Designing an Outdoor Kitchen

As outdoor living spaces become increasingly popular, the demand for outdoor kitchens has also grown. An outdoor kitchen allows you to take your cooking and entertaining outdoors, making the most of your outdoor living space. They are the perfect addition to any garden, especially now the temperature’s rising and we’re getting closer to summer.

So, we’re exploring the key considerations and design tips for creating a functional and stylish outdoor kitchen that meets your needs and suits your lifestyle. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to upgrade an existing space, Roccia has got you covered; let’s delve into how we can help you create your dream outdoor kitchen as part of your summer garden makeover.

Choosing the Best Location in Your Garden

The first factor you must consider when designing an outdoor kitchen is its location in your garden. Where you decide to place the cooking area will directly impact how you can utilise the space, so assessing several factors before you start digging up your garden is essential.

We recommend thinking about how you plan to use your outdoor kitchen by first considering the cooking appliances you wish to include, such as a grill, stove, or pizza oven. Once you have a list of appliances you’d like, you can begin to plan the kitchen’s size and layout, which we’ll delve into later. A clear understanding of your needs and preferences will help you choose a suitable location, whether next to your patio doors, in the centre of the garden, or tucked in a corner at the back of your outdoor space.

Functionality and convenience should also be at the forefront of your location decisions; for example, ideally, the outdoor kitchen should be near your indoor one to facilitate easy access and reduce the distance for carrying food, utensils, and other supplies you may need from inside.

Considering Layout, Design, and Useability

Like an indoor kitchen, the layout, design, and usability is crucial to create a functional and visually appealing outdoor cooking space. For example, the work triangle is a concept commonly used in kitchen design, both internally and externally. It involves positioning the three main elements of a kitchen, the cooking area, the preparation area, and the storage area, in a triangular layout. This layout optimises efficiency and minimises unnecessary movement. Apply the work triangle principle by placing the grill, food preparation area, and storage (such as refrigeration or cabinets) within a comfortable distance.

In addition, adequate storage is crucial for keeping your outdoor kitchen organised and functional. For instance, incorporate cabinets, drawers, or shelves for storing utensils, cookware, dishes, and other essentials and ensure that your storage solutions are weatherproof and capable of withstanding outdoor elements.

Materials and Finishes

Outdoor home trends come and go, but building a garden kitchen is a big commitment that must stand the test of time. Because of this, ensuring you use the right materials and finishes is key to getting the most out of your space and building a useable kitchen that will last for years.

Remember to consider your local climate and specific environmental conditions when selecting materials for your outdoor kitchen. For example, here in England, it’s likely that your kitchen will be under rain and cloud for many months of the year, so selecting durable materials that will withstand exposure to the elements is crucial.

Stainless steel is a popular choice for appliances, countertops, and cabinets due to its durability, resistance to corrosion, and easy maintenance. Look for stainless steel with higher grades (such as 304 or marine grade) to ensure better resistance to rust and discolouration.

At Roccia, we have everything you need to create your dream outdoor kitchen, down to your taps, cabinet handles, and everything in between. Each detail can be selected in an extensive range of materials and finishes, so you can combine your aesthetic with performance to build a beautifully functional space.

In addition, outdoor anti-slip tiles are the best choice for garden kitchens, and as leading tile suppliers, we have plenty of reasons why; let’s take a look:

1. Durability. Outdoor tiles are designed to withstand the elements and are highly durable, resistant to moisture, temperature changes, and fading caused by sunlight exposure.
2. Slip resistance. We have an excellent collection of anti-slip outdoor floor tiles at Roccia, with textured or rough surfaces for better traction and slip resistance. This is particularly important for outdoor kitchens, where water, grease, or food spills can occur.
3. Easy maintenance. Outdoor tiles are relatively easy to clean and maintain. They can be swept or hosed to remove dirt, debris, and food spills. Additionally, the sealed or glazed surfaces of many outdoor tiles make them resistant to stains and easy to wipe clean.
4. Design options. There is a wide range of design options, allowing you to choose from various colours, patterns, textures, and sizes. This lets you customise your outdoor kitchen’s look to match your style and preferences. Whether you prefer a rustic natural stone appearance or a sleek modern design, we have outdoor tiles available to suit different aesthetic choices.

If you’re struggling for design inspiration, the team at Roccia are here to help. We encourage you to visit our tile showroom in Preston, where our design team will assist you with design choices, tile styles, and everything else that goes into bringing your dream kitchen to life.