Custom Outdoor Kitchen Must-Haves: The 7 Elements You Can't Skip
Colorado is blessed with some of the best weather in the country. Of course, Colorado doesn’t have even temperatures like southern California, but most of the year, Colorado’s weather is pleasant, the sun is shining, and there’s no snow on the ground. When planning your outdoor kitchen, it’s important to use weather-resistant materials to ensure your kitchen stands up to the elements and lasts for years to come.
If you want to take advantage of Colorado’s great weather, you need a gorgeous outdoor kitchen. With an outdoor kitchen, you enjoy all the amenities of a modern cook station while also taking in your favorite views. Consider the view from your outdoor kitchen to ensure you can see the rest of the yard and be part of the conversation. Make the most of your outdoor space all day, turning it into a functional and enjoyable space for gatherings and relaxation. Play your cards right, and your outdoor kitchen can add resale value to your home as well. For the best integration, locate your outdoor kitchen close to the main house for easy access to plumbing and electrical lines. Coloradans love the outdoors and their outdoor spaces.
If you’re ready to talk to a landscaping professional about installing your own outdoor kitchen, there are things you’ll need on your must-have list. Before you get started, check inspiration galleries or guides for custom outdoor kitchen ideas to help you customize your setup. Let’s lay out 7 essentials to a custom outdoor kitchen and why you need those essentials to truly take advantage of Colorado’s beauty.
What You Can’t do Without in Your Custom Outdoor Kitchen
Grill – You can’t call an outdoor kitchen a true outdoor kitchen without a big, bad grill. A grill can be used to cook everything from steak to burgers to corn and is often the centerpiece of most outdoor kitchens. Most custom outdoor kitchens choose gas-powered grills because it’s difficult and dangerous to handle charcoal when your grill is nestled into a custom kitchen. When placing your grill, be sure to consider the wind direction to avoid smoke and heat blowing into your seating or cooking areas.
2. BBQ/Smoker – Grills and BBQ are two separate components in an outdoor kitchen. While your gas grill will be the primary tool for hot, fast cooking, you need a barbecue or smoker for slow, steady dishes. There are several types of smokers and BBQs on the market so work with a custom landscape company and appliance experts to pick the perfect match for your barbecuing style.
3. Bar Top – Whether you’re serving sangria, scotch, or Shirley Temples, you can never go wrong with extra seating in an outdoor kitchen. A bar top with extra seating ensures you’ll always have good company while you create culinary masterpieces in your new outdoor kitchen space. You can also customize the countertop to fit your needs and preferences, choosing from weather-resistant materials and finishes.
4. Sink/Faucet – Like any other kitchen, your custom outdoor kitchen will need running water and a sink to help you rinse veggies for the grill, provide a place to wash hands, and much more. Aim for a wide, deep sink to help you handle large slabs of meat or make it easier to clean outdoor appliances.
5. Cabinets – Outdoor kitchens won’t come with traditional kitchen cabinetry like inside your home, but you need cabinets for storage in your outdoor kitchens. Outdoor kitchen cabinets are built to handle all four seasons while remaining functional and fashionable. Custom outdoor kitchen cabinets are normally built from stainless steel. High-quality doors are essential for storage and weatherproofing, ensuring your items stay protected and organized. Quality craftsmanship in the construction of cabinets and other components ensures durability and satisfaction.
6. Pergola / Roof – Colorado brags about 300 days of sunshine, but there are bad weather days. A pergola roof allows you to enjoy your outdoor space even on the rare days when Mother Nature isn’t very cooperative.
7. Firepit / Fireplace – You need a place for you and your guests to kick back once the meal is done. That place is a fire pit or a fireplace. You can put a firepit off to the side of the kitchen, it can be built directly into the kitchen facade, or whatever works best for your layout.
When planning your custom outdoor kitchen, thoughtful design is key. Consider the layout, customization options, and how each component fits together to create a functional and visually appealing space.
Modular designs let you customize your outdoor kitchen layout by combining base units and modular add-ons. This flexibility lets you create various shapes, such as L-shaped or U-shaped kitchens, to best fit your patio and outdoor living area. You can select the type of base, countertop, and features that suit your needs, and easily attach a grill or other elements to your patio for a seamless setup. Integrating your kitchen with the patio and using a wall for privacy or as a backdrop can enhance both function and aesthetics. Choosing the right combination of materials and features ensures your custom outdoor kitchen is weather-resistant, durable, and tailored to your lifestyle.
Some of our completed outdoor kitchen & BBQs
View our gallery for more local landscaping projects from Castle Rock to Denver, Morrison to Colorado Springs, and more!
Custom Outdoor Kitchen Design and Builders
Picking and choosing the right appliances and materials for your custom outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating. Custom builders like JS Enterprises can bring your outdoor kitchen vision to life with weatherproof, tailored solutions. Our expert team can help you plan a custom kitchen layout, choose the best appliances, and work within your budget. Throughout the planning process, we work closely with you to ensure your specific design preferences are met and your outdoor kitchen is built exactly as you envision. We’ll introduce you to different styles, materials, and everything you need to build the custom outdoor kitchen of your dreams.
Working with JS Enterprises provides the best experience, from initial inspiration to final installation, and our expert guidance and support enhance the overall experience of creating your outdoor living space. Contact our team today to discuss your custom outdoor kitchen project or to schedule a consultation.
Get the Custom Outdoor Kitchen of Your Dreams
Everyone is spending more time at home lately, so make a major upgrade by installing a custom outdoor kitchen. Choose JS Enterprises, and soon you’ll be enjoying Colorado and your home like never before.
