Designing an Outdoor Kitchen

Planning an Outdoor Kitchen

Summer is the time for backyard barbecues and outdoor fun. What better way to enjoy the great weather than by cooking outdoors in your own backyard kitchen?

If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard, patio, or deck, why not consider designing an outdoor kitchen? Outdoor kitchens can be a great addition to any home, but they require some careful planning and plumbing know-how.

In this blog post, we will give you some tips on how to design an outdoor kitchen that is both functional and beautiful. Let’s get started!

Design the Layout

One of the first things you need to consider when designing an outdoor kitchen is the layout. You will need to determine where your grill, countertops, sink, and storage will go.

Be sure to leave enough space for people to move around comfortably. You should also consider how you will use your outdoor kitchen. If you entertain often, you may want to include a built-in bar or serving area.

If cooking is your main focus, make sure your grill and countertop space are well designed.

Assess Your Plumbing and Power Supply

Once you have a general idea of the layout, it’s time to assess your plumbing and power supply. If you already have a gas line for your grill, great!

If not, you will need to install one. You will also need to make sure there is enough water pressure for a sink and that your electrical outlets can handle any appliances you want to use.

With your outdoor kitchen plumbing, also consider the four types of plumbing for an outdoor sink: bucket, french drain, self-contained lift station, and a drain hooked into the sewer/septic system.

Depending on building code, there are going to be different requirements for each. French drains, for example, are not a viable option in San Diego. Only rainwater is permitted to leave your property. Water that comes down a sink drain is considered greywater, which in CA must be disposed of properly and not released into the environment. With a self-contained lift station, you would also have to transport the greywater to a dumping ground.

If you truly want a full outdoor kitchen experience, we recommend that you consider a sewer/septic hookup. It does require a high upfront cost, but you’ll never have to worry about water drainage. On the other hand, if you’re looking at a really small setup, a bucket to dump down a drain afterward might be all you need.

If you’re not sure about your plumbing or power supply, it’s best to consult with a professional before moving forward.

Schedule Plumbing Inspections

Before finalizing your outdoor kitchen design, be sure to schedule plumbing inspections. A plumbing inspection will ensure that everything is properly installed and up to code.

It’s better to catch any potential problems early on so that they can be fixed before your outdoor kitchen is complete.

Install Appliances

When installing appliances in your outdoor kitchen, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you’re not comfortable installing appliances yourself, be sure to hire a professional like a plumber. Appliances like gas grills and smokers can be very heavy and complicated, so it’s important to make sure they are properly installed.

Hiring a professional to install your gas appliances is a major factor you should consider. A plumbing company will ensure that your gas lines are protected and that your appliances don’t pose a fire threat from the gas.

Plan for Supply Lines and Fittings

Be sure to plan for supply lines and fittings when designing your outdoor kitchen. You will need to connect your sink, appliances, and storage to a water source.

You will also need plumbing fixtures like faucets, valves, and drains. Supply lines that come from inside your home should be designed for outdoor use for your new kitchen. If you’re not sure what you need, be sure to consult with a plumbing professional before moving forward with your design.

A plumber will install fixtures to help them drain, install shutoff valves in case you need to cut the water supply, and attach pipes and plugs.

Consider Supply Chain Issues and Shortages

If you’re going to rely on a plumbing company to help you with your kitchen design, they will explain to you the supplies that will or will not be readily available when you’re ready to build your outdoor space.

Most plumbing companies already have access to supplies you may need, making it easier to hire them in case you can’t get most of the supplies you need on a DIY project.

Consult With an Expert

The best way to ensure your outdoor kitchen is properly designed and plumbing is correctly installed, is to consult with an expert.

HPS Plumbing Services will be able to help you with the design, layout, and installation of your outdoor kitchen. Schedule a consultation today with us at (858) 217-4112 so that you can get started on your dream kitchen!