Ready-To-Finish Outdoor Kitchen Buying Guide
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Ready-to-finish outdoor kitchens are constructed with steel framing and encased in cement board. They are a cost-effective solution for creating a custom outdoor kitchen.
Whether you are looking for a simple, straight island or a curved outdoor kitchen to match your poolside, ready-to-finish outdoor kitchens offer you endless possibilities.
Our technical sales representatives have the tools to help you through the process of designing your kitchen, selecting components, and drawing approval.
1 | ADVANTAGES
SPEED
An unfinished island can be taken from concept to design to reality in under 10 days, unmatched in the industry.
PRICE
Buying an outdoor kitchen that will be finished on site is much more cost effective than buying a pre-finished outdoor kitchen.
CUSTOMIZATION
When an outdoor kitchen comes to you unfinished, you have the freedom to finish the unit with a material of your choosing, often in a material that matches your outdoor room.
EASE OF INSTALLATION
Constructing an island onsite presents many challenges, but a fully pre-made island simplifies the installation.
2 | SHAPE
An unfinished island can be custom made to almost any shape and size. With so many options, it is of utmost importance to consider the space you have available for your outdoor kitchen.
It is also important to evaluate your use of the kitchen and what zones and components you will need to accomplish this. Your available space will directly affect the shape of the island that you select and the zones and components available to you.
3 | ZONES
COOKING
Every outdoor kitchen needs a cooking zone. This is the space for your grill and any other type of cooking surface. Common components include gas, charcoal, or electric grills, side burners, cooktops, pizza ovens, and warming drawers.
Storage & Prep
The use of dedicated storage and prep areas lets you maximize your outdoor kitchen space in the same way you would your indoor kitchen. Storage and prep components can include access doors, drawers, trash pull-outs, trash chutes, and cutting boards.
Refrigeration
Outdoor refrigeration raises the level of convenience of your outdoor kitchen, giving you options ranging from keeping drinks cool to storing food for a full course dinner. Available are various types of under-counter refrigerators, ice makers, refrigerated drawers.
Water & Beverage
A sink or beverage zone is an essential component for prep work in the kitchen. These components can be as simple as a sink and faucet to an elaborate beverage center specialized for cocktail making.
4 | UTILITIES
Depending on what type of components you select, you will need to have certain utility lines installed in your outdoor space.
In some cases, the utilities that you have available can determine or limit the components that you can use. It is important to make these considerations at the beginning of your outdoor kitchen project.
Gas
The type of gas you use is dependent on what is available to you. Natural gas is most common in urban and suburban areas, and Propane gas is normally found in rural areas. If there is no gas source available, most gas grills can be run off of a 20-lb. Propane tank.
Water
If you are planning on having a sink, beverage center or an ice maker in your kitchen, then a water line and a dedicated drain that is connected to a sewer system are necessary. Hot and cold water lines can be run to the kitchen from the home, or only a cold-water line with an in-line water heater, if hot water is desired.
Electric
An electrical connection at an outdoor kitchen is very common and can provide power for grill lights, grill ignition, refrigerator, blender, ice maker or many other possible electrical components. For safety, ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets must be installed in an outdoor kitchen, like a bathroom.
5 | CONSTRUCTION & PLANNING
Finish
Your ready-to-finish outdoor kitchen base will need to be finished with a non-combustible material. Common finishing materials are stucco and stacked stone. It will also need a countertop. Tile, granite and glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) countertops are most common.
Foundation
The installation location needs to be able to support the weight of your outdoor kitchen. It is recommended to install an outdoor kitchen on a concrete foundation whenever possible. The overall weight of a kitchen finished in stone with a granite countertop and many components will be much greater than the weight of a kitchen with a stucco finish, tile top and few components. If you are planning on installing the kitchen on a wood deck, you may need to consult a structural engineer to ensure the structure can support the kitchen weight.
Location
Proximity of your outdoor kitchen to your indoor kitchen can determine how you want to use your outdoor kitchen. For example, if both kitchens are farther apart, then you may want to add a sink and cabinets to hold dishes so you do not need to walk dirty dishes back and forth. If your outdoor kitchen is located under any type of cover or overhang, a vent hood for the grill may be necessary.
OUTDOOR KITCHEN PLANNING TIPS FROM THE PROS
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Buying a Ready-to-Finish outdoor kitchen doesn't need to be complicated. Work with one of our NFI certified experts today!
MORE RESOURCES:
Find out if a Ready-to-Finish or DIY outdoor kitchen is right for you!
Building an outdoor kitchen? Read the top 6 things you need to consider before getting started!
Learn more about outdoor kitchens in our Outdoor Kitchen Buying Guide!