite or marble.
- Repurpose old furniture such as an old dining table or bar to save on the cost of purchasing new furniture for your outdoor kitchen.
- Consider purchasing a prefabricated grill island instead of building one from scratch to save on labor costs.
Running Utilities: Close to Home or Farther Away?
Running utilities to your outdoor kitchen may add to the overall cost of building it. If you’re on a tight budget, installing utilities such as water, gas, and electricity, closer to your home may be more cost-effective. However, if convenience is a top priority, you may want to consider installing utilities farther away from your home to make your outdoor kitchen easier to use.
In conclusion, finding the right spot for your outdoor kitchen may take time and effort, but it’s worth it in the end. By considering factors such as accessibility, privacy, shade, wind, and distance from your home kitchen, you can create an outdoor kitchen that is both functional and enjoyable. Remember to stay cool, consider budget-friendly options, and decide on the best location for your utilities. With these tips, you can create an outdoor kitchen that you and your guests will love.
