Outdoor Living in North Texas.
Outdoor living is important to Texans, but our climate is not always cooperative. We usually have a little ice in the winter and heat advisories in the summer. We are, however, blessed with some beautiful days in between. 80 degree days in the winter and summer are possible and we can use that outdoor grill throughout the year if we are lucky. So plan accordingly and you won't always have to winterized your outdoor kitchen. Except for plumbing in the winter of course.
Is it worth spending the money on an outdoor kitchen if you can only use it when the weather is nice? Maybe so. People spend a lot of money on vacations, outdoor sports and other activities that they can only enjoy when the weather is nice too. A nice mountain bike these days can cost $3000-6000 or more and that boat or RV, even though you love them, sit idle most of the year. I guess that is why people use the term staycation is so popular.
Beat the Heat With a Covered Patio and Circulation
If you are from North Texas, you know it gets hot in the summer. Outdoor kitchens are nice, but much nicer when the weather cooperates. But what about the times that it doesn't. If you spend a lot on outdoor living, you need to make sure that you will be able to enjoy your space year round.
Awnings, pergolas, and covered patios allow you to beat the heat and protect your outdoor kitchen from the elements. Just make sure that you have adequate ventilation and follow all guidelines required by the manufacturer of any outdoor appliances you may use. Appliances such as outdoor grills, cooktops, griddles, and refrigerators all require specific environments and you should always check with the manufacturer.
Adding outdoor fans to a covered patio will help to get some of that air circulating. Not much help in 100 degree weather, but better than standing in the hot sun with no cool breeze to cool you off. Again, you will need to make sure that you follow manufacturer's requirements to ventilate your grill, griddle, etc.
Options Available for Outdoor Kitchens
The most popular option for outdoor kitchen has been to build a frame out of either wood or metal and to add brick or stone around it. But there are other options such as stainless steel cabinetry as well as cabinets made of PVC.
Frame and stone options require some sort of weatherproof door and drawer inserts, normally made of stainless steel. They can be made to look like a part of the exterior of the home and are usually the least expensive option. They are durable and look good from the outside, but the storage options are usually limited. Some contractors do not finish out the inside cavity of the storage space which may not work for some people.
Stainless steel cabinetry can include the frame and door/drawer inserts or a complete cabinet box and frame. A solid box and faceframe can be an impressive looking option, but also a bit pricey. You can also add stone or brick to the sides and back to make it look like a part of the home, but when you open the doors, you see something more similar to the kitchen cabinets in your home. This is a weather-resistant option that can over a really attractive look.
Cabinets constructed of PVC can be molded to look like various wood species and finished all around like your indoor kitchen cabinets. You can have many of the storage and function options you have in your indoor kitchen outside. Some manufacturers warranty their cabinets in any weather, covered or uncovered. If you plan on using your outdoor kitchen more often or just like the unique look, this is an excellent option that comes in less than stainless steel in most cases.
You Decide.
Here at By Design Kitchen and Bath Solutions, we can help you get the look and functionality you are looking for using any option you decide on. Either by refering you to someone who can fit your needs or by assisting you throughout the process. Out kitchen and bath designers are great at designing kitchens and stainless steel or PVC cabinetry is not much different outside than inside.
But ultimately, it is up to you whether you should spend the money on an outdoor kitchen or to make do with what you have and save the money for something else. If you decide to spend the money, make sure your outdoor kitchen is designed in a way that suits your needs year round. Choose the cabinetry option that works best for you and use natural stone materials like granite or quartzite for your countertops to avoid fading or discoloration. Textured options for your countertop are better suited for outdoor use and don't forget to seal your countertop as your countertop installer suggests.
Javier @ By Design Kitchen and Bath Solutions, Inc.
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