Adding Outdoor Kitchens and Bars to Garden Buildings

An outdoor bar or counter is an invaluable addition to any backyard retreat, providing both prep space and an area for guests to sit back and sip drinks.

Assessing the scope and your skills before beginning an outdoor kitchen or bar build project is crucial. Some projects, like installing plumbing and electrical work, may require professional expertise.

How Much Space Do You Have?

Add an outdoor kitchen or bar to your garden building for enhanced entertaining and dining al fresco. This lifestyle improvement brings all of the amenities associated with indoor living to your outdoor space.

Planning an outdoor bar requires several important decisions. First, decide whether you prefer prepping food indoors before heading outside or having an all-inclusive bar with grill, cooking area, refrigerator and sink – your preference will determine both size and layout of your outdoor bar.

If your backyard patio overlooks a pool or other outdoor feature, position the bar so that guests can appreciate the scenery while you prepare food and serve drinks to them. Positioning it along a wall or fence provides extra work space without overwhelming seating areas.

Foot rails add an attractive and functional element to a patio bar, offering guests the ability to rest their feet comfortably on them as they mingle and converse. Plus, this simple decorative element keeps glasses and bottles from tipping over!

Bars can be placed anywhere you like for entertaining purposes: in your garden or pool area, on a deck, gazebo, or wherever else suits. However, in general your outdoor bar should be located 10 to 15 feet from your home to allow the air conditioning system to operate more effectively without competing with heat generated from grilling and refrigeration appliances; it will also prevent unwanted smoke entering your home; additionally providing a buffer between entertainment zones can reduce utility costs during hot weather by making refrigeration units work less hard keeping drinks cool.

Do You Need a Bar?

When entertaining in your garden space, an outdoor bar can add an extra level of fun and excitement to your gatherings. From standalone bars to integrated designs that feature dining and cooking areas, the options for creating the ultimate bartending center are almost limitless. Sinks, garnish areas, glassware stations and kegerators can all help make an awesome centerpiece; adding wine coolers or even an ice maker could take it one step further!

Based on your preferences and desired seating arrangements, consider creating multiple areas within your garden with different functions that allow guests to relax while you cook or serve drinks. Doing so can maximize space usage and encourage guests to move from spot to spot as the sun moves throughout the day; for added comfort consider foot rails for counter-height seating or tropical Tiki-style thatched covers to keep out heat.

Consider how your garden room’s layout will include utilities such as water, power and gas when creating its design. As this may require digging trenches, be sure to have access to them before beginning construction. When choosing an ideal spot for future maintenance purposes or entertaining needs – such as making sure the fridge, grill and sink form an efficient triangle.

Do You Need Storage?

Garden bars or kitchens provide a convenient way to cook and socialize without making frequent trips from inside your home to outdoors. Garden kitchens are especially beneficial for entertaining frequently while families who love spending time outside can take advantage of this convenient outdoor kitchen space.

Considerations when creating an outdoor bar include location, layout and function. Consulting a professional for advice in selecting materials and designing your space as well as guidance through local codes and regulations in order to streamline permit process and ensure safety compliance throughout construction.

Your bar’s type will also have a significant impact on its layout. Linear designs work best in narrow areas along walls, while L-shaped and U-shaped configurations maximize counter space in larger rooms. When selecting appliances and features to include in your bar such as grills for cooking food or sinks for cleaning purposes. Also consider providing ample storage, such as drawers or shelves within base cabinets to keep essential items like glasses and tableware organized out of sight.

An outdoor bar can make a fantastic addition to any outdoor living space, including your deck, patio, poolside area or gazebo. Position it so your guests can appreciate your picturesque view while sipping refreshing drinks from behind your bar! Alternatively, build it into the wall or locate it under a window, shed or greenhouse for more discreet placement – either way provide seating so you can chat over cocktails!

Do You Need Lighting?

Outdoor kitchens and bars bring indoor cooking capabilities into outdoor settings for increased dining, entertaining, and lifestyle benefits. Modern options go far beyond basic setups that consist of just a grill and countertop; modern versions often include features such as sinks, refrigerators, icemakers, taps, etc. for bartending stations.

Dependent upon the type of outdoor bar or counter you are building, additional amenities like storage and lighting may be necessary to maximize its functionality and utility. An inbuilt storage area at the base of the bar could keep glasses, plates and other kitchen essentials close at hand and undercabinet lighting could help guests quickly locate what they are searching for without resorting to overhead lights or flashlights.

If you’re designing an outdoor sports bar, adding a TV may allow guests to watch games and display team memorabilia for added entertainment. Furthermore, refrigeration units will ensure all beverages remain chilled throughout your event.

If you are planning a major backyard renovation, it is recommended that you seek professional advice regarding design and installation. A licensed professional can provide invaluable insights into your project while helping navigate any regulatory requirements or codes that apply, plus plan utilities such as water, gas and electricity to make sure it fits within the existing infrastructure. Furthermore, an expert will advise on appropriate materials and layout solutions tailored specifically for your space.

Do You Need a Seating Area?

Outdoor kitchens are great spaces to host guests while you cook and serve, which often means standing around while guests watch as you prepare their meal or order drinks from your bar. By including seating in your outdoor kitchen area, you and your guests will have somewhere comfortable to stand and chat while the meal or drinks are being prepared or consumed from it.

Seating options for an outdoor kitchen can either be designed into its design, or added later as freestanding benches and chairs. The number of seats will depend on the size and number of guests you typically host in your dining area or entertainment space; adding a pizza oven may provide guests with even more sitting options while they await their meals to finish grilling or baking.

Seating your outdoor kitchen area allows you to utilize it well into the night for parties and entertaining, and adding lighting with a controlled switch allows you to switch between brighter lights for cooking and brighter, ambiance lighting for parties and events.

An outdoor kitchen can add tremendous value to your backyard and home even if you do not plan on selling immediately, according to Zillow. In fact, homes with outdoor kitchens sell for approximately 30 percent more than anticipated! Partnering with an experienced landscape contractor who specializes in building outdoor kitchens will enable you to design an ideal layout and select quality materials for your project – not to mention knowing exactly how to properly install plumbing, electrical and gas lines so your custom outdoor kitchen remains safe and functional! They will also know how to create unique features to give it its unique addition.