Embrace the Magic of an Outdoor Kitchen

February 19, 2022

When looking to enhance and revamp a home’s exterior, perusing all the options related to decking in Boulder is a wise move. For homes already complete with a deck or looking to add one, turning the home “inside out” a bit by building an outdoor kitchen is a unique and exciting way to modernize the property. Properly outfitted Boulder hardware stores and businesses specializing in home improvement offer exceptional professional guidance, as well as quality work and materials, like lumber in Boulder, to help realize all manner of outdoor cooking dreams.


Novel and Conducive to Memorable Entertaining


Having a special outdoor kitchen and dining area allows hosts to create a unique ambiance for themselves and guests, using elements like mood lighting, music, and visually exciting yet comfy outdoor furniture. For kitchens outfitted with ample counter space and cubbies, hosts can go all out and harness their creative urges by filling unused space with decor. Maybe some strategically placed candles are conducive to the desired aesthetics and mood, or those throw pillows that match the outdoor chairs would look great in the connected side seats. Hosts may even want to embrace the more natural themes of being in nature and add beautiful accents with floral arrangements or succulents. Another great customizable option for outdoor kitchens is constructing the dining area in an island configuration around the grilling and cooking area. This allows for even more engagement and connection between the cook and guests and maintains a heightened sense of community and social bonding, even while busy multitasking mixing salads, and monitoring the grill. This setting offers hosts the opportunity to save on potential restaurant costs and instead invest in creating a special experience with quality food and surroundings.


Outdoor kitchens are nothing without a quality grill. This most communal of cooking methods has its own lists of benefits, like offering taste variety with the high heat and charring involved, which is considered healthy as excess fats drip off. These benefits are paired with the modern conveniences of a mini-fridge, sink, and a spacious countertop doubling as an area for hanging out and socializing in an outdoor kitchen. There is no need for constant trips in and out of an indoor kitchen, allowing for a more fully immersive and centralized experience.


Extension of Home Living Space


Practically speaking, for those with smaller home interiors, or, perhaps, a long guest list- maybe both!- extending the social area to the outdoors provides the necessary space for a full and engaging experience for all present. What’s more, investing in aesthetically pleasing and practical exterior elements encourages homeowners and guests to enjoy the outdoors more. Cooking and socializing can still take place in the same area, now upgraded with the simultaneous enjoyment of fresh air and the natural elements of a property. The modern amenities and personalized design of an open-air kitchen offer residents and their visiting friends and family to indulge in an intriguing ambiance distinct from their more conventional, indoor counterparts. Even simple yet quality construction and the open, breezy setting makes for a more luxurious experience and make every meal feel like a special and relaxing occasion.


Investment in Property


Choosing to add an outdoor kitchen to one’s property offers more opportunities for decorating and customization in the living space. Overall layouts can be as simple as a small corner outfitted with a grill, mini-fridge, and just enough counter space, to more extravagant and eye-catching creations featuring full-size sinks, attached sunken side benches for lounging, ovens,  power burners/stoves, smokers, and extensive cabinet and cupboard space. Depending on an individual’s vision and needs, such features as bar islands, pizza ovens, and even waterfalls can be added in. Even rain can be embraced as an element of ambiance rather than a hindrance, as specialized roofs and coverings can be constructed to make the most of an outdoor dining experience.


The materials used for such outfitted appliances are strategically chosen, assembled, and protected to withstand the elements in a given area. One can take advantage of the wide variety of materials available, such as composite decking in Boulder, including quality and professional Trex decking in Boulder.  One can also tailor to personal tastes by choosing amenities made of multicolored stone, sleek metal, and accents of all shades, to name a few. Such intentional design is guaranteed to preserve the investment for years to come and retain both personal and monetary value. 


According to sources like CNN Money, when reselling a home equipped with an outdoor kitchen, US homeowners can expect, at the very least, to regain the full amount spent on constructing these special amenities. As these cooking areas are considered to be luxury features, countless homeowners in the US are able to sell for a more lucrative price, allowing them to profit off their attractive and practical investment. All in all, an outdoor cooking area not only offers a unique ambiance but can also add significant value to a home, attracting attention and benefitting the owner when it comes time to sell.


Lower Energy Usage in Hot Seasons

As most modern homes are equipped with air conditioning, especially properties located in areas with warmer weather year-round, outdoor areas designated for cooking can help save on energy costs. Cooking inside intrinsically warms up the interior of a home, particularly larger-scale meals, which can be an advantage in areas with cold fall and winter weather. However, during the summer and hotter periods, a home’s air conditioner has to use up more energy to keep the interior cool. Not only can indoor summer cooking get stuffy temperature-wise, stronger, more pungent smells can also be intensified, like deep fried foods. Instead of opening windows to air out a home and letting hot air flow in, also expending more air conditioning energy, cooking outdoors eliminates any such concerns, even smoky mishaps with burnt dishes. 


