Have Better BBQs
If you like to spend time outdoors, installing a built-in barbecue may be the perfect home improvement project for you. While a stand alone grill will satisfy the occasional or casual barbecue, a built in barbecue is closer to an outdoor kitchen. Not only does a built in barbecue allow exceptional ease for patio dining, you will be able to throw summer parties with little planning and still have time to enjoy the party yourself. As a permanent addition to your home, it will also help pay for itself by adding resale value to your home, just like any other major home renovation.
Counter Space
Built in barbecues are really little more than barbecue units installed into counter. Like any other counter, you have many options for building material, in fact you have more. Natural stone or synthetic stone composites that might not work as well for your indoor kitchen counter can be just the match you're looking for with your outdoor décor. Many people who choose to install built in barbecues go for the best of both worlds with an outdoor stone cabinet setup and a tile countertop. Whatever you choose for material, the simple luxury of counter space for your outdoor kitchen is going to pay enormous dividends.
Customize Your Space to Create the Outdoor Kitchen
As great as counter space is most built in barbecue projects are designed to go further. Outdoor storage cabinets will allow you to stock all the dining materials you need to create a true outdoor kitchen. Even if you prefer to eat from paper plates and plastic utensils when you eat outside, a place to store these items is a nice feature. On the other hand, if you install a sink you can wash your dishes right next to your barbecue instead of constantly hauling them in and out of your patio door. Plus, what barbecue would be complete without a beer or a nice glass of wine? A common addition to a built in barbecue is a bar. Small or large, you can choose cabinet sizes and bar options that fit your tastes and lifestyle. A wine storage unit may be what you want or, if you're a beer drinker, a kegerator may be what you're looking for.
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Install Gas Piping
Pipe in Your Gas
Given that you're probably going to be using your built in barbecue on a regular basis, you should look into extending your gas piping from your house onto the barbecue. Unless you have expertise with gas piping, this is probably best left to a professional. How much gas your unit uses combined with how far the piping must travel will determine the kind and size of piping that's used. Your piping may be installed underground or above ground depending on the situation. If you can install your built in barbecue near existing piping, there's a good chance this won't be too expensive at all. Constantly refilling a propane tank can be time-consuming and expensive in its own right.
If you enjoyed this article, check out our free Deck Installation Guide, which features expert advice, design & material comparisons, and custom price estimates for your remodeling project.
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