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Turn Your Yard into a Backyard Grilling Oasis

Summertime is when we want to spend more time outdoors with our friends and family, especially when we entertain. It’s the time for backyard BBQ’s and grilling, so instead of being crammed in your kitchen, how about enjoying an outdoor kitchen where you can hang out with people as you cook or barbecue?

Whether you decide to go for a well-designed outdoor kitchen that’s as functional as an indoor kitchen, or simply a deck or patio with a grill, table and chairs – spring is the perfect time for home renovations, and Home One team is here to help build the perfect outdoor area for you.

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Our Home One kitchen contractors have the expertise to make your dream outdoor kitchen, deck, or a paver patio, a reality.

Here are some pro tips to turn your yard into a backyard grilling and entertaining oasis!

Having an outdoor kitchen or BBQ area nicely expands your living space and makes it easier and more fun to cook, eat and entertain al fresco.

Start with planning and defining the outdoor space – envision a deck or a paved patio, different types of activity zones within the space, etc. Good planning will help ensure that your outdoor kitchen or grilling area is in the right location for your yard.

For instance, an outdoor grill should, ideally, not be located right next to the area where you throw a ball with your kids or play fetch with your dog. A professional outdoor kitchen contractor can offer valuable advice about the ideal location of the grill and how it will work with the other sections of the yard, especially if you’re going for an outdoor kitchen with built-in appliances and seating. Consider which cooking and refrigeration appliances you may need, having the specific entertaining needs of your family in mind.

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You can build an outdoor kitchen with a grill (gas or charcoal), a sink, and a small refrigerator, or, you can go big with specialty appliances such as a beer tap, smokers, hibachi grills and warming drawers. Your contractor can connect your outdoor sink to a water supply, hook up your gas-powered grills, and install your electrical connections as needed, so you can ensure your outdoor kitchen is up to code.

The latest trend in outdoor kitchens is to fit it with a television set, making it both the place to cook, eat, relax and entertain. Be sure it’s properly installed out of the elements and away from heat.

If your home renovation includes a lot of landscaping changes to your yard, such as adding retaining walls or a swimming pool, incorporate the outdoor kitchen/grilling area as part of the general design. And if you have a smaller backyard, instead of an extravagant full outdoor kitchen – consider building a BBQ island, which has a grill and countertops but is a better fit for a smaller space and budget.

If you already have an outdoor deck, consider re-staining or painting and ensure it’s in top condition. Depending on its size, you may want to consider expanding it, or building a side deck or patio for your outdoor grilling. For your deck or patio flooring, opt for durable flooring material that is easy to clean, pressure wash, and will stand up to lots of traffic and extreme weather conditions.

If you have a multi-tier deck, you can make the most of it by creating different areas for eating, lounging, and other outdoor activities.

Building a covered porch will add protection from the sun and the elements, and provide a nice cozy feel. Pergolas are a wonderful way to add a romantic feel to your yard, especially when you cover them with luxurious vines and add lush plants in containers around it. You can use planter boxes for fresh herbs, tomatoes, and other garden fare, or free up floor space and add visual appeal with lovely hanging baskets.

To create the ambiance of flickering light and cozy warmth on cooler nights, consider adding an outdoor fireplace, or a personal small fire pit or fire pot to your yard.

Creating a backyard grilling area or outdoor kitchen gives you an opportunity to enjoy the outdoor weather while having the comforts of your indoor space, so make sure your furniture and other features support this. Choose durable furniture with comfortable outdoor cushions, the largest table you can fit in this space so you can use it as a buffet and as a dining table, and chairs that stack for easy winterizing.

A small fountain or pond can also lend a relaxing ambiance to your outdoor kitchen.

Also, make sure you have proper outdoor lighting because you’ll want to party late into the warm, summer nights!

Now is the best time to create this backyard grilling and entertaining oasis! Your outdoor renovation will add versatility, value and fun to your home.

For quality affordable Lancaster home renovations, trust Home One as your local source! We invite you to contact Home One Services today.