This is a guest post by Marie Christine Umali. If you want to guest post on this blog, see the guidelines here.
An outdoor kitchen is a great idea especially when your current kitchen does not have the space you need to accommodate additional people and activities. With this addition to your home, you are not only increasing your family space to host family gatherings, meals, and celebrations but also the value of your home.
However, cost is always the obstacle that comes between a happy camper and his ideal outdoor kitchen. Like a typical indoor kitchen, an outdoor kitchen is one of the most expensive remodeling projects a homeowner can ever undertake so expect to shell out some serious dough. So what can a homeowner like you do to have an outdoor kitchen without costing you an arm and a leg? All you need is a few tips to get you on the right track and help you buy the best value for money. Here’s how:
Invest in a good grill but without all the bells and whistles
The grill and dining area define an outdoor kitchen. Since the grill is the life of your barbecue, do not skimp on this but do not mind the unnecessary add-ons either. Most of these additional features are anyway just icing on the cake – stuff that you can live without. Focus your energy on getting what your family needs. Decide on the right size, know your cooking requirements, and bank on what is durable and easy to maintain. Just because a grill is cheap doesn’t mean it’s the best thing to buy. Choose quality brands backed by great customer support. For $300, you can already get a well-built 36-inch modular gas grill or island with built-in infrared burners. Frankly, everything you need for a great barbecue.
Outside plumbing
You don’t need a sink outside if, a few years away your indoor kitchen stands. Plumbing work can cost a home somewhere between $1000 to $2000 which is not very practical to spend especially in this economic crisis. You can always use the sink, refrigerator and other kitchen equipment from your indoor kitchen. You don’t have to have this extra cost built into your project.
Get strong all-weather flooring
The first thing you need to think about when choosing a floor for your outdoor kitchen is durability, style, the amount of space you have, and of course, the budget. There is a wide range of selections to choose from including brick, tile, cast concrete, wood flooring, travertine flooring, slate or cobblestone flooring. If you are working on a limited budget, the most recommended floor is concrete. Basic concrete costs only about $3.50 to $4 per square foot, is a very low-maintenance, all-weather type that is great for long-term use. Basic concrete now comes in a variety of color and print options that resemble high-end materials like brick and stone. It’s a great way to get an expensive looking kitchen on the cheap!
Limit your space
You don’t need to fill your backyard with extra space especially if your finances are running low. Decide on a basic outdoor kitchen layout, but include plans for expansion. The basic layout and size should not be too big or too small. Decide on one that is just enough to allow you and your family to move around comfortably. In this way, you will not risk blowing your entire budget through the floor and roof. You will have enough money to spend on other essentials. You can upgrade when the budget allows.
Get wise on the furniture
Ikea offers a lot of budget outdoor furniture at unbelievably low prices! Their choice varies from solid wood or artificial materials such as polystyrene slats, which are weather resistant, light, strong, and require little or no maintenance. You can already get a handsome 4-chair dining set that you and your family can enjoy lounging on for as little as $300.
If you still think $300 is a large sum to spend on furniture, try auctions in your area, yard sales, or browse Craigslist. There are many valuable things worth saving from these sources. You may just be one of the lucky ones to tap into a gold mine.
Marie Christine Umali is a blogger and home improvement enthusiast who works for Kitchen Cabinet Kings, a leading online distributor of high-quality birch, maple and oak bathroom and kitchen cabinets. Invest in the Kitchen Cabinet Kings cheap cabinet and get the most value for money. Request our free kitchen design service and enjoy great discounts for bulk orders. Visit www.kitchencabinetkings.com now!
