The Top 6 Considerations When Adding a Grill Island to Your Charlotte Backyard
Adding a grill or grill island to your backyard is a wonderful long-term investment in your home. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, 75% of adults in the U.S. own a grill or smoker.
So whether you are looking to create an entertainment space, feed your family, or add resale value to your home, grills in Charlotte, NC, can meet your needs. When adding a grill to your backyard landscape, there are lots of considerations to give thought to before beginning the project.
Read on for the top 6 considerations when adding an outdoor grill kitchen to your home.
1. Layout
Even in spacious backyards, the layout of your outdoor grill island space will be an important consideration. If you place the grill area in an inconvenient spot or in a place that interrupts the flow of your backyard, you may be left with buyer’s regret.
You should think about the layout of your backyard and the existing features, such as patios, decks, and landscaping. It’s important to find a location that is convenient and easily accessible for cooking and entertaining but also complements the overall design of your outdoor space.
Additionally, you should consider the amount of space you have available and the size of the grill island you plan to purchase. You’ll want to make sure there is enough room for the island and enough space around it for people to gather and move around comfortably. It’s also important to consider the location of the grill island in relation to your home and other structures, as well as the direction of the wind and the amount of sun exposure. This will help ensure that smoke and heat do not become a problem and that you have a comfortable spot to use the grill.
It’s important to consult an expert to help you plan your design and layout. A seasoned expert can help you spot potential issues with your preferred grill island placement and come up with options and alternatives.
2. Materials
When it comes to outdoor grill islands, material choice is a critical consideration. From brick to tile to stone, each material has its own distinct look, and not all of them may be appropriate for your situation.
For example, if you have a desert-like backyard, brick will probably not be a top choice to fit the aesthetic. If you are looking for a highly customizable kitchen, tile may be a good choice.
A professional will be able to present all of your material choices, walk you through the pros and cons of each, and provide honest recommendations before moving forward with your grill island.
3. Design Elements
Grills in Charlotte, NC, need to be functional but also feature smart and beautiful designs. You want your grill to be easy to use and act as a design element or feature rather than stick out.
In an ideal world, your outdoor kitchen will blend in seamlessly with your hardscape or landscape. With a little planning and smart material choices, your outdoor kitchen BBQ can act as a beautiful feature of your backyard.
4. Installation Timeline
The installation timeline for outdoor grills can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. It may take a few weeks to order in custom materials in some instances. In cases where your design incorporates many elements like shade and custom storage, the timeline will also be a bit longer.
Before you start the process, work with your outdoor grill professional to set expectations. If you have an event or other time constraint in the mix, make sure to communicate that before the project starts.
5. Cleaning & Maintenance
To keep your outdoor grill island or kitchen looking good, you’ll need to invest in cleaning and maintenance. How much cleaning and maintenance is required is an important consideration as you begin your project.
Some materials require more cleaning than others, and some designs will be more difficult to clean regularly or may be a draw for outdoor debris. Consider whether you will be doing the cleaning and maintenance yourself or whether you’ll be able to hire a professional to ensure your grill stays in good condition.
6. Grill Features
While your outdoor grill area can be a beautiful design element, you’ll also want to ensure it can accommodate your actual grilling needs. Do you grill meat that requires a lot of preparation space? Or do you only occasionally grill vegetables that can be accommodated by a smaller grill?
The grill should be the starting point for your design, and the supporting material should be built around it. Make sure to talk to your design expert about what grill features you want and need.
Components of a Grill Island
One of the most important considerations occurs after you have finitely decided that a grill island is the way to go. What type of grill should you choose? There are so many options available so you want to find the variety most suited to you and your needs.
Grills are defined by the amount of fuel you use. You could opt for a gas or charcoal grill depending on your objectives for grilling (gas makes grilling easier but can be more expensive while charcoal gives you that traditional barbecue taste) or you could select a Green Egg or Kamado grill. You can opt for the flexibility of a roll in grill or select a more permanent built-in option. There are pluses and minuses to each choice and it’s good to do your homework on each before diving in.
Trust The Stone Man for Your Grill Islands
With the help of The Stone Man, you can create your dream outdoor living area. We focus on what is most important to you, and our talented staff brings expertise and enthusiasm to each outdoor living design.
Our company mission is to improve the lives of our clients and the community at large. Working with us is like having a family member in the business. To get started on your outdoor grill project, contact us today.