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Outdoor Kitchen Island & Outdoor Living RoomsAn outdoor kitchen island seems to be something that many homeowners are interested in having, particularly if they love to grill. There are many things to consider regarding an outdoor kitchen island. There are many various appliances that can be part of the unit for outdoor cooking. The kitchen can be configured in many different shapes and sizes. In addition, their are numerous types of outdoor kitchens being offered. Outdoor Kitchen Appliances The outdoor kitchen grill is the first thing that comes to the mind of most homeowners when thinking about outdoor cooking. Grills can be If this will be for a small family, one of the smaller sizes will do. However, if you are planning on entertaining large groups, then perhaps one of the grills with a large grilling area would work better.
Outdoor Kitchen Island and Fire Pit
An outdoor kitchen grill can come with accessories such as rotisseries and side burners. Some grills also become convection ovens when the lid is closed. Custom bbq grills can be designed as part of the kitchen or as stand alone units. They can be built in with stone, stucco or other materials. Another great addition is a stainless steel sink. You can even have one with a soap dispenser, just like those available for indoor kitchens. How about a refrigerator to store cold items like drinks, ice, etc.? Refrigerators can be designed to fit nicely beneath a counter area. Normally they do not have to be large. There are many other features that you can include in your outdoor cooking kitchen. Consider any of the following:
Kitchen Types There are basically three types of outdoor kitchen islands. Modular Kitchen Islands - I refer to these as semi-custom. You can choose which accessories you would like. You are often given a choice a few different types of finishes, such as stucco, granite, etc. The kitchens are then ordered this way. *Images are takens from Outdoor Kitchen Creations. Unfinished Modular Kitchen Units - With these, you may also choose which accessories you like, but it is order unfinished. A mason will face the unit and supply the counter tops. You have more control over material choices this way. For example, you might like to match your patio or pool travertine pavers with the same travertine tile. Outdoor Kitchen Shapes The outdoor kitchen island can be a simple rectangular unit. It can also have numerous angles or can be L shaped. It all depends on the appliances and amenities that are part of the overall design. A particularly nice feature is to include an area for stools so that the cook and family or guests can have conversation. Outdoor Kitchen Materials Many different materials can be used to face the upright surface of the outdoor kitchen island. Natural stone can be used. Travertine is a nice choice too, especially if the patio or swimming pool decking is travertine pavers. Brick or stucco are other outdoor kitchen island material choices. The counter tops can be stone slabs such as granite or travertine. They can also be made of bluestone or porcelain tile. There are many options. Outdoor Living Rooms An outdoor kitchen design can include just the kitchen island, but you can also make it part of a larger outdoor environment or living space in your backyard design. The area can be set up as an outdoor living room complete with sofa, chairs and even an outdoor rug. And perhaps a pizza oven? This is an enjoyable video showing a wood fired pizza oven...just don't be hungry while you watch! You might consider adding a fire pit to add to the atmosphere. Fire pits can be a freestanding unit using propane or natural gas. A fireplace is another popular addition to outdoor living rooms. There are outdoor kitchen companies who will incorporate a fireplace into the kitchen island. You can also choose to buy a ready made free-standing unit or to have one custom built to fit in with the total landscape design. A great design can be created by having an outdoor pergola over the outdoor kitchen. This can be limited to the cooking area or can be designed to encompass the entire area. This creates a room and is very cozy. Once again, there are companies that are providing this now as an add on, or you can have one custom designed and built. You also might consider an outdoor pergola not incorporated into the outdoor kitchen island, yet part of the outdoor living room....or even elsewhere on your property. Another lovely landscape structure is an outdoor gazebo, which provides another interesting place to relax in the area. Also think about the landscaping in the area. Perennials, shrubs and a pretty ornamental tree can be wonderful additions, especially if you enjoy all season color. You might like to read more information about outdoor gas grills themselves. You can, by visiting my page Gas Outdoor Grills. Outdoor Televisions - The Ultimate! From the very small to the very large, LCD HDTV's are available for outdoor living spaces. They are completely weatherproof from hot and cold temperatures, often safe from -24 to 122 degrees F. In addition, they are also weatherproof from snow and rain. They are often twice as bright as normal televisions to accommodate outside viewing and lighting conditions. Outdoor televisions can be installed to tilt and swivel. CD and DVD players can also be integrated. All the electronics can be satellite ready. As you can see, outdoor living rooms and outdoor kitchens can be very elaborate. However, you can also have one designed that is simpler and will provide just as much enjoyment.
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various sizes. The size should be determined by the actual amount of family or guests you will be serving. 
Often this is a face stone which is thinner than regular stone. 
