If you have driven around your neighborhood and surrounding areas you have probably noticed a new hot trend, outdoor kitchens. Some builders are even putting them in with new construction homes. They are great to have and perfect for entertaining, but is an outdoor kitchen right for your home? We suggest you think about the following 5 questions to help you decide if it will work for your home.

Questions to Think About

1. Can I afford it?  An outdoor kitchen can be just a few cabinets with a grill to a full size kitchen with a built in brick oven. Know what you can afford. You may consider completing it in stages. This is something you will want to discuss with your contractor.
2. Will I use it?  Just like any indoor kitchen you design you will want to decide what it will mainly be used for and how you will use it. We recommend that is covered and has a heat source for the colder months. You will also want to make sure you use weatherproof cabinets. If you are a person who enjoys being outdoors and you do it right, you might be surprised when it is used more than your indoor kitchen.
3. What Important features does it need to have?  Consider what your outdoor kitchen will be used for most of the time. What is it about outdoor kitchens that appeal to you? It is usually encouraged to have at least a sink and many homeowners are putting in small refrigerators. Are you going to include an outdoor living room as well? Make a list of the features that are most important in order of priority.
4. What is the best location?   Most people usually choose to put their outdoor living areas where a patio is located or off of the kitchen if they have doors that open up to it. If your yard is large enough and you have a pool you may prefer building a shelter or pavilion for your outdoor kitchen.
5. What maintenance will be required?  At Brakur we recommend Naturekast Weatherproof Cabinetry for outdoor kitchens. They look great and are built to withstand the weather. Ask your contractor what more about the upkeep that will be required. With any home there is always little things that need to be done to keeping it looking new and appealing.

At Brakur Custom Cabinetry we have been known for years for our beautiful kitchens. Many people don’t know that we also do outdoor kitchens. If you have been considering an outdoor kitchen and would like to set up a free consultation to decide if one will work for your Chicagoland home you can contact us here.

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