Outdoor Kitchen

Heating. Extend your outdoor time with heating options. Adding permanent heaters overhead will ensure that your space stays warm at the flick of a switch. You also can add stand-alone heaters, usually fueled by propane, for less cost upfront. These are a good choice if you don’t have an overhead structure. They also can be easily moved from place to place.

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Granite. Stone is a go-to material choice for outdoor use, with granite topping the list as being readily available and durable for counters and bars, according to designer John Algozzini of KD Landscape in Chicago. It’s a long-lasting option that is hard wearing, heat-resistant, nonporous and cleans up easily with soap and detergent. It is also available in an almost inexhaustible range of colors and veining patterns. Keep in mind that darker colors will get hotter in the sun than lighter ones and that slabs with heavy veining are more likely to show signs of sun and liquid exposure. You may need to apply a breathable sealant when the slab is installed and then reseal it on a yearly basis to keep it from discoloring and possibly staining. Granite falls in the moderate range in terms of costs.

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Where it will go. Think about what will work best for your space and for how you’re planning to use it. Putting a bar or counter near the grill creates a convenient prep area and gives everyone a spot to sit and chat around the cooking area. Setting a bar slightly away but still near the outdoor cooking and dining areas adds another spot for family and friends to gather. Adding a bar or counter area to another part of your outdoor space provides a secondary destination for entertaining. If you have a great view, perhaps position a bar to overlook it. A bar or counter can be a good addition to a pool or spa area. You can also add a bar or counter to a gazebo or position it under a pergola. Don’t overlook the possibility of adding a counter under a window or along a wall. A counter under a kitchen window provides easy access between the kitchen and outdoor space. Placing a counter along a wall is a simple way to add additional serving space for large crowds without taking over your entertaining space.

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Bars and counters can work well in a number of outdoor spaces. They also can sport a variety of shapes and looks. Your first step in planning is to determine what type of bar or counter will fit your needs and achieve your outdoor living goals.

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Benefits of a bar. Bars are usually higher than a standard countertop, so you can stand or sit at them. A bar is usually not as wide as a counter, so its usefulness for food prep or dining may be limited. It can be a standalone piece, attached to a countertop or overlooking the grill area.

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Your first step in adding an outdoor bar or counter is deciding exactly what type of setup will work best for you. Bars and counters are fairly similar in construction and materials, although each has its own pros and cons.

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