Create Outdoor Kitchen Designs For Your Deck

[Posted on August 6th, 2014: Patrick McCollim]

When you think about renovating the backyard, outdoor kitchen designs are usually at the top of the list as the latest trend homeowners want for their patios and porches. Yet what about decks?

While small decks that are high off the ground may not make ideal places for an outdoor kitchen, lower decks and ground decks also make perfect places to set up kitchen spaces. Yet there are several things to consider when placing an outdoor kitchen on the deck so you have a fun time cooking for your guests and family.

Tip #1: Condition of the Deck and Heaviness of the Kitchen Equipment

Outdoor kitchens can be heavy based on the variety of equipment needed to create the perfect cooking space. There are grills, counter tops, cabinets, sinks, coolers, food warming trays, mini refrigerators, trash receptacles, pizza ovens and a host of other designs. If you are placing a large amount of equipment on an old deck, the aged boards may not be able to support everything.

Always have the existing deck inspected. A contractor can tell you if you need to replace boards, tighten connectors or add extra support for your outdoor kitchen in Houston.

Tip #2: Consider the Board Material Of The Deck

Even the most careful cook will spill food and drinks in their kitchen whether it is inside the house or outside. When considering outdoor kitchen designs, also take into account the materials used for your deck.

Natural woods will stain easily from food and drinks, as you will have to cover the boards with rugs or paint the wood to keep its natural beauty. While synthetic and composite wood products are more stain-resistant, you will still need to clean up the spill quickly to prevent permanent damage to the wood.

Tip# 3: Know How You Will Keep The Underside Of Decks Clean

Very few people consider that the underside of the deck will create problems for people who have outdoor kitchens. Yet food, grease and drinks that get between the floor boards to litter the ground underneath can cause odors, attract bugs and lure animals — such as stray dogs, cats, field mice, raccoons and even skunks — to the underside of the deck.

If the deck is high enough off the ground, you can get underneath and place trays to catch food crumbs, messy grease and drink spills so the underside of the deck doesn’t become a landfill for critters. If your outdoor kitchen designs do not provide enough room to get underneath the deck, use a broom or shovel to scrap food and grease (or dead animals) out from underneath. Hose off the ground to remove drink spills and eliminate odors.

Having the perfect deck for your outdoor kitchen is a phone call away. Contact Home Exterior Systems when you are looking for a beautiful deck, patio or porch to support your outdoor kitchen.