New House - Outdoor Kitchen

[CaptainMike]

Very nice. We have the similar lot issues that are forcing us into a traditional deck. Still trying to decide on composite or wood. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. Slate or stone would be my personal preference if it would have fit our application.

[Centex Hokie]

Thanks, The house exterior is Natural Stone, charcoal Leuders, the patio will be slate or stone tile.

[CaptainMike]

Concrete or stone floors? That's going to be a nice space.

[Centex Hokie]

Thanks. I have access to lots of metal fabricating capability (I own a machinery manufacturing company) including CNC machines and plan to do a lot of this myself. We are in central Texas so there is some freeze protection needed, but it is minimal. I agree with you that I only want to do this once. Hoping for $15K but willing to go higher to get what we want.

[Centex Hokie]

This is a snippet of the space. The only thing missing from the drawing is that the covered patio will be down three stairs from the family room and the master bedroom due to the lot contours.

[Centex Hokie]

Your image is close. One side is completely enclosed by the MBr, the long wall is completely enclosed by the Great Room, and the 3rd side is enclosed except for 3' 9" by the dining room. The other wall is completely open and that is why I am trying to determine if I need a vent.

[Centex Hokie]

Thanks. I'll check that out.

[CaptainMike]

If I had to guess LA Pork Butt, I would say the ceiling fan played a role in that. I wouldn't use one for that application as they are designed to circulate air rather than disperse it. We had them on a previous home's porch and they would blow my cigar smoke every which way. Just a thought.

[CaptainMike]

LA Pork Butt, seems like a big enough area to disperse the smoke, I wonder what were the contributing factors. I have smoked on my covered porch for years without a problem. We have a breeze that moves it out nicely, but even when absent the smoke rolls out without creating a problem. You make a good point about a covered 3-sided area though, and perhaps Centex Hokie should study some smoke removal options prior to building.

[LA Pork Butt]

I had a friend who built a 25’ x 25’ cook hut opened on all four sides and with a ceiling fan. He had problems with smoke. His grills were not on the outer edge of the hut.

[CaptainMike]

We're doing pretty much the same thing next month. I plan on 2/3 of the perimeter to be base cabinets that I'll build to be weatherproof. If you can, run H&C water and a sink drain to a common wall of the house and freeze protect if that's an issue in your area. At 15' ceiling height I don't think smoke will be much of a problem, but it is something you can address as needed. Our ceiling will be vaulted and have an open gable so I'm not worried about smoke.

Carefully plan your electrical needs, i.e. plugs, lighting and switches, and appliances. Plan any built-ins and gas plumbing needs if that applies. I'm keeping everything mobile to provide for maximum flexibility and counter space. Think about countertop material. We're going to use some leftover granite from our kitchen remodel and maybe that's something to think about when you plan your house kitchen counters.

$15K is a reasonable budget. That's about what I need to do the whole job, construction included, but as a contractor who has the necessary tools I do all of my own work. Obviously, the more you can do yourself the more you can stretch that budget. Keep in mind that you only want to do this once. Meaning if you need to invest a little more to get what you want, and get it right the first time, then find a way to scrounge a little more. I cant' count the times I've seen folks settle for less, only to be unhappy and eventually spend the money to upgrade anyway. And that's a lot more expensive.

Keep us all posted as you go through your build, it's always fun to see what ideas folks come up with. Good Luck!!

[JakeT]

Oh no, I can feel the MCS coming on...someone quick! Hide my wallet!

[Centex Hokie]

Thanks. I like my pellet grill, it's limitations are those of the cook. I will for sure be adding a gas grill, a refrigerator, some storage and a sink. The electrical, gas, and plumbing are already in the plans and not a part of my budget for this.

[LA Pork Butt]

I don’t fully understand, but your description gives me Ann image of being very much enclosed like a room with one wall removed. That makes me think you either need to move the smoker outside the room or have a large power driven vent.

[Attjack]

Check out The outdoor kitchen thread (post your cooking space!)