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Additionally, wood decking can be easily stained or painted in various shades to match your home's aesthetic. If you ever want to change the look, refinishing wood is relatively simple, allowing you to switch up the vibe of your outdoor space without replacing the entire deck. Affordability When you compare wood vs composite decking, wood generally wins on price. Although composite decking materials have become more affordable, they can still be significantly more expensive than wood. Wood decking is a smart option if you're working with a tight budget but still want a high-quality deck. Budget Home Supply offers various wood types at competitive prices, making it easier to choose a cost-effective material without compromising quality. If you're handy, wood decking allows for a more budget-friendly DIY project. Eco-Friendly Option For environmentally conscious homeowners, wood decking is often the more sustainable option. Most wood used for decking is harvested from responsibly managed forests, making it a renewable resource. With proper care and maintenance, a wood deck can last for decades, reducing the need for frequent replacements that could add to waste. Composite decking, on the other hand, is made from a combination of plastic and wood fibers. While some composite products use recycled materials, many still rely on plastics, which can have a higher carbon footprint. If sustainability is a priority for you, choosing wood could help reduce your environmental impact. Comfort and Temperature If you plan on spending a lot of time on your deck, comfort is key. In the battle of wood vs composite decking, wood is often cooler underfoot, making it a more comfortable choice during hot summer months. Composite decking materials, especially darker colors, tend to absorb heat, making them uncomfortable to walk barefoot. This is vital to consider if you live in a warmer climate or if your deck gets direct sunlight. Wood's natural texture also makes it feel more inviting, giving it an organic softness that enhances the outdoor experience. Plus, wood won’t retain heat as much as synthetic materials, ensuring a more enjoyable space for entertaining and relaxing. Repairability Over time, wear and tear are inevitable, but wood decking is easier to repair than composite. If a section of your wood deck becomes damaged, you can typically replace individual boards or sand them down to restore the surface. With composite decking, repairs can be more complicated. Matching colors and textures in composite materials can be difficult, and some types of composite decking don’t allow for spot repairs, meaning you might need to replace larger deck sections. Wood's natural composition allows for refinishing, giving your deck a second life and saving you money in the long run. Regular sanding and staining can breathe new life into your deck, making it look almost brand new again. Classic Appeal There's something undeniably classic about wood decking for homes. It's a choice that has stood the test of time. From rustic to modern homes, wood can complement any architectural style. It's versatile, allowing various design options like custom railings, built-in seating, or intricate woodwork. The flexibility of wood as a material gives you endless possibilities when designing your outdoor space. While durable and low-maintenance, composite decking may not offer the same level of flexibility when it comes to customization. Wood is often the better option if you want a deck that feels like a true extension of your home. Customization Options When it comes to wood decking, you have several options, whether it’s pressure-treated wood, cedar, or exotic hardwoods like ipe or mahogany. Each type of wood offers unique qualities in terms of durability, appearance, and price. For instance, cedar is very resistant to rot and insects, which makes it a long-lasting option for outdoor decks. Additionally, Budget Home Supply offers a range of wood materials , allowing you to pick the right fit for your climate, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Maintenance It’s no secret that wood decks require more maintenance than composite decking, but it’s often overstated how much work wood needs. Basic care, such as annual cleaning, occasional sealing, and periodic staining, can keep your wood deck looking fantastic for years. Maintaining wood is straightforward with the right products and a little elbow grease. If you enjoy outdoor projects or take pride in keeping your home in top shape, maintaining a wood deck can be a satisfying experience. Plus, wood's ability to be sanded and refinished gives it an advantage over composite, which can show irreversible wear after years of use. Value and ROI When considering the long-term value of wood vs composite decking, wood often provides a better return on investment. Many homebuyers are drawn to the natural beauty of wood decks, which can enhance curb appeal and increase the overall value of your home. While composite decks may last longer and require less maintenance, they may not offer the same aesthetic appeal to prospective buyers. Wood decking provides a sense of craftsmanship and tradition, which can be especially appealing in homes with natural landscapes or older architectural styles. Refreshing your wood deck with stains or paints allows you to keep it looking fresh and appealing, further adding to its value. Bottom Line: Wood Decking Wins for Many Homeowners In the debate of wood vs composite decking, the natural beauty, affordability, and repairability of wood decking make it a standout choice for many homeowners. Whether you want to create a cozy backyard retreat or an elegant outdoor entertaining space, wood offers flexibility, timeless style, and a solid return on investment. At Budget Home Supply, we offer various wood decking materials to suit every need and budget. Consider wood if you want to build a deck that combines beauty with durability. Visit us at Budget Home Supply to explore your options and make your outdoor space the best it can be. So, why wait? Start planning your dream wood deck today!
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