Transform your backyard into the perfect outdoor kitchen
The weather outside is beautiful this spring, so naturally, you want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. That includes mealtime — and even the time spent preparing food for your family and friends.
If your outdoor cooking station isn’t quite master-chef worthy, don’t worry. There are several easy, affordable projects that will help you transform the area into the perfect cooking and entertaining space.
Try these projects to create a one-of-akind destination for grilling season.
• Start with the grill.
Your grill is the focal point of your cooking area. You’ll need to determine whether a gas, charcoal or propane grill is right for you. If expense is a concern, propane is a more cost-effective fuel than charcoal, and it doesn’t require running any lines to your grilling area, providing you with the same grilling space with fewer expenses.
• Build a barbecue cover.
Give your kitchen a beautiful outdoor shelter by building a barbecue cover from western red cedar. This natural wood is resistant to rot, decay and insects, and it will look great no matter what the weather brings.
Building the cover is easy, and you can find the instructions at www.realcedar. com/outdoor/project-plans/bbq-cover.
• Find the perfect light.
If nighttime is the right time for your group, then forget the deck light and opt for ambient lighting options instead. Track lighting can be strung across your space easily to make your outdoor kitchen a welcoming environment.
Another option is solar-power landscape lights, positioned around the perimeter of your outdoor living space.
If you want to be more unique, you can find simple instructions online for building wine-bottle torches or Mason-jar lamps.
• Create a place for guests to dine.
Enjoy the food right where it was prepared by building a dining table and chairs from western red cedar. Building a table is easier than you think, and red cedar can be finished in a variety of ways because it is pitch- and resin-free. All of this allows you to create furniture perfect for a more traditional or modern kitchen. Look for instructions at www.realcedar.com/ outdoor/project-plans/modern-diningtable-bench.
• Provide a little shade.
Make those summer afternoons more enjoyable and comfortable by providing some shade for your guests, along with the cook. Building a pergola creates a beautiful and functional addition to any seating area.
Building plans exist to create a pergola of any height or length, allowing you to customize your project to your space. Once the project is completed, stain it or decorate it in a way that provides the shade you desire while supporting your overall outdoor design look.
Many people mistakenly believe that outdoor kitchens are luxury items reserved for the wealthy, but that is no longer true. Any of the easy projects listed above can help you transform your space into the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. To find more beautiful options for improving your outdoor space, visit www.realcedar.com.