The pandemic has had a massive impact on how we socialise. If the past year has taught us anything, it’s the value of having attractive, comfortable outdoor spaces. This, plus a huge shift towards outdoor socialising, means that many of us have made the decision to invest in our gardens.

Outdoor kitchens are fast becoming very popular in stylish modern homes, as people look to bring the indoors outside and create a beautiful space for al fresco cooking and entertaining. We’ve put together a guide, along with the materials required, to help you build your own garden kitchen.  

Why build an outdoor kitchen?

Gone are the days of wheeling out the barbeque on a sunny day. Now, it’s all about making the most of your garden with a fully functional kitchen space that’s perfect for hosting outdoor dinner parties. 

An outdoor kitchen will usually be fully equipped with everything you need to cook delicious al fresco feasts. Imagine everything you’d expect in your regular kitchen – storage cabinets, worktops, a sink, hob and even a bar area – with the addition of a fabulous grill, pizza oven or even your own smoker. 

The possibilities are almost limitless, which is why our guide has been designed to include some of the main factors you need to consider before you start work on your new outdoor space. 

Important features to include in your outdoor kitchen

To create an attractive and practical space that brings you many years of enjoyment, there are a few important things to consider. We’ve listed the main ones below: 

Weather protection

Shelter is going to be an important consideration when designing an outdoor kitchen. You could build a fully fixed structure or opt for a metal pergola with a louvred roof. If you go down the route of building your own structure, we have all the building materials you’ll need, from bricks and blocks for the walls to high-quality roofing materials and timber structures to ensure your space stays protected from the elements. 

Flooring

As with any indoor food preparation area, picking the right flooring for your outdoor kitchen is crucial to ensuring your space remains safe and practical. We supply a wide range of patio and decking materials, including everything you’ll need to properly maintain your outdoor flooring. 

When picking materials for the rest of the kitchen (including worktops and cabinetry), you’ll want to select options that are durable enough to withstand the temperamental British climate. Concrete, brick, stone and even treated woods can make great, hardy choices for an outdoor kitchen that will stay looking fantastic for many years to come. 

Aesthetic touches

Perhaps the most fun part of building an outdoor kitchen is getting to put your own personal stamp on it with the design and colour options. We supply a vast array of paints and stains that are suitable for stone, brick and woodwork. With a great range of colours available, you’ll be able to design an outdoor kitchen that reflects your personal style and complements the rest of your home.

Mod cons

There are many different appliances you could include in your outdoor kitchen, so it’s important to think about the types of meals you picture yourself cooking. Other useful additions include a fridge, sink, and storage for cushions, throws and even a set of outdoor plates and glasses. If you plan to add lighting and heaters, you’ll need to factor in electrical wiring and consider connecting your appliances to the mains gas supply. 

Discover our extensive range of building materials

We have all the materials you need to build a stylish, safe and practical outdoor kitchen. For help and advice on getting started, or to explore our product range, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our knowledgeable team today on 01425 610 566.