Outdoor Kitchen Technical Specifications

The decision to install an outdoor kitchen can be a statement in entertaining. The idea of cooking outdoors, with aroma’s wafting through the air, beverages quenching thirst and tastes satisfying pallets, conjures up enjoyable times. To have the accessibility of food, drink, cutlery, and place settings as well as pantry accessories at one’s disposal will insure entertaining is “Over the Top”.

There are so many factors to consider with design and layout as the outdoor kitchen and patio seating area is the larger version of the extended kitchen and therefore needs careful planning to meet expectations. The design of the kitchen, which can be a significant undertaking (as much as a home kitchen remodeling project) should match the space and layout available, needs, desires, and wants of the homeowner. So, we encourage the homeowner to examine as many different layouts and options as possible.

Therefore, our advice is — “learn about the type of outdoor kitchen you need and want and take your time to make a decision”. — We encourage the homeowner to examine as many different layouts and choices as possible. Look through the Wichman social media sites noted on the last page as well as examine “Pins” on Pinterest and” Ideabooks or Projects” on Houzz. Pick up and examine as many of the various landscaping design booklets or browse through the various product design brochures offered by manufacturers as well as offerings made by the outdoor living supply houses, to get a sense of what is available in the way of product choices. For your convenience, we have listed embedded sites to view at the end of the bulletin.

This technical bulletin addresses the basics of outdoor kitchen construction design features and will help the homeowner plan the best layout that meets their needs and budget.

Outdoor Kitchen

The first consideration is the placement of the kitchen and the access of the various features to be installed: Grill, Side Burner, Smoker, Draws and Cabinets, Sinks and Refrigerators. Two other factors come into play and they are electrical and water/drainage. Consider the proximity to the house. Next, look at the size it will encompass as well as the shape: regular or irregular that it will take. Add in other additions to define form and influence functionality such as: Lighting, Fire Places, Fire Pits, Outdoor Entertainment Centers, Pergolas, and Gazebos. All of these factors will greatly impact the cost of the design and hence your budget.

When considering an outdoor kitchen, not only are hardscape pavers an option, but a stone veneer design is an option as well. Countertop materials either out of granite, sandstone, slate, or preformed concrete are additional options to consider. Wichman Landscape Construction can advise best on the product choice for the outdoor kitchen that will meet your budget. Check with your local appliance dealers and the web for stainless steel grills and accessories.

Furthermore, we will work along with other contractors to install features such as utilities, entertainment systems, pergolas, and gazebos.

When first starting to scope out the project, consider these issues:

Neighbors. Depending on the project scope and the proximity to neighboring properties, let your neighbors know about your project before you begin.
Winterization. Always a consideration is rain, snow, and the harsh elements of the winter season. The outdoor kitchen should be placed and positioned such that water is not an issue and winterization of the various appliances can be undertaken. Wichman Landscape Construction can advise the best approach to manage these points.
Site Access. Depending on the work to done, ease of access and the ability to move equipment and material into and out of the work site needs to be considered and factored into the
Utilities. Gas (LPG or NG) will need to be made available unless the supply with be via a storage tank. Electricity and water will need to be provided when refrigerators & sinks are considered.

Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen:

Use the embedded Wichman worksheet Grid technical sheet.pdf to layout both a plot as well as elevation plan to develop the design.

Please fill in the blanks to develop the wall design:

Kitchen Counter Width                                      Kitchen Counter Length
Kitchen Counter Shape (L) or (S)                     Grill Size
Side Burners               Refrigerator                         Sink
Water                Hot and /or Cold
Smoker
Egg
Outdoor Entertainment
Gazebo or Pergola

Please consider the following:

A. Compliance of site to latest site plan

Does the site plan and layout coincide with current site conditions?
Do the section drawings match the topography of the job-site?
Have site utilities been accounted for?
Are there any recommendations for changes to the site plans to accommodate the added features such as a retaining wall?

B. Review of reported soil conditions with Wichman Landscape Construction and if necessary a soils engineer

Are on site soils consistent with soil parameters used in the design?
Does the site show indications of multiple types of soils and has this been accounted for?
Is there evidence of landfill areas on site?

C. Review of above-grade water management

Has surface runoff been accounted for in the site design?
Will this site be irrigated?
If storm drains become inoperable where will the water migrate to?
During renovation of land will temporary drainage be an issue?

D. Review of below grade water management

How and where will drain piping be installed?
Is it possible to vent drain pipe to daylight?
Is venting to a storm drainage system an option?
Will outlets be located and protected from blockage or damage?

E. Site Access

Does the site have easy access to earth moving equipment?
Is there a plan to remediate the property to its former condition if the equipment used to construct the patio damages the surrounding property?
Does the site allow for the transportation of soil either taken from or brought to the site as fill?

F. Recommended material manufacturers that supply patio paver product into the Pittsburgh region:

G. Recommended Wichman & social media sites to view for further information and ideas.

Download the technical specifications sheet.

Download the grid technical sheet.

Product Specifications

Outdoor Kitchen Technical Specifications

Outdoor Kitchen

When first starting to scope out the project, consider these issues:

Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen:

Please consider the following:

When in doubt or you if have any questions, please consult with Wichman Landscape Construction.

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