5 Keys to the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen Patio Installation

There is an art to backyard patio installation, especially when outdoor kitchens are involved. When you look at a contractor’s portfolio you see gleaming photos of perfect green spaces with shiny appliances. What you might not consider is the huge amount of work and planning that it takes to get to that point.

In this post, I want to share with you the keys to a smooth outdoor kitchen installation. As a homeowner, it isn’t your job to know all the steps and processes involved. However, by getting a sense of what it takes to finish your landscaping project, you’ll be much better prepared to choose the patio contractor that’s right for the job.

With that in mind, let’s look at what it takes to install an outdoor cooking and living space.

#1 Begin With the Right Footing

Once you have decided on the right design, the first step in backyard patio installation is to prepare the site. That means making sure the ground is level, that any debris or old installations have been cleared, and that you’re ready to hook up any utilities that might be required.

In some cases, this can be handled with a little bit of labor. In other instances you might need permits, heavy equipment, and even to look at putting in foundations to ensure that your appliances and fixtures aren’t going to shift excessively in the future. Typically these kinds of details will come up during the planning and site evaluation phase, but it’s not unheard of for surprises to pop up as construction begins.

Rushing through the site preparation phase can be tempting, but it only leads to bigger headaches as your job progresses. If your site isn’t prepared properly before construction starts, there’s a good chance you’ll end up running into major delays later.

#2 Get Your Utilities Straightened Out

Virtually anything you install in your outdoor kitchen is going to run on electric and/or fuel. Knowing that, one of the first things your patio contractor should do is ensure that utilities are installed.

Smaller devices might be run from propane tanks, but for maximum convenience you’re going to want gas and power lines. These might be extended from your home or be delivered from another nearby source. Either way, your contractor can work together with local suppliers to secure permits, arrange work, and ensure that the proper hookups are delivered.

Nothing in your outdoor kitchen will work without heat and power. A team that is experienced with backyard patio installation will understand this and plan accordingly.

#3 Choose the Right Appliances

It is surprisingly easy to end up with the wrong appliances in your outdoor kitchen. That’s because many different brands and models look identical to one another. And so, when you’re comparing brochures – or taking suggestions from your patio contractor – you could make a poor decision based on the wrong criteria.

The best appliances are built to a high standard, are tested for reliability, and come with long guarantees. For those reasons they tend to cost a little more and might not be immediately available. It can be tempting to cut costs and corners by going with something that’s easier to source, but this would be a huge mistake. Saving a little bit now is nice, but it’s likely to cause you bigger problems later.

Imagine for a second that your patio contractor is installing a 42-inch grill with refrigerator, along with some cabinets for storage. You might also want a kegerator, some sinks, and a washing area. If you don’t have reliable, quality components, they may break down relatively quickly. Or, they could rust and fade more quickly than the rest of your patio. If that happens, you’ll have to spend a small fortune to remove and replace them. And, you won’t be able to use your outdoor kitchen when the changes are being made. Trust me when I tell you it’s better to get things right the first time.

A great patio contractor is going to have long-standing agreements with proven vendors. Find someone you can trust and then take their recommendations when it comes to the appliances they suggest.

#4 Ensure Everything Is Set Up Correctly

Naturally, you’ll be trusting your contracting team to install appliances and features in a way that is safe, attractive, and likely to stand up to the elements. Still, it’s a good idea to find out about their plans for doing so.

The point of the exercise isn’t to come away with specific information, but rather to ensure that you feel confident with the course of action. Nothing should feel rushed or haphazard. The timeline and game plan they give you should feel realistic and well thought out.

This is an area where lots of experience with backyard patio installation can be a huge benefit. The more your contractor has seen over the years, the easier it’s going to be for them to give you exactly what you need.

#5 Let the Stone Work Complement Other Pieces

Stonework is typically the finishing piece of any patio renovation. That’s because it needs to be installed perfectly, but only after the other pieces are in place. Then, everything can be leveled, measured, and balanced to exact specifications.

Again, this isn’t an area where you need to develop expertise. However, you’ll want to hear that your contractor is planning to finish things off with the right kind of granite and take the time to place it perfectly. Once it has been installed, your patio will start to resemble the outdoor space you have been dreaming of.

Want to Know What Great Backyard Patio Installation Looks Like?

If you want to know what a great outdoor kitchen looks like – or if your home is near the Saugus, Massachusetts, area – then check out our online portfolio. And don’t forget that we offer free estimates and design consultations so you can get the answers you need before your project begins.