An Outdoor Kitchen That Will Make Your Neighbors Jealous

Benefits of Outdoor Kitchens

If you love entertaining and family gatherings, you’ll love having an outdoor kitchen. It will expand your home’s usable space and allow you to spend time outdoors throughout the entire year.

Your kitchen will have to be well-built and durable in order to withstand the harsh northern New Jersey weather. Installing an outdoor kitchen in Bergen County is not something a homeowner can generally do by themselves. You will need the help of great landscape design and build company, like Borst Landscape & Design. With years of experience in the industry, you are sure to get a great outdoor kitchen that will stand the test of time.

State-of-the-art Appliances for your Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchens offer state-of-the-art appliances and luxury amenities that can be far superior to many indoor kitchens. If you want an outdoor kitchen for your northern NJ home that will make your neighbors jealous, take a look at some of the amazing kitchen equipment that’s available.

Cooking is the main focus for outdoor kitchens and today’s outdoor kitchens feature some of the best quality grills and cook-tops on the market. The grill is the centerpiece of an outdoor kitchen where most of the cooking is done. Professional-grade stainless steel grills come in sizes from 30” to 54” wide. They include various luxury features and optional amenities.

Other outdoor kitchen considerations include:

• Storage Space – Counter space and drawer space are two things that should be plentiful. You want to keep some things hidden away for the most part until they are needed.
• Refrigeration – A nice refrigerator makes your cooking area a lot more functional. It keeps you from making extra trips back and forth to your indoor kitchen.
• Sink – You will need to prepare your food in the same way as if you were cooking inside. So a sink is an indispensable item in outdoor kitchens.
• Lighting – Since you may be entertaining at night you want good lighting for safety and security reasons. Proper lighting can also set the mood and enhance any setting.

The materials you select for your outdoor kitchen should be easy to clean and maintain in typical northern NJ weather. Choose materials with finishes and colors that complement the architectural style of your home. If you have existing materials like brick, stone, or wood on the exterior of your house, you can repeat them on your outdoor kitchen.

• Framework – There are various methods and materials available to construct an outdoor kitchen. Masonry, stacked stone, and interlocking block are some of the preferred ways. The sides of the kitchen can be veneered with a variety of natural and cultured stones, brick, or stucco, providing you many options that are complementary to your home.
• Countertops – Countertops are usually constructed with granite, marble, concrete, or tile. Be sure the materials you select will stand up to the elements and resist staining.

Costs to make your Outdoor Kitchen a Reality

Outdoor kitchen construction costs can range from $5,000 to more than $25,000 depending on the design and equipment you include. There’s a variety of manufacturers for outdoor kitchen equipment and prices vary by make, model, and size. Your outdoor kitchen costs will be determined by your selections, so decide what you want and need, then compare makes, models, features, and prices from your favorite manufacturers.

In selecting a contractor, here are some important things to remember.

• Review each quote carefully – Make sure you understand the scope of the work.
• Beware of “lowball” quotes. If you get a quote that’s a lot lower than the others, be suspicious. Some outdoor kitchen contractors may try and cut corners because they need the work.
• Discuss payment procedures – Make sure you’re clear on the payment requirements for your new kitchen. Go over the required deposit, payment schedule, and final payment. Before you sign a contract, understand the payment terms. If the payment terms don’t work well for you, ask for flexibility.

In addition to costs, discuss water access, electrical supply, and necessary permits with your contractor. Refrigeration equipment for outdoor kitchen construction requires electrical power from the main circuit to operate. A water line is necessary for ice makers, sinks, and dishwashers. Wine chillers and keg tappers must be kept cold at all times for proper operation. To comply with code regulations for electrical wiring, outlets, and water lines, utility hookups must be installed by a licensed professional contractor. In addition, outdoor kitchens with gas appliances require a gas line that must be trenched and connected to the main gas connection at your house. Installation must meet code regulations in your Bergen County area and must be done by a licensed professional contractor. Contact Borst Landscape and Design today for a detailed professional estimate.