Having an outdoor kitchen and bar is ideal for any homeowner; it improves the living experience and greatly enhances gatherings with friends and family. The outdoors just gives a level of experience that cannot be matched by any indoor gathering. You have the bright sun shining on your face to heighten the energy and mood, or the serenity of the night to accompany your leisure time. Just imagine having a refreshing drink from your bar on a hot summer’s day, coupled by a delicious barbeque under the starlight of the evening with your friends at your home. But of course, to make such a setup possible, you must carefully plan what you want to see in your outdoor kitchen and bar.
An outdoor kitchen bar is unlike your indoor kitchen since they are exposed to extreme temperatures, outside moisture, and uneven weather patterns. Choosing the right features for your outdoor kitchen and bar can not only make it functional but also aesthetic.
Patio Cover: Since you will be hosting guests outside your home, it’s important to have proper shade to ensure that they will remain comfortable. You don’t want your friends being exposed to the scorching temperatures of the Australian sun, nor would you want them getting wet from the rain. Furthermore, it’s also a sanitary concern; without proper shading, food can become spoiled quickly or be contaminated by elements from the air.
Sufficient Storage: To avoid having to make several trips indoors just to get ingredients, having ample cabinets and closets would be a good addition to your bar and kitchen. Make sure, however, that these cabinets are made of materials that are durable enough to resist moisture and the weather since they will be situated outside. Plus, if you’re going for wooden cabinets, be wary of pests that could potentially damage them.
Counter Space: when it comes to food preparation and serving drinks, having enough space is pivotal. You should invest in materials like stainless steel, granite, and concrete to ensure that your counters can withstand the outdoor elements. Getting wooden ones is also good to maintain aesthetic appeal, but as previously mentioned, just be wary of the threat of pests and moisture.
Dining Area: Since you’ll be using your outdoor kitchen and bar to host parties or small gatherings, you should be giving a welcoming atmosphere to your outdoor dining area. Make sure not to sacrifice comfort and functionality in favour of weather resistance and durability. You can opt for both since there is furniture available that is made of materials that can be both resistant to the outside and aesthetically appealing.
Fire Pit: While not an essential feature to include, it could be mentioned that it can add to the comfy and welcoming aura of any gathering in your outdoor kitchen and bar, so it’s also worth considering. Plus, you and your friends can cook some delicious smores as an added dessert for the night.
