


If you absolutely must use wood for your BBQ island, be sure to install an insulated jacket around the wood to prevent fires-and don’t put your kitchen right up against vinyl siding, another serious fire hazard. Why would you put something that creates combustion into something that can easily catch fire?” “The whole point of the framing is to hold your grill. Instead, opt for a material like metal, brick, or stone. “We strongly advise against building a grill island with wood or other combustible materials,” Hopson says. Thinking of building a wooden island for your outdoor kitchen? Think again. One of the best outdoor kitchen designs for natural shade is a pergola or roof structure to help protect your outdoor kitchen from the sun. “Some people can’t even enjoy their kitchen at 6 p.m., because it’s 100 degrees out here,” Robbins says. Nobody wants to squint into the sun while trying to enjoy an outdoor happy hour. On a practical level, direct sunlight can also be annoying. “It’s extremely important, because outdoor refrigeration appliances shouldn’t be fully exposed to sunlight,” Hopson says. Positioning your kitchen in direct sunlightĭirect sunlight is a no-go for outdoor kitchens. “Depending on how cold your area gets, electrical components like refrigeration units may need to be winterized and stored in a garage or other enclosed structure,” Hopson says. If you live in an area with frigid, snowy winters, you need to plan the space carefully. If you’re a homeowner in a cooler climate, you won’t be able to use your outdoor kitchen all year long. Plus, read on for popular tips and tricks regarding outdoor kitchen designs. So if you’re thinking about investing in an al fresco cooking space, do your homework to avoid the following headaches-and ensure delicious results. “An outdoor kitchen can seem like an intimidating project, but you get started just like you would with any other space,” says Erin Hopson, outdoor kitchen design team manager at BBQGuys in Baton Rouge, LA.īut just as with any other kind of home improvement project, things can easily go wrong. You just have to think creatively about your space-and know your priorities. And the good news is that you don’t need a sprawling estate to accommodate one.
