After you’ve spent a lot of time and effort perfecting your outdoor kitchen, it’s time to protect it! Unlike indoor kitchens, outdoor kitchens need a little extra T.L.C. to be weatherproof, but by thinking ahead, choosing long-lasting items, and considering the placement of each appliance, you can easily avoid a lot of the common pitfalls and protect your space.
Invest in a Quality Grill
The grill is often considered the heart of the outdoor kitchen. But before choosing the cheapest or first available, you’ll need to consider what the weather is like in your area to safeguard it.
Typically, high-quality grills are more resistant to weather and will last longer. It may seem like a good deal to save on money up-front, but later on, if you’re spending on repairs or worse, fuller replacing your grill, it’s a better bargain to stick with a quality item, to begin with.
You can also consider installing an outdoor vent hood to your grill. This will help prevent smoke and fumes from building up within the kitchen and also help shield your grill from the elements.
Invest in Quality Countertops
Countertops should also be chosen with more than aesthetics in mind. Luckily, there are many beautiful options that also resist sun and rain well. For example, hard stones like granite and marble tend to last much longer than imitation materials.
Protect Your Cabinets
Your cabinets can’t be forgotten either! Protect your cabinets by using a sealant or varnish, which will help them withstand storms and UV rays and keep them looking fresh for much longer. Reapply as needed for easy upkeep.
You can also consider using waterproof cabinets to avoid the issue from the start. Professionally designed outdoor cabinetry can resist rust, corrosion, stains, and damage all year round. Plus, you can choose from a wide range of cabinet models to suit the look you’re going for.
Flooring & Lighting
It’s easy to put aside flooring and lighting, but if you want to avoid costly replacements to either, try to invest in weatherproof items upfront. Moisture reacts to surfaces differently, and wood tends to be an excellent alternative to tile, which will get slippery and dangerous when wet.
Also, consider the placement of your lights. If their wires are exposed to the elements, this could cause short circuits. So it’s best to use outdoor fixtures and ensure none of the wires can be affected by the elements.
Shop Weather Resistant Patio Furniture
Avoid buying tables, chairs, and other furniture that will tarnish outdoors. To dodge the hassle of bringing in your furniture each time it rains, simply purchase weather-friendly materials like wicker or aluminum.
If you have wooden items, you can apply a sealer to help protect them from moisture and stains. Just remember to reapply anytime you notice signs of wear.
Waterproof Containers
Grilling supplies need to be stored somewhere within reach for the most enjoyable cooking experience. Using waterproof containers, like plastic bins or storage boxes, can hinder annoying situations like moldy bins, soaked fabric, and even ruined tools.
While outdoor kitchens are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and entertain guests, don’t let the elements get in-between you and your fun! By taking a little time to weatherproof and protect your items, you can appreciate your kitchen for years to come, without the hassle of annoying repairs.