If a dream and a snap of the fingers could bring a backyard to
life, South Valley would be overflowing with backyard kitchens. But
they take a little more work than that.
If a dream and a snap of the fingers could bring a backyard to life, South Valley would be overflowing with backyard kitchens. But they take a little more work than that.
“The first step is to figure out what budget you have in mind,” advised Pete Gluhaich, owner of Greenstreak Landscaping in Gilroy. “Then I tell people to pick out their barbeque – and we will build around it, depending on the budget.”
Gluhaich said he has seen huge growth in backyard kitchen construction over the past five years.
“It’s a lifestyle thing, and a lot of people want that outdoor freedom,” he said. “We’ve designed them from really simple to really elaborate, with gas ovens, prep sinks, slide-out TVs and full entertainment centers. You plug it in and off you go.”
Gluhaich said avid cooks want top quality in the backyard.
“We are basically just taking the kitchen and moving it outdoors. And there are more and more people in our area doing that.”
Contractors and landscape designers recommend homeowners take some time to plan their dream outdoor kitchen. The following planning exercises can help:
1. Set your budget. How much will you allocate to appliances and barbeques?
2. Make a list of things you’d like to do in your backyard kitchen. Do you want to cook, bake, barbeque – or all three? Do you like to use charcoal, smoke or gas for fuel?
3. Picture yourself in your outdoor area and write down the “zones” you’d like to have. For instance, a backyard kitchen can include a sitting area, a bar, a cooking zone and a clean-up zone, among others.
4. What kind of shelter will you provide? Options include solid overhangs (good for both summer sun and winter rains) or lattice-topped shade structures. Trellises also can be a good option.
5. Next, sketch a basic plan of your backyard, including any structures, trees and significant plants that already exist. Where do you want to locate your kitchen? Will it be removed from the house, or a straight shot to the kitchen?
6. And finally, decide whether you will do some or all of the work yourself. If you decide you need help to achieve your dream, set up meetings with local contractors. Bring your notes from the above exercise to your meetings and ask for complete quotes and timelines from several contractors. That way, you can compare cost and project length, and find a contractor whose work and personality fit your needs.
