Cooking for loved ones and making lasting family memories is one of life's greatest joys. An outdoor kitchen creates a sense of delight and ambiance that only nature can provide, making it the ideal place to gather family and friends. 

Custom-built outdoor kitchens perform similarly to interior kitchens, allowing you to entertain guests while still preparing meals. At Outdoor Makeover and Living Spaces, we are known for providing you with the best outdoor kitchen installation services in Atlanta. Our team of expert outdoor kitchen installers strives to exceed your expectations by incorporating you into a turnkey process that allows us to match your bespoke needs best. A bespoke outdoor kitchen, designed with all of the comforts of an interior kitchen, has several options to consider, and we can assist you in customizing yours.

However, it is a significant financial commitment, so you want to install one that will last as long as possible. This is where a primary concern appears: “Type of Material.” Yes, you may be wondering which materials are best for outdoor kitchens.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key considerations you should make when choosing the best materials for your outdoor kitchen.

Outdoor Kitchen Frame Materials: 

Metal Frames: Metal frames are the most popular option. Frequently, this is due to availability. Most firms provide custom or out-of-the-box metal frame designs. There are several advantages to employing metal frames. They are lightweight and easy to move. And if you use a low gauge metal, they can withstand much pressure. Additionally, metal frames make good use of space. You will have plenty of internal space to access your built-in barbecue or store stuff. 

Metal frames are vulnerable to moisture. If you live in a humid environment, near the seaside, or in a freeze-thaw climate... Be aware of this. If moisture reaches your metal frames... Corrosion and rust can degrade them over time. Eventually, this will jeopardize the structural integrity of your outdoor kitchen. That is not a simple repair!

Metal that is corrosion—and weather-resistant is your best option. However, this will offer you a little extra time if you reside in Atlanta or a nearby area. It is not a permanent solution.

Wood Frames: Your house is most likely wood-framed. Consider doing the same for your outdoor kitchen. Wood is more affordable than other materials and easier to work with.

Where is the problem?

Wood framing has certain advantages. However, there are various reasons why wood is not suitable for your outdoor kitchen.

The primary concern here is safety. Wood is flammable, and when combined with a piping-hot built-in grill, this poses a major safety risk. Even investing in an insulated jacket may not protect you from the hazards.

Second, wood degrades quickly outdoors. It is highly vulnerable to rotting, warping, and swelling. If termites create their home in your outdoor kitchen, It's game over.

Ultimately, wood is unsuitable for an outdoor kitchen installation.

Instead, you may consider…

Concrete Blocks: This method entails using concrete blocks to create the structural frame of your outdoor kitchen. The outside is clad with your preferred material to get the desired finish.

We are all familiar with the conventional features of concrete. It's dense, heavy, and durable. As a result, concrete blocks can withstand almost any weather condition. You do not have to worry about corrosion or concrete degradation.

It is also not flammable. Making it a safer option than wood!

Note: Hire a professional outdoor kitchen contractor for concrete outdoor kitchen installation.

Masonry: Masonry cabinetry covers a metal frame or concrete blocks with stucco, ornamental stone, or brick.

The natural beauty of masonry cabinetry gives your outdoor kitchen a distinct style with a more built-in feel. You can also select materials that complement your home's façade or surrounding features, such as a patio or a rock wall.

Masonry cabinet structures are extremely strong and resistant to various weather conditions.

Some disadvantages of stone outdoor kitchen cabinets include lengthier design times, higher installation costs, and more difficult accessorizing.

Outdoor Kitchen Countertops Ideas

Tile: Tile is incredibly adaptable. It can be utilized as an island finish and on counters. It is arguably the most affordable alternative for countertops. However, it has the same issues as a tile island finish.

For starters, it has low flexural strength and is fragile. As a result, it's prone to splitting and coming apart. As previously said, it is difficult to keep clean. Cleanliness of countertops is extremely crucial! After all, you will be using it to prepare and serve food. So, I want to consider the tile countertop of the outdoor kitchen, and then maintenance is the key.

