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Spending time outdoors is becoming increasingly popular. With that being the case, homeowners are looking for ways to spruce up their outdoor living spaces. They have numerous options for doing so. Patios and pools are common choices, but many people are looking to take their backyards to new levels. Adding outdoor kitchens is certainly a great way to go. Having an outdoor kitchen gives people endless opportunities for cooking and dining outside rather than being cooped up in the house.
Building Your Own Outdoor Kitchen
Several prebuilt outdoor kitchens are on the market. They come in various sizes and styles and can be made out of a range of materials. At the same time, kits are available for those who’d like to take the do-it-yourself route. It’s also possible to build your own kitchen according to your unique specifications. When it comes to building an outdoor kitchen island for food preparation, eating, and entertaining, you can take this type of project in any number of directions. Of course, you’ll need certain knowledge and materials to make it all come together.
Understanding the Basics of Building
First of all, if you’re going to build your own outdoor kitchen island, you’ll need a basic understanding of the building process. That includes making sure the corners of the project are square and the sides are the appropriate lengths. It’s important to have all the right tools and supplies as well, such as a carpenter’s square, screws, screwdrivers, and a saw. You’ll also need to plan the project, determine the island’s measurements, and choose which materials it’ll be made of. Those are only a few of the essential points that need to be covered.
Building the Base of the Island
Once you’ve planned the project, you’ll need to get the materials together. Some people use wood for the base of their kitchen island, with plywood being a common choice. If you’d like a sturdy, longer-lasting, and less flammable alternative, metal also works well.
Concrete is an option, too. Numerous veneers are available as well, so you can design the outside of the island any way you’d like. Keep in mind that the more components you add to the island the more expensive and complicated the project will be. Still, building in some storage space is advised. You’ll need to build a frame first and apply your material of choice to the outside of that frame.
Choosing a Countertop
After putting together the base, you’ll need to affix a countertop to the island. Again, several options are at your disposal. Some of the most popular countertop materials are concrete, quartzite, marble, soapstone, tile, and slate. Each of these materials holds up well against the elements and repeated use whether in the kitchen or on enclosed patios to host parties. Having said that, marble is among the most expensive materials for countertops. If you prefer to use wood for the countertop, consider covering it with some type of veneer for added protection. Wood countertops are notorious for developing scratches, dents, and other issues.
Enjoying Your New Outdoor Kitchen Island
This is a simplified rundown of what it takes to build a kitchen island. Quite a few resources are available for do-it-yourselfers, including video tutorials, books, and predesigned blueprints. Take some time to think about what type of island you’d like to have and what you want the finished project to look like. With a basic knowledge of carpentry and the right tools and supplies, you’ll be enjoying your outdoor kitchen island before you know it.
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