Outdoor kitchens are similar to interior kitchen design. The features are often a little different, but, functionally the elements are the same.
Inspired outdoor kitchens work from the client’s wish list–and add a little magic!
These are some of the outdoor kitchens we have done over the years. From renderings to building, we are a stellar choice for making your outdoor kitchens a reality.
We’ve been designing and building outdoor kitchens since about 2002.
These projects were done in Vaughan, Aurora, Woodbridge and Gravenhurst Ontario. We build only in southern and central Ontario. We design for clients around the globe however.
FAQ
Do I need a permit to build an outdoor kitchen?
This is a two-pronged question. If you live in Oakville, Ontario or Tiny Township, Ontario, you may need a permit to put up a bird feeder. This might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it really is that bad.
Realistically, if the kitchen will have a roof and be larger than 160 square feet, in Ontario you will likely need a permit to build.
If the kitchen is under an existing part of the yard that already has a roof, you may not need a permit. Cabinets… that really is just decoration.
How do I determine the right size for my outdoor kitchen?
Ask yourself, what will I be doing with my outdoor kitchen? Is this just a covered grill, or is it a chef’s kitchen with seating for two dozen? Maybe 8×8 is sufficient, maybe 30×14 is on the tight side. The only way to know before building is to have a scaled concept layout done by a designer like DesignYourReno.com.
Should the grill face toward or away from guests?
While cooking you should be able to face guests. Accidents happen, but shouldn’t. We like to design the kitchen with seating facing the chef, much like many modern bistros do. People love to watch a chef and have a drink.
Have you heard of Feng Shui? This is 3,000-year-old architectural wisdom. This is actually the source of the logic. A cook is often working with sharp objects, and before modern medicine, a cut could lead to infection and a premature death. This is why they advised that the cook works somewhere facing guests where he will not be bumped while working or distracted.
Can I use regular indoor appliances outside?
NOT recommended. The finish on interior appliances will fail just from humidity. Fridges are not made to operate in temperatures below zero unless they are designed for that purpose. An old school stove from the 50s may work, but those had a far better finish than a stove from the 80s. Avoid fridges made for indoors.
How much storage space do I need?
Storage space is a luxury, especially outdoors. Most purpose-built cabinets for open outdoor kitchens are sealed for water and humidity, so they are quite expensive. When you have a room that you can close up with louvered windows and proper doors with a heat source, you can use traditional cabinets. When you are paying a 300% premium for outdoor cabinets, you can certainly break the budget quickly.
Do I need outdoor kitchen lighting?
LIGHTING makes the space! Keep it adjustable or subtle, but have the ability to illuminate the area well for events. Different zones and low voltage systems can accommodate this feature and even control your lighting through your phone app connected to a smart hub.
What are the risks of DIY outdoor kitchen construction?
If you are building DIY, your regrets in the future will depend entirely on your planning. Asking a professional exterior designer to assist in planning will be money well spent. Speak to Lawrence at 416-951-9998. He designs kitchens all over North America for contractors and DIY clientele.
