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Focus on Functionality

Just like your indoor kitchen, your outdoor kitchen depends on a thoughtful layout to perform at top efficiency. And planning enough space for what Faulk refers to as the four “functional zones” — hot, dry, wet and cold zones — is tantamount to achieving that goal. “Pay attention to each functional zone and think about how they will work together for prep, cooking, serving and cleanup activities,” says Faulk. “Together, these are the keys to designing an outdoor kitchen that really works for the avid cook.”

Courtesy of Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet

Hot Zones:
Grills, cooktops, pizza ovens, etc.

Cold Zones:
Refrigerators, freezers and adjacent countertops

Wet Zones:
The sink and surrounding areas

Dry Zones:
Food prep areas, counter space, cabinets and storage

Of course, each functional zone in the outdoor kitchen requires a dedicated counter space to support it, which Faulk calls a “landing area.” And failing to provide for that space is one of the biggest mistakes you can make in building your outdoor kitchen.

“People often try to squeeze too many features into a space that can’t quite accommodate them all,” says Faulk. “The result is too little countertop that becomes too fragmented or broken up. Ample countertop is an entertainer’s best friend.”

The Best Outdoor Countertop Materials

Outdoor kitchens call for outdoor-rated countertops. These materials will typically stand against the elements without creating extra work:

• Concrete
• Tile
• Soapstone
• Granite
• Compact Surfaces (e.g., Dekton, Neolith)
• Sintered Stone (e.g., Lapitec)

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