Outdoor kitchens are a great way to enjoy your backyard to the fullest, but they can be difficult to manage if not maintained properly. Weston, MA, residents know full well the intensities of New England seasons—winters are brutally cold and summers can be extremely hot and humid. Keep your outdoor kitchen looking like new by protecting it from the New England weather.
Whether you are installing an outdoor kitchen for the first time, looking for ways to upgrade or improve, or wondering how to best maintain the outdoor kitchen you have, consider these five tips for protecting your outdoor kitchen against all four seasons:
Tip #1: Use shade as protection from sunlight
Choosing the right location for your outdoor kitchen matters for many reasons, including safety and aesthetics, but the right location can also help protect your kitchen even through the harshest of winter or summer days. Building your outdoor kitchen in the shade can help avoid direct sunlight that may damage appliances and fittings over time. You can also opt for coverings—a canopy, pergola, roof, or umbrella—to enable you to enjoy your outdoor kitchen no matter the weather.
Related: Complete Your Millis, MA, Landscape Design with Beautiful Outdoor Dining Space
Tip #2: Choose weather-resistant appliances and hardware
No outdoor kitchen is complete without a top-of-the-line grill. Make sure you choose appliances that are durable and weather-resistant, such as stainless steel or ceramic. The right choice of appliances will keep you from having to replace your appliances regularly and will ensure that you can use your appliances long-term.
Also choose hardware, such as knobs, hinges, and bolts, that is weather-resistant and that won’t rust when exposed to rain or snow.
Tip #3: Choose strong, light-protected countertops and seal your countertops regularly
Your outdoor countertop will be exposed to a great deal of heat from your appliances, as well as sunlight, depending upon its location. Talk to your contractor about using a durable stone that can withstand the heat and won’t easily fade from exposure to sunlight. In addition to a naturally strong, durable stone, ask your contractor about appropriate sealants and schedule regular applications to protect and maintain the quality of the stone.
Tip #4: Clean your outdoor kitchen regularly
A great way to protect your outdoor kitchen is to ensure that all appliances, countertops, grills, ovens, sinks, and fireplaces are thoroughly and regularly cleaned. Clean your grill after each use, with a deep clean at least once a year. When wiping down your countertops, use a gentle cleaning agent, like soap and water, as harsh cleaning agents can break down your sealant and lead to future damage.
Tip #5: Winterize
When the days get longer and the weather colder, consider disconnecting the utilities to your outdoor kitchen for the months that they won’t be in use. This is especially important for the gas to your grill and the water to your outdoor sink. Shut off the water to your outdoor kitchen so that you don’t face any freezing pipes and be sure to drain the connecting water lines to avoid potential damage from excess or remaining water.
These tips will help ensure that your outdoor kitchen stays as beautiful as the day it was installed!
Image courtesy of Unilock.