Add an outdoor kitchen and fire pit to your Madison, WI, backyard, and you will soon find yourself spending a lot more time outside. From day to night, these outdoor features can change the way you use your backyard.
Related: DECK OUT YOUR OUTDOOR KITCHEN IN MADISON, WI, WITH THESE 5 FEATURES
The Outdoor Kitchen
The right outdoor kitchen design can let you grill, smoke, and simmer an al fresco, delicious meal. Each part of an outdoor kitchen plays a role in how you entertain, cook, and spend time with those you love.
Surface: The floor of your outdoor kitchen should ideally be designed and built of durable stone or patio pavers. Because you are cooking in the kitchen, spills are bound to happen, so you need a floor surface that is stain-resistant and color-fast. As people move around in the outdoor kitchen, they can accidentally drop food and beverages that you want to be able to clean and hose away with ordinary soap and water.
The flooring choice can also be customizable to your preference of colors, sizes, and textures. Another important characteristic is a non-slip surface to protect against falls.
Counters and walls: The walls and counters can be composed of wall stone and a smooth surface topper such as granite. As you plan these details, consider using a wall stone that blends well with the flooring so that the look of your outdoor kitchen is seamless and stylish.
Appliances: You know your own cooking style, and your appliances can cater to the cooking methods you prefer. While you probably want the customary cooktop, refrigerator, and dishwasher, consider other appliances such as the ice maker, pizza oven, and smoker to diversify your options.
The Fire Pit
As you assess your outdoor space for where to place a fire pit, you may be encouraged to position it near the outdoor kitchen. Having the fire near the cooking space can bring an ambient glow to the dining space and make for a nice transition after the meal is done.
Since a fire pit can be a draw to your guests, this placement can also allow them to enjoy the fire and chat with you as you prepare a meal. If you are waiting for something to cook, you can wander over and spend time with friends as they talk around the fire pit.
Using the Outdoor Kitchen and Fire Pit
An outdoor kitchen isn’t only for dinners. Think about when you have family in town visiting and want to fix brunch. The outdoor kitchen can be perfect for brunches, especially when you light the fire pit and let them sip on a drink while you cook.
Another great use for your outdoor kitchen can be for wedding and baby showers where the event happens in the afternoon by the fire. Your outdoor kitchen and adjoining dining area can be ideal for an afternoon celebration or tea while the fire flickers nearby.
Your backyard can become a favorite place with the addition of an outdoor kitchen and fire pit. By combining these two outdoor features together, the whole space can be elegant and inviting at any time of day.
Related: 4 BACKYARD FIRE PIT DESIGN IDEAS TO IMPRESS YOUR GUESTS IN SHOREWOOD HILLS AND VERONA, WI
