Expand Your Living Space With an Outdoor Kitchen and Bar
After spending so much time at home, many of us are dreaming about getting out of the house, while still staying home. Outdoor living upgrades have grown in popularity for years, and many homeowners are going beyond bigger decks and patios to build outdoor kitchens and bars.
An outdoor kitchen is a true expansion of your living and entertaining space. If you are constantly running inside for drinks or to prep burgers, you miss time with your guests.
Think Beyond the Grill
A grill, or two, may be essential, but think bigger. Planning your layout and materials up front leads to a space that is beautiful and functional.
Design It Like an Indoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens follow the same principles as indoor kitchens. The main differences are weather-resistant materials and shelter. Consider:
- Location and available space
- Layout: L-shape, U-shape, galley or single wall
- Flow between prep, cooking and dining
- Where you need plumbing, electrical and gas
Choose Durable Materials
- Structure: many homeowners prefer custom brick or stone over prefabricated units.
- Countertops: natural stone or stainless steel. Quartz is best kept indoors or fully covered. See our quartz guide.
- Flooring: textured, matte or honed porcelain tile, stone or brick pavers or concrete to prevent slips.
- Cabinets: teak or stainless steel.
Bring Indoor Comforts Outside
To get the most from your investment, include the amenities that usually keep us inside.
- Shelter: awnings or roof coverings keep you dry in rainy seasons.
- Comfort: ceiling fans, fire pits and heaters extend the season. Plan proper venting for cooking and fire features, and never place cooktops under trees.
- Lighting: task lighting for cooking and ambient lighting for guests. Choose wet-rated fixtures, since moisture is a fact of outdoor life in the South, especially near the lake.
- Entertainment: plan speakers and TVs from the start. Secure TVs, protect them from the elements and place them where glare will not wash them out.
Outdoor Kitchen and Bar Checklist
- Location: attached or detached, covered porch or pergola
- Prep space with a small refrigerator, serving space and dining space
- Grill station: grill type and size, smoker or pizza oven
- Storage and cabinets
- Countertops
- Sink and cleanup area
- Beverage cooler, taps or ice maker
- Ceiling fans
- Electrical outlets
- Fireplace or fire pit: wood, gas or infrared
- Furniture: bar seating, tables, sofas and chairs
- TVs and speakers
Plan Your Outdoor Kitchen
The options for your outdoor kitchen and bar are almost endless. See more ideas in outdoor additions, then call Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling at 678-450-1700 or contact us online.
Written by Sara Bagwell, a designer with Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling. This article originally appeared in the June 2020 edition of Lakeside News.










