outdoor living

With warm weather beckoning us outside, why make a meal indoors? If you want to transform your yard into another favourite spot on your property, an outdoor kitchen is a great place to start - and it doesn't have to cost a lot to be functional.

Planning Your Space
Location is the key to an outdoor kitchen that is functional and well integrated into your deck or yard.

• Consider what you want in your outdoor kitchen. It can be as simple as using your existing barbecue and adding a small counter prep area and storage unit.
• Plan the arrangement of your components. Place them against an existing wall or fence for a galley-style kitchen that takes up the least amount of space. Or use a corner to create a more expansive L-shaped space that works well if you have several cooks in the kitchen.
• Factor in the placement of your outdoor eating area - it should be close enough to the grill to work in tandem with it but not so near that smoke wafts over the dining set.
• Pick a spot close to outdoor electrical outlets and a water source.
• Make sure you have room to expand the kitchen in the future to add more counter space and storage, or perhaps a wood-burning pizza oven or smoker.

Chooseing Materials
With a little planning, it's possible to choose materials to create an outdoor kitchen without spending a fortune.

• Use materials that can stand up to sun, water and stains for counter prep area and storage. Durable solid surface Corian^®, quartz Silestone^® and stainless steel are all great options.
• If you're short on space, use storage units on castors, a serving cart, or build a counter that folds down.
• You'll need a level surface to start. Pavers are the most economical option for creating a patio space and easy to add to if you want to expand your outdoor kitchen space in the future.
• If you're planning to have a permanent grilling area, build your base with affordable brick and stone for decorative emphasis.
• Make sure your outdoor fridge and grill are easy to move so they can be stored inside during the winter.
• If you live in an area with high humidity, choose rust-resistant materials.

Safety Tips
An outdoor kitchen tends to be a high-traffic area, so it's important to follow these safety guidelines.

• Keep a first-aid kit and fire extinguisher on hand.
• Ensure the grill is located at least five feet from the house and not too close to the dining area to restrict movement between the cooking area and the rest of the yard.
• Choose a location that gets some shade so you don't have to worry about always being exposed to the elements.
• Make sure the grill isn't too close to windows and doors to avoid your house filling with smoke when you're cooking.
• To avoid attracting insects and wildlife, choose materials and appliances that are easy to clean.