Sinks, fireplaces and granite countertops among hottest outdoor kitchen trends
Warm summer nights are great for entertaining in outdoor kitchens as they take on a trending design innovation featuring sinks, built-in grills, outdoor fireplaces, cabinetry and granite counter tops, according to local kitchen and bath experts.
鈥淚t蘑菇视频 a really big market now with people spending time outside,鈥� said Doug Crouse, who along with his wife, Natalie, own C&C Granite of Uniontown.
The U.S. Census Bureau reported spending on patios, terraces and equipment for outdoor kitchens has nearly quadrupled in the past decade.
Doug Crouse said the design possibilities are virtually endless and that a lot of people are going with islands, built-in ice chests and recessed flag poles for umbrellas over a bar area.鈥滻t蘑菇视频 a nice addition to someone蘑菇视频 yard.鈥�
Crouse noted that LED lights are also being used to illuminate appliances such as deep chests and wine coolers.
鈥淭he overriding trend now is flexibility,鈥� said, Leslie Wheeler, former communications director for the Hearth Patio and Barbecue Association. 鈥淧eople want options, and manufacturers are responding with a wide range of accessories and add-ons at all prices.鈥�
Better Homes and Gardens said companies are creating entire lines of outdoor appliances that let you entertain outside just as easily as you can inside.
Many of the lines provide customers with the option to mix and match so they can add on as they go and customize an outdoor kitchen that fits their needs.
Granite and concrete counter tops have been rated as the most popular material for outdoor kitchens from DIY Home Design because of their durability, easy cleaning and practical cooking surface.
鈥淕ranite is one of very few solid surface materials that can endure harsh weather and outdoor elements,鈥� said Natalie Crouse.
Aside from granite being a natural material of the earth, Crouse said it has an excellent industry rating for heat resistance, fluctuating temperatures and is less expensive compared to quartz and other man-made materials.
Doug Crouse said a lot of people are incorporating stone in their outdoor kitchen design as a material for islands and raised bars leading to in-ground pools.
Jeff and Allison Haragos of Uniontown had an outdoor kitchen installed by C&C Granite last year.
Allison Haragos said what started out as a small project to install a grilling station and swimming pool ended up blossoming into a full fledged outdoor kitchen by adding a bar, fireplace, wine fridge, T.V. and hot tub.
鈥淭en years ago, products for outdoor kitchens were very expensive or simply not available,鈥� said Mark Allen, president of the National Outdoor Kitchen and Fireplace Association and Outdoor Kitchens by Design. 鈥淣ow, many manufacturers offer a vast array of accessories, and there are infinite options.鈥