The recent popularity of outdoor custom cabinets Glen Waverley is expected to continue being a hot trend. Not only are the warmer southern climates featuring a rise in outdoor kitchen growth, but the colder northern climates are too. They offer a good return on investment (ROI) should you decide to sell your home and they also provide you with an enjoyable and functional outdoor living space.

When it comes to creating your outdoor kitchen, the possibilities are endless! It can be large or small…from a simple “portable” or modular unit, i.e., a grill with countertop space on either side to a grand custom-designed, fully functional outdoor kitchen/living space complete with grill(s), refrigerators, freezers, sinks, counters, and lots and lots of storage space. They can be designed near pools, on patios, within gardens, or almost anywhere that you desire to have an enjoyable outdoor living space.

As you can see, while they may seem like a luxury, there really are no set rules for defining a space as an outdoor kitchen. With a little imagination and helpful resources and design guidelines such as this, you will find that no matter what type you may fancy, it is sure to become a central location for your family and your friends to gather while enjoying the great outdoors.

Following is a short and fun questionnaire to help you begin determining your outdoor kitchen design goals. The answers to these questions will help provide you with a brief introduction to outdoor kitchen options customized to your desires and requirements. Have fun and remember there are no right or wrong answers!

Now let’s tally up your choices – for every (a) answer give yourself 5 points, for every (b) answer give yourself 10 points, for every (c) answer give yourself 15 points, and for every (d) answer give yourself 20 points. Total your points and locate your total below:

Mostly A’s – 30 points or less: While you may not have much space and/or money to work with, there are options available for you. Consider a nice built-in grill with side cabinets which can be manufactured with variety of different materials such as Starboard, PVC or Wood. Later, as space or money allows, you can easily upgrade and add to your outdoor kitchen space.

Mostly B’s – 35 points – 50 points: If you answered with mostly B’s, you see yourself as utilizing your outdoor space on a rather frequent basis and would like some additional amenities. Depending on your expected budget, this could include either a basic single “wall or line” construction or the larger and popular L-shaped kitchen design. Your choice of material can also be Starboard, PVC, and/or Wood.

Mostly C’s – 55 points – 75 points: If you fall within this category, you are definitely on the road to having a very well thought-out and carefully planned outdoor living space that is both functional and enjoyable. A wide range of options are available to you in terms of kitchen design and layout, as well as form and function, with a great deal of additional amenities. Always dreamed of having an outdoor pizza oven or maybe a nice fire pit or even a fireplace? No problem! You are certainly following a path to success in planning your outdoor living space which can provide you years of outdoor living enjoyment using a variety of material options such Starboard, PVC, or Wood.

Mostly D’s – 80 points or more: Congratulations! The sky is the limit for you! You have many design options available and may even wish to consider a more custom-designed space and the use of a designer specializing in outdoor kitchens to help you in your decision-making process. Your material choices and design options are endless in completing the outdoor kitchen of your dreams in a choice of materials featuring Starboard, PVC, and/or Wood.

It is hoped that you have enjoyed this brief and thought-provoking questionnaire to help you along your path in designing your dream outdoor kitchen space.The next article in this series will take this questionnaire a step further in terms of really nailing down some of the more detailed space planning aspects of your outdoor kitchen project such as kitchen shape, location, water availability, etc. This is sure to be an equally informative and enjoyable article.