Until recently, an outdoor kitchen was a luxury that you could only dream of, and the closest most would come to seeing one would be a picture in a magazine. However, adding to your outdoor living space has become more accessible to many families throughout America in the past few decades. These kitchens can range from extremely simple to elaborate. Adding one to your home creates a space that ensures quality family time and increases the value of your home.
The history of the outdoor kitchen dates to the earliest days of humanity. Men would hunt, bring the kill home, and prepare the food outside open heat. As time and civilization progressed, grilling outside became common, and this outdoor area became a place of fellowship and socialization between families and friends. While these areas have morphed throughout several millennia, the reasons why people still opt to gather around an outdoor kitchen remain much the same.
When deciding what materials should be used, HGTV experts say the most common appliances are often stainless steel and countertops made from hard materials like granite. These materials are durable and can withstand the elements well. Brick ovens add a rustic feel and a touch of class. Due to the pandemic, traditional brick pizza ovens became all the rage, and the trend is not expected to stop.
However, the materials that cabinets are made of can be a bit more of a tricky subject. Because cabinets can be exposed to the elements and ever-changing weather, you want to make sure they are weatherproof—the suggestions given by the home improvement channel range from stainless steel to a material like cement. Regardless of where these materials are used, they must be sturdy and have non-absorbent properties.
Outdoor kitchen space has many benefits. For one, by cooking outside, you potentially save money on electric and cooling bills. Also, it is good for one's mental health to spend more time outdoors by lowering your blood pressure, increasing vitamin D production, and chasing away the blues. There are also financial benefits considering the return on investment (ROI) it can bring. The quality of materials used in the renovation, the region in which you live, the amount of space the renovation covers, and how it comes together to play a part in how much of a return you can expect. Typically, the ROI on an outdoor kitchen is between 55-200%.
If you have been considering adding a new outdoor kitchen or renovating an existing one, it's time to give Fullscapes a call. Let us show you why we have been the most trusted, family-owned landscaping and outdoor design company in Northeastern Ohio for years. We are ready to help you design and install the outdoor living space of your dreams that fits your wants and needs and gives you the desire to spend more time outside. Contact us today and set up an appointment for us to make your designs come true. You'll be glad you did.