Eager to entertain at home soon? Maybe you’re thinking about getting your garden ready for hosting fiery barbecues. Or perhaps you’re planning a new kitchen project and want an outdoor space to rival the indoor one? if there’s one thing an outdoor kitchen should be – apart from pretty and practical – it’s weatherproof.
Why do you need a weatherproof outdoor kitchen? Well, it needs to be protected from harsh and unpredictable weather for one. Think wind, rain, frost and damaging UV rays from the sun (when it appears!) so your outdoor kitchen stands the test of time and can be used all year round.
To help you get ready for dining al fresco, we’ve put together a complete guide to designing a weatherproof outdoor kitchen. We’ve covered everything from hard-wearing surfaces and durable appliances to moisture-resistant seating and dining solutions.
Step one: The multi-functional layout
The kitchen is the heart of the home, so take this idea for a sociable space into the garden. Think of creating your outdoor kitchen much like the one inside. It needs to have all the cooking kit, storage and preparation space to make it super practical. So there’s no need to dash inside to grab missing ingredients or bring out the food from indoors.
Start by thinking about the way you use your outdoor space in order to find the right kitchen layout. Do you love hosting large get-togethers and need a spacious dining area? Are you the chef of the family and need plenty of worktop space, plus the latest grilling appliances?
The newly launched KönigOutdoor range of weatherproof kitchens from leading kitchen worktop specialists Königstone are the perfect choice. Providing flexibility and functionality, they’re the ultimate solution for easily recreating your indoor design outdoors.
There’s a wide range of modular units to choose from. For example, go for a grand layout with built-in appliances, a bar-style area and sink and tap. Or if you are a bit tight on space, create a compact design with a single unit and a couple of barstools for dining.
Step two: Resistant surfaces
Durable worktops and furniture are key to a successful weatherproof outdoor kitchen-diner. Think scratch and stain proof. Also, unlike indoor surfaces, they need to have a protective layer against UV light. In addition, they need to be resistant to both high and low temperatures.
Finished in Neolith’s sintered stone surfaces, the KönigOutdoor kitchen cabinetry not only looks great but it’s also incredibly hard-wearing. So you don’t have to worry about fading, scratching or staining the material – doors, worktops, end and side panels included.
It’s available in eight sintered stone finishes, from a timeless marble style to contemporary concrete effects. This means you can achieve a look to suit your style, or even coordinate it with your indoor kitchen.
In addition, if you want to fully customise your design, why not make the most of the KönigOutdoor bespoke service? You’ll work with a designer to maximise every inch of space and achieve the aesthetic you really want.
Step three: Weatherproof outdoor kitchen appliances
An outdoor kitchen is not complete without good appliances, right? And we’re talking about more than a simple barbecue.
Are you a pizza lover, partial, prefer smoked meats and vegetables, or like to show off your flame-grilling skills? Then you can complete your KönigOutdoor kitchen with the latest weatherproof solutions. Brands such as Fulgor Milano, Beefeater, Vitrifrigo, and Alfa Forni are all options here when you buy a KönigOutdoor design. Or if you already have your own cooking kit, your designer can integrate it seamlessly into your new outdoor space.
Hosting outdoors isn’t complete without cold drinks on tap, so make sure to include a refrigeration system too. You could even have an ice bucket or drawer if you really fancy it.
Step four: Durable dining and seating solutions
When it comes to the living and dining areas, your tables, sofas and barstools will sit outdoors in all weather conditions. So it’s crucial you choose weatherproof materials and finishes that are also resistant to scratches and stains.
Great options include low-maintenance, waterproof steel and iron solutions and modern-rustic resin. There are also wicker designs, rust-resistant aluminium, or recycled plastic sets.
Weatherproof paint is also a good way to ensure any small storage solutions or furniture pieces aren’t damaged by UV lights or moisture.
To keep things looking good for years to come, you can purchase weather-resistant covers for your furniture, appliances, seating and dining solutions. They’ll be well protected when the weather turns.
This article has been created in partnership with Konigstone. For further information on KönigOutdoor, email [email protected] or visit www.konigoutdoor.co.uk. For further information on Königstone, please visit www.konigstone.co.uk.