PLAN OUTDOOR KITCHEN UTILITIES BEFORE YOU BUILD THE PATIO
The Best Time to Plan Utilities Is Before You Can See the Patio
A beautiful outdoor kitchen requires more than cabinets, countertops, and a barbecue.
Gas, electricity, water, drainage, lighting, and other infrastructure may need to reach the kitchen before the finished patio is installed.
Planning these items afterward can mean cutting through new concrete or removing finished paving.
A professional Outdoor Kitchen And Fire Features Contractor project should begin by understanding both the visible kitchen and the infrastructure required to support it.
Decide What Appliances You Want First
Utility requirements depend on the equipment.
A kitchen may include:
Built-in barbecue
Refrigerator
Sink
Side burner
Pizza oven
Ice maker
Lighting
Electrical outlets
Television
Heaters
Other appliances
The design should establish what is actually being installed before underground routes are finalized.
Gas Needs to Be Coordinated Early
Gas appliances may require properly designed gas service by the appropriate licensed professional.
The route should be considered before patios, walls, and permanent landscape features are completed.
Future additions should also be considered.
If a fire feature may eventually be added nearby, early planning can prevent unnecessary demolition later.
Electrical Planning Goes Beyond One Outlet
Outdoor kitchens can require electricity for:
Refrigerators
Lighting
Convenience outlets
Ignition systems
Televisions
Audio
Other equipment
Landscape and kitchen electrical requirements should be coordinated with the appropriately licensed electrical professional.
The surrounding Landscape Low Voltage Lighting plan should also be considered so the kitchen, pathways, planting, and gathering areas feel connected after dark.
Water & Drainage Need a Destination
If a sink is included, water supply and wastewater requirements need to be evaluated.
The patio itself also needs proper Drainage.
The finished kitchen should not create a low area where rainwater collects around cabinets, appliances, or seating.
Roof runoff becomes even more important when the kitchen is covered by a pergola or patio cover.
Install Sleeves Before Hardscape
A few thoughtfully positioned sleeves beneath future patios can make later improvements easier.
Possible future routes may include:
Lighting wire
Irrigation
Electrical
Gas
Water
Drainage
Audio
Other utilities
A complete Landscape Design Process helps coordinate these systems before the permanent surfaces are completed.
Design the Entire Outdoor Room
The kitchen should also have enough room for:
The cook
Open appliance doors
Bar stools
Guests
Serving
Walkways
Connections to dining and lounge areas
Infrastructure planning and space planning should happen together.
Build the kitchen on paper before you build it in concrete.
