As the summer draws to a close, your mind may begin to wander to more indoor pursuits, but the fact remains that there is still plenty of enjoyable weather days still on the horizon.  For those who love the taste of outdoor cooking and enjoy entertaining family and friends, it’s never too late to think about installing a new outdoor kitchen to enhance your outdoor space.

Not only can you use your outdoor amenities long after the summer has ended, but any investment you make now in your property is one that will last for many years to come.  The good news is that now is a great time to consider installation since outdoor kitchen contractors are generally less busy than they are during the spring and early summer months, so you can get the attention you need and have your installation completed in a timely manner.

If you already have an outdoor grill that you use and are not ready to get rid of, this equipment can be incorporated into your outdoor kitchen design.  However, if your grill is older, does not have all of the bells and whistles you desire, or does not fit in well with your overall design, you may be better off getting a newer model to work with your new space.  You can always try to sell, donate or give away your older model if it is still in good working order so you do not feel like it is being wasted.

Other aspects of your design worth considering include how you like to handle food prep and serving.  If you prefer to spend your time outdoors getting food ready for cooking, rather than having to do it indoors to then transport outside, you should consider aspects in your design such as adequate food prep space and storage.  You can incorporate ample counter space, cabinets and appliances such as refrigerators, fryers, steamers and more.  You’ll also likely want to include a sink so that you can not only rinse off veggies before grilling, but can wash hands often and can provide more simple clean-up.

You should also figure out how you want to blend your entertaining space in with your outdoor kitchen space.  Just as the kitchen is the heart of the home indoors, so too is it usually the center of attention outside.  Therefore, you should consider elements such as ample seating, table space, and whether you want to include details such as an outdoor bar, an island or other entertaining features.

Although you may be able to start feeling the coolness of the late August nights, signaling the end of one season in the not too distant future and the start of another, now is a great time to think about designing and installing an outdoor kitchen.  You’ll get to enjoy your new addition for many months to come as the year draws to a close and will look forward to heading outdoors again as soon as the ground starts to thaw, ready to start next year with amenities that can add to the enjoyment of your backyard oasis.

For more information about the design and installation of outdoor kitchens in NJ and Staten Island, contact Millenium Stoneworks at 732-519-1112 or 347-723-6990.