Bluestone and Limestone: Limestone and bluestone are excellent choices for individuals seeking a natural appearance. They blend in perfectly with outdoor surroundings. However, limestone and bluestone are quite permeable, so they require frequent sealing and maintenance to avoid stains.

Granite: Granite is ideal for sleek and contemporary outdoor kitchen designs. It's a solid, durable material that's simple to maintain. Outdoor kitchen granite countertops can also be stain-resistant if properly sealed. It's worth noting that black granite for outdoor kitchen countertops might get heated in the sun. If your outdoor kitchen will not be covered or protected from direct sunlight... To decrease the impression, consider using a lighter hue.

Stainless Steel: There’s little to write about stainless steel outdoor kitchen countertops. Yes, they are easy to clean and maintain! However, they absorb heat like nobody’s business. You’re better off keeping stainless steel limited to your outdoor kitchen appliances.

Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets

Outdoor Kitchen cabinets must resist moisture, mold, heat, rust, and filth. The three most common cabinetry materials are stainless steel, marine-grade polymer, and wood.

If you're looking at stainless steel cabinets, they'll be sturdy with welded corners, ensuring structural integrity and lifespan. A low-maintenance choice is a marine-grade polymer that is watertight, allowing you to wash or hose off your outdoor space as needed. Sealed timber is another popular choice for outdoor kitchen cabinets. It is best to use a rot-resistant exterior timber, such as Teak.

It is also crucial to ensure the componentry, including hinges, handles, and draw rollers, are made of quality materials suitable for outdoor use.

Outdoor Kitchen Flooring

Like inside kitchen flooring, outdoor flooring should be long-lasting and easy to maintain. This location is expected to have high food traffic and will be subject to food spills, grease, and general filth and dust.

This is why natural stone is a popular flooring option for outdoor kitchens. Its durability and aesthetics are unparalleled. There are also numerous alternatives to accommodate a variety of design styles. We recommend a high-quality penetrating sealer to retain the stone's natural patina and reduce the possibility of permanent discoloration.

Looking For Outdoor Kitchen Installers? Let’s Design Your Dream Kitchen

Now that you know which materials are best for outdoor kitchens, it's time to look for expert outdoor kitchen installation. Outdoor Makeover and Living Spaces' backyard restoration services are unparalleled. Our services, which include landscaping, hardscape, unique water features, fire pits, and outdoor kitchen installation, will surely leave your space to just Woww. 

So, what are you waiting for? Book your consultation today!

The post Durable and Stylish: Top Material Options for Outdoor Kitchens Installation appeared first on Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces.

An outdoor kitchen provides plenty of space for entertaining guests, or to simply cook and enjoy a meal outside. But like many things, outdoor kitchens also bring with it a few tasks to add to your fall to-do list. It is easy to complete these tasks within a weekend, so make sure to do it before cold weather strikes. Not preparing your outdoor kitchen can lead to an expensive start to the cooler weather season.

How to Get Your Outdoor Kitchen Ready for Fall

Living in Georgia means our cold weather season is not as intense as it is to our North. However, it doesn’t mean that you can completely ignore cold weather and not take preventative measures for your outdoor kitchen. By being proactive, you will make outdoor cooking easier this fall season.

1. Protect the plumbing.

Take time to clear out any water that might be stored in the pipes. Failing to do this can lead to burst pipes should the weather drop below freezing. Check to see that all drain valves are in the open position so that no water can be trapped. This is also the time to clean the sink and cover it to prevent any scratches.

2. Prepare the grill.

If you have a grill in your outdoor kitchen, give it a thorough cleaning. Here’s how:

• Use a degreaser to remove any grease build-up.
• Polish surfaces with stainless steel polish.
• Remove the grill grates and clean underneath. Remove all previous cooking residue. This will help your burners perform better and prevent grease fires.
• Season the cooking surface(s). Apply vegetable oil and allow the grill to heat to 500* F for 20 minutes to remove any build-up. Seasoning the cooking surfaces of your grill will help prevent food from sticking.
• Turn off the gas line if you don’t expect using your grill during cold weather months. This helps further protect the most critical pieces of your outdoor grill

3. Prevent damage to your outdoor kitchen.

Cover all surfaces and appliances that are subject to cracks, stains, and scratches due to cold weather or debris that might get blown that direction. If you have cabinetry or stone countertops, now is a good time to apply a coat of oil or sealer. Applying a coat of oil or sealer will extend the life of the surfaces and make cleaning them easier.

4. Turn off the refrigerator and ice maker.

In addition to turning off the water supply, be sure to unplug these units. Then empty each of them of any food that might be stored inside. However, do not cover them with any type of cloth as this can cause moisture accumulation, and ultimately damage them.

Having an outdoor kitchen is a wonderful option. After all, it means you have more useable space to enjoy cooler fall weather in Georgia weather. But you don’t want your outside kitchen to become a “used to be” space that is no longer useable. Make these tasks a part of your fall routine, so that you can get many long years out of your outside kitchen.

If you want to install or update your outdoor kitchen, contact Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces! We design and build outdoor kitchens that are custom built around your needs.

The post 4 Tips for Preparing Your Outdoor Kitchen for Fall appeared first on Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and then the holiday entertaining season is truly upon us. This time of year is usually filled with planning, parties, and people……lots of people. And, the struggle of where to comfortably entertain all of those people is real. After all, not everyone has a home layout that makes engaging and entertaining guests easy. But, there is a solution. A perk of living in the South during the fall is that having a warm day for Thanksgiving is not unusual. So, why not take advantage of this warm weather and plan to have your Thanksgiving spread outside in your outdoor space- be it a patio, a porch, a pergola, or an outside kitchen.

Tips and Tricks for Easy Outdoor Holiday Entertaining:

If you have never attempted to host a Thanksgiving feast outdoors, then the very thought might seem a bit daunting. After all, it might sound like a great deal of work. Fortunately, holiday entertaining outdoors is not nearly as challenging as it might sound – especially if you know a few tricks and tips.

Let’s get started.

• Plan for your pets. You may not be bothered by your pets running around your Thanksgiving spread, but this might not hold true for everyone. If possible, have a place in your home where your pets can chill out during your Thanksgiving feast.
• Plan a menu that can be prepared in advance or, if doable, in an outside kitchen or on the grill. You might even want to think beyond the traditional Thanksgiving meal and have some fun. Some ideas for sides include corn on the cob, garlic bread, grilled zucchini, veggie skewers, rice, stuffed Portobello mushrooms.
• Consider Firepits: Just because living in Georgia often means great weather for Thanksgiving, it doesn’t mean it always happens. Consider having a fire pit or chimenea ready to use, in the event it is a cooler day.
• Dinnerware. Choose dinnerware that is sturdy, but easy to clean up. Whether you opt for disposable pieces (saves time on washing dishes!) or you prefer an eclectic setup made up of flea market finds, your tableware is a great way to add color and personality to your outdoor holiday entertaining.
• Be flexible with the seating. Unlike a fancy dinner with place cards and formal sedating, hosting Thanksgiving outdoors can be laid back and relaxed.
• Think about the lighting. If you anticipate eating later in the day then be sure your outdoor space is well lit. Be it strings of white lighting, flameless candles, or even table lamps – you don’t want to eat in the dark.
• Have a plan B. Just because the weather is usually warm enough for an outdoor Thanksgiving feast, that doesn’t mean it always is. Be sure you have a backup plan in the event of cold or wet weather.

Holiday entertaining outside is a great way to enjoy the day – and without feeling claustrophobic in a crowded room. Use these tips to make your Thanksgiving event a wonderful day that is talked about for months (and perhaps years) to come. And, if your current landscape doesn’t offer an outdoor entertainment feature, don’t despair. Give the Outdoor Makeover & Construction team a call today. We can design a space for you so that outdoor entertainment can be done in the future. Call now.

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