There’s something deeply satisfying about cooking outside. The smell and sound of sizzling food seems to tap into our primal instinct for warmth and nourishment; and flame-grilled food tastes all the better when cooked and served in the fresh air. The popularity of Alfresco kitchens (as opposed to the simple backyard barbecue) has soared in recent years. Australians are choosing to add al fresco dining areas to many new builds or renovations, and landscape designers and builders have risen to the challenge; creating all weather living spaces that are more than a match for their indoor counterparts. Below are fresh ideas for an alfresco kitchen for your Central Coast home.
Alfresco Kitchen Basics
The type of alfresco kitchen you create will depend on the size of your section and, of course, your budget. A basic alfresco kitchen doesn’t have to be expensive – a barbecue, some seating, and a sun umbrella will suffice if you only want to eat alfresco in summer. But a permanent outdoor room will require more space and a reasonable amount of money.
Concrete and Stainless Alfresco Kitchen
A flat area leading off a living room is ideal for an alfresco kitchen. But if your section is sloped you will need some excavations to create an even surface. You will also need to take into consideration any council restrictions (contact your council for details), proximity to your neighbours, and accessibility. If you want to include a large, purpose built kitchen unit it may have to be craned in; and the more inaccessible the site, the higher the cost.
Floor to Ceiling Alfresco Kitchen
Your alfresco kitchen will need solid flooring and suitable covering on top. Tiles, such as slate or porcelain, are popular options for outdoor kitchens. They come in a range of colours and can be matched to the flooring in your indoor living areas. Slate is naturally textured, and looks great outdoors, but it’s somewhat cold and rather expensive. Suppliers stock a wide range of slate in many colours. Porcelain tiles are very hard and don’t absorb much moisture, so they are pretty slip resistant. You will need to ensure that you use tiles that are specified for outdoor use.
Decked Alfresco Kitchen
Decking is another popular choice, especially for outdoor kitchens that flow on to pool areas. Wood like vitex (a durable hardwood) is ideal, but note that some barbecues and kitchen units are too heavy to be placed on decking. Remember that some decking timber comes from areas where unsustainable logging is rife. Choose a good wood guide that can help you make a good decision around your decking choices.
Opening Roofs and Chimney
What’s up top is equally important, especially when the weather gets bad. Opening roofs are ideal; they can be opened to let the sun in or closed to create a snugly haven on rainy days. Look for a range of aluminium opening roofs that are great for alfresco kitchens. The angles are controlled with a button, and blades come in a range of styles, including translucent, which allow the light to shine through when the roof is closed. If you prefer a seamless look, your roof can be matched with your home’s existing roofing material. This is particularly effective when the entire roof is being replaced during a renovation.
Contact the top-rated experts at Trim Joinery and you will receive excellent advice, designs, and professionally built cabinetry to organise and modernise your kitchen renovation.
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