As the leader of outdoor stainless steel cabinetry, Danver is at the forefront of the outdoor kitchen industry. With over 20 years of experience, we understand the importance of a seamless design process for our customers.
To assist with your design, we have created a Design Guide with outdoor kitchen ideas. This handy guide includes tips for location, utilities (e.g., water, gas electrical), appliances, storage, outdoor seating, and more.
Read on to learn more about our Design Guide and how we can help you get started with your design.
Location, Location, Location
An important consideration for your outdoor kitchen design is the placement of your cabinetry. Some guidelines for choosing a location are local codes, the proximity to your indoor kitchen, and if the space will be covered.
By asking yourself relevant questions, you can more easily decide your outdoor kitchen location. For instance:
Is the area level? For the best results, your area should be as level as possible.
How close will your outdoor kitchen be to your indoor kitchen? If your placement is close to your indoor kitchen, you may not require as many amenities in your outdoor space.
Will your outdoor kitchen be covered or uncovered? An outdoor kitchen that is covered will have different maintenance requirements than one that is exposed to the weather.
Location is important, so you will want to assess your individual requirements before choosing an area to install your Danver outdoor kitchen.
Services Required
The utilities included in your design will depend on your outdoor cooking and entertainment needs, as well as the size and limitations of your space. Many outdoor kitchens include features like gas, water, and electrical for all-in-one functionality.
Consider factors like the addition of plumbing for water, water filtration, gas line needs, and electrical outlets. By identifying your utility requirements ahead of time, you will ensure a smoother design process.
Stylish Shapes
Depending on your budget, the sky is truly the limit when deciding on the shape of your outdoor kitchen. At Danver, we offer hundreds of cabinetry sizes and dozens of styles – giving you seemingly endless options.
Straight Line
Straight line layouts are great for decks, balconies, or other smaller spaces where size limitations are a concern.
L-Shaped
L-shaped outdoor kitchens are one of the most flexible options. This layout is commonly found in indoor kitchens as well, as they make great use of workspace and storage space.
U-Shaped
Much more suitable for larger spaces, U-shaped outdoor kitchens are highly beneficial for cooking and entertaining.
All the Appliances
Appliances are an important addition to any outdoor kitchen. Each appliance has its own considerations for functionality in your overall layout. Keep placement, clearances, and the manufacturer’s specifications in mind when deciding on your appliances. Danver’s appliance cabinetry and grill cabinetry can accommodate almost every outdoor cooking appliance and grill. We can house smokers, side burners, gas grills, electric grills, and more. Our unique attention to detail guarantees a seamless fit every time.
For entertainment and convenience, we can accommodate fridges, wine coolers, and ice makers, sinks, and trash.
Storage Solutions
A key component for every kitchen, storage is crucial for the function of your space. Danver offers a variety of storage solutions, such as base cabinets, wall cabinets, islands, floating shelves, and tall cabinets.
Our base cabinets are available in multiple configurations: full-height door, door/drawer, and multi-drawer. These options give you freedom to store cooking essentials like utensils, pots, and pans.
An uncommon offering outdoors, our wall cabinets are perfect for storing items like glassware and dinnerware. They are available in 3” increments from 12” to 36” wide.
Have a Seat
An outdoor living space is incomplete without a seating area. If you are looking to incorporate seating within your outdoor kitchen layout, we offer solutions for bar height, counter height, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant height.
Our innovative solutions allow you to incorporate bar height seating with countertop support into your outdoor kitchen. These solutions will help you design the perfect seating setup, all while taking height and spacing into consideration.
Color, Style, and Design
The colors and styles that you choose for your outdoor kitchen are an important aspect to the design. Danver has an expansive color offering and a wide selection of door styles to suit any aesthetic.
Our UV resistant powder coats are available in a multitude of bright and neutral colors, metallics, and textures. Our finishes reduce the maintenance of your outdoor kitchen, requiring only regular cleaning with mild soap and water.
Apart from your color selection, your choice of door style will enhance your design. Our stainless steel doors are composed of individual pieces that are powder coated prior to assembly for a flawless result.
Safety First
Safety is the number one priority in your outdoor kitchen plan. When designing your space, keep features like utilities, your flooring material, and lighting in mind.
We recommend that your gas shutoff is in an easily accessible area. For optimal safety, keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Choose a slip-resistant flooring material, as a wet floor is risky for slips and falls. Your area should also be well-lit, with ample lighting throughout.
Finally, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for clearance and distance from combustible materials.
Request for Design
Now that you are armed with all the important considerations for your outdoor kitchen design, we invite you to fill out our interactive Request for Design Form. This form is a great first step towards achieving your own signature outdoor kitchen or helping your clients design the luxury outdoor kitchen of their dreams.
Featured image: Designer – Joyce Zuelke of Geneva Cabinet Company / Photographer – Josh Z Photography
To get started on your design, contact us today!
This article is based on industry knowledge and research by outdoor kitchen design professionals, including our in-house experts and engineers with decades of experience.Our goal at Danver is to provide factual information on relevant topics to help readers make informed decisions about their outdoor living spaces.
This article uses trusted sources with references hyperlinked to the source material.
