Learning how to build an outdoor kitchen is not something you do overnight. If you consider how hectic everyone’s life is and how difficult such projects are, you can easily understand why the majority of people assign such jobs to professional outdoor kitchen contractors.
They simply want the hassle off their shoulders and this is understandable. Such projects are demanding, especially if they involve electrical and plumbing work, while the final structure must be utterly solid, trusted, dependable. Don’t forget that you may use a gas oven. You may also want an outdoor dishwasher. You’ll have a faucet. All fixtures and outdoor appliances must work well and so, the quality of the work matters. So, one thing to ask yourself if you plan to DIY is if you have the skills to build outdoor kitchen countertops and cabinets, connect appliances – just to name a few tasks.
So, the question is not how to build an outdoor kitchen but rather if you can. What it takes?
- Your outdoor kitchenLos Angeles project will start with a good plan. You need to find the ideal location in the backyard, measure, consider what will be included in the outdoor kitchen and then, take a deep breath because the very first step isn’t over yet. Fridges, sinks, cabinets, etc. are all found in different dimensions. And so, you need to take the space available as your base and consider what you will need and of what size to complete the outdoor kitchen design.
- It’s best to read and re-read the Los Angeles outdoor kitchen plans before you move on to the next step which is gathering the tools, the products, and the materials – given that you have done your homework on what to take.
- Provided you’ve done all the above and have planned in detail your outdoor cooking area, you can start building. The first step is to build the frame, cover the sides, place the countertop, install the sink, fit the cabinets, set the appliances. And that’s just scratching the surface because you need plywood to cover the sides and the right construction adhesive depending on the frame’s material. You will need a builder’s felt put on plywood which will then be covered with mortar and be level. Perhaps, the most important thing is to make sure the whole structure is fastened on the patio, deck, etc. to remain stable. And then the materials chosen for the structure must be strong to carry the weight of the countertop, the appliances, and everything added onto it.
The positive side of DIY outdoor kitchen building?
The cost is lower than if you’ve turned to a pro outdoor kitchen builder. That’s provided you know a thing or two about building similar structures. If you are a newbie and not quite a handyman, you may end up spending more and wasting your time too.
Then, there are some outdoor kitchen kits today that may come handy. You can get the basic structure, which is usually made of concrete, and just put them together.
The negative side of DIY outdoor kitchen construction?
Concrete is heavy and must be cut. Such DIY tasks seem to be cheaper but only if you have the necessary tools. If not, be prepared to spend more. And all that by assuming that you are a handyman. If not, DIY is not a good idea.
Your other options?
You could get one of those modular outdoor kitchens and be done with the project in a day. The price is high. No doubt. But it’s the easy way to have the project done. On the other hand, your outdoor kitchen will be one more outdoor kitchen – nothing special about it. Like any other pre-built structure, the design, the style, the size – everything is the same, pre-determined. Now, if you don’t mind that and don’t mind paying more, there’s an advantage of such solutions: they are portable.
On the other hand, if you like the unique looks of custom outdoor kitchens and you don’t know how to build an outdoor kitchen, you just need to find a contractor. Some things are as simple as that.
