Fort Lauderdale Outdoor Kitchen Contractors

Benefits of Outdoor Kitchens

The Essentials – What You Might Want to Incorporate Into Your New Outdoor Kitchen

Amazing Space for Entertaining

An outdoor kitchen creates a perfect space for family and friends to gather. This area is ideal for hosting parties, cookouts, or just relaxing with loved ones. Open-air cooking and dining let guests spread out, mingle, and enjoy the beautiful Floridian weather.

Increased Property Value

Adding an outdoor kitchen to your home can boost its property value. Many potential buyers find this feature attractive, as it represents an investment in their outdoor living experience. A well-designed, high-quality outdoor kitchen shows that you take pride in your home and care about the comfort of future occupants.

Convenient and Enjoyable Cooking Experience

Outdoor kitchens provide a convenient and enjoyable cooking experience, especially during the warm summer months in Fort Lauderdale. Keep your house cool and cook outside.

They allow for easy grilling, baking, and even gourmet cooking on specialized equipment, such as wood-fired pizza ovens – all without heating up your indoor kitchen space. Plus, a well-equipped outdoor kitchen prevents the need to run back and forth between your indoor and outdoor cooking areas.

Custom Designed to Meet Your Needs

Outdoor kitchens can be custom designed to suit your unique needs and preferences. You can choose from a variety of materials, styles, and appliances to create a tailored cooking space that reflects your personality and lifestyle.

Expert outdoor kitchen designers in Fort Lauderdale work with you to ensure that your ideal kitchen is brought to life, considering factors like the layout of your yard and how you plan to use the space.

Outdoor Kitchen Appliances and Amenities

Outdoor Grill

An essential component of an outdoor kitchen in Fort Lauderdale is the outdoor grill. It is the primary cooking appliance and a vital part of the outdoor experience. Choose from a variety of fuel types like gas, charcoal, or electric for your grill to suit your needs and preferences. With the city’s pleasant weather and regulations permitting, grilling outdoors becomes an enjoyable activity.

Smoker

A smoker is another popular appliance in outdoor kitchens. Smokers come in a range of sizes and designs, providing a distinct smoky flavor to your food. Whether you’re smoking ribs or fish, remember to follow safety guidelines while using smokers.

Brick Pizza Oven

For pizza lovers, a brick pizza oven is a fantastic addition to your outdoor kitchen. These ovens create an authentic wood-fired flavor and ensure a crisp, delicious pizza – which are best cooked at 700 degrees Fahrenheit and above – temperatures your indoor oven just can’t reach. Installing a brick pizza oven can transform your backyard into a premier spot for parties and gatherings.

Undercounter Refrigerator

An undercounter refrigerator is an efficient solution for storing food, drinks, and condiments. These compact appliances are ideal for saving space and keeping your outdoor area organized.

Storage Spaces

In an outdoor kitchen, it is essential to have ample storage spaces. These can include cabinets, shelves, and drawers for utensils, cookware, and other necessities. This organization will make your outdoor kitchen efficient and functional for everyday use.

Countertops

Countertops are a crucial element, providing both functionality and style to your outdoor kitchen. Select durable materials such as granite, concrete, or stainless steel that can withstand the elements and are easy to clean. Additionally, consider factors like maintenance and heat resistance when selecting the ideal countertop material.

Construction Materials

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a popular choice for outdoor kitchens. It’s durable, resistant to weather, and easy to clean. Choose high-quality stainless steel materials for optimal performance.

Concrete

Concrete offers a sturdy and custom option for outdoor kitchen construction. It can be poured into nearly any shape, providing a truly unique design.

Stone

Stone is a versatile material, perfect for outdoor kitchen aesthetics. Natural or cultured stone can create beauty and practicality in an outdoor space. Stone options include limestone, fieldstone, and sandstone.

Tile

Tile offers an opportunity to add color and texture to outdoor kitchens. Use ceramic tile for a mosaic look or porcelain tile for durability. Tile materials are functional and visually appealing. The only real downside is that the grout associated with tile can collect dirt and grease and requires periodic maintenance and cleaning that is more involved than other materials.

Granite

Granite is a luxurious option for countertops and surfaces. It’s attractive, heat-resistant, and easy to maintain. Choose granite for an upscale, stylish outdoor kitchen.

Maintaining Your Outdoor Kitchen

A well-maintained outdoor kitchen is essential for lasting enjoyment and functionality. Regular care ensures your kitchen stays in top-notch condition for years. There are a few primary aspects to consider when maintaining an outdoor kitchen in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

First, clean all surfaces and appliances regularly. Stainless steel components offer strength and resistance to the elements, so wiping them down with a soft cloth and gentle cleaner will maintain their shine and durability. Don’t forget to clean grills, countertops, and sinks to prevent buildup of grease and grime.

If your outdoor kitchen has a deck or flooring, select a durable material like concrete, brick, or sealed wood. Sweep or power-wash these surfaces periodically to remove debris or stains. Protective sealers can be applied to concrete and stone surfaces for extra protection.

To maintain the longevity of your outdoor kitchen, invest in high-quality appliances and materials. Doing so will save you from frequent replacements and repairs.

Lastly, it’s essential to follow any local building codes or permit requirements when installing or renovating an outdoor kitchen. To avoid potential issues, consult the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Building Permit General Info for guidelines and submission instructions. Your outdoor kitchen contractor is no doubt very familiar with local city and county regulations. If you’re running electric or gas lines to your outdoor kitchen, you’re almost certainly going to need the proper permitting prior to breaking ground on your outdoor kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost in Florida?

The cost of an outdoor kitchen can vary based on the design, materials, and appliances chosen. It is essential to set a budget and consider the factors that may impact the total cost, such as size, location, and additional features like a fireplace or seating area. On a National level here in the US, you can count on a cost of anywhere from $5K to $25K or even more depending on your requirements.

Should I Get a Fireplace for My Outdoor Kitchen?

Adding a fireplace to your outdoor kitchen can enhance the ambiance, create additional warmth during colder months, and serve as an attractive focal point. Considering the climate in Fort Lauderdale, warmth may not be as much of a concern, but the aesthetic appeal of a fireplace could provide a cozy atmosphere for your guests.

Do I Need to Have a Permit to Build an Outdoor Kitchen in Fort Lauderdale?

Building codes and permitting requirements vary by location, but you’re almost certainly going to require the proper permits especially for installing utilities in your outdoor kitchen. While your contractor should be able to guide you through the process and will be familiar with relevant regulations, you can learn more about permitting in Fort Lauderdale here.