Should You Cover Your Outdoor Kitchen

The decision to cover or leave uncovered an outdoor kitchen largely depends on the climate of your area, and your design choices.

That being said, in areas like Barrie, Orillia, Collingwood and Bradford where the winter weather can be particularly harsh, covering up your open-air kitchen might become necessary.

Stainless steel plus multiple cold winters is a bad combination – even BBQ grills need to be covered!

A protective cover can offer extra protection from snow, ice, and frost, it can also prevent water damage and mold growth, extending the lifespan of your outdoor cooking space for many years.

At Northern Pools & Landscape Design, we are experts in outdoor kitchen planning, layout, and construction. We can help you choose the right outdoor kitchen cover that suits your style and needs. Contact us to transform your outdoor living space into an envy-inducing backyard oasis.

If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space to compliment your indoor kitchen, you want to ensure it stays in great condition for as long as possible.

And one of the best things you can do to protect your outdoor kitchen is to invest in a cover. Lets be real, nobody likes debris from trees falling onto a hot grill, or into one of your outdoor sinks.

Not only do covers provide protection from the elements, but they also add to the aesthetic appeal of your backyard. So let’s take a closer look at outdoor kitchen covers and how they can benefit you.

A canopy is an excellent option for those looking to cover their outdoor kitchen without fully enclosing it. Canopies come in so many shapes and sizes to fit any outdoor living space.

Additionally, bioclimatic canopies with rotating or retracting roof blades allow for maximum customization and flexibility. Canopies not only provide coverage for outdoor kitchens, but they can also cover the entire outdoor living space.

A gazebo is an excellent way to provide coverage for an outdoor kitchen. With its roof and support columns, it offers full coverage and protection from the elements. The gazebos structure provides a sturdy frame that can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it a durable option for any outdoor kitchen.

Whether you’ve got wood-burning ovens or flat top grills & griddles, a gazebo is versatile enough to cover and ensure protection.

Gazebos can be made from a variety of materials, including real wood and metal, which can give them a unique and customized look to suit any design preference. The wood provides a rustic and natural appearance, while metal offers a sleek and modern look. Both materials are long-lasting and can hold up well in a variety of weather conditions.

A pergola is an excellent addition to any outdoor kitchen space. Not only does it provide shade and shelter from the elements, but it also adds a touch of style to the overall design of your outdoor living space. Its purpose is to create a defined and comfortable outdoor room where you can cook, relax, and entertain guests.

Pergolas are also available in a variety of materials, including wood and metal, which can be customized to match the specific needs and aesthetics of your outdoor kitchen space. Real wood provides a natural and rustic look, while metal creates a sleek and modern appearance.

Think about the joy of pulling out a pizza from your brand new wood-burning oven, protected by the latticework or a glorious pergola overhead. I can practically smell the char already.

Another option for covering an outdoor kitchen is to use a classic umbrella.

Well, not just any umbrella. A cantilever style umbrella with sturdy fiberglass ribs would be a versatile and stylish option that can be adjusted or moved to provide shade where it is needed most.

When selecting an umbrella for your outdoor kitchen, it is essential to choose a sturdy one that can withstand strong winds. Working with our staff, we can work together and determine what would be best for your space.

Depending your outdoor kitchen planning, it might be a good idea to have a hole constructed in the ground where you can slip the umbrella post, allowing for a more seamless and casual look.

A California Room is a partially or completely enclosed room which offers protection from the elements while still allowing you to enjoy being outdoors.

By providing a screen or glass enclosure, you can keep out bugs, pollen, and other irritants while still feeling the breeze and natural light. Its as close to an open-air kitchen as you can get while still feeling like you’re inside.

The benefits of a California Room are obvious, but you’re protected from the rain, wind, and extreme temperatures differences seen in Simcoe County. This means you can extend the use of your outdoor kitchen throughout the year and in different weather conditions.

Layout plays a crucial role in the design of an outdoor kitchen, especially when it comes to covering the crucial parts. The size and shape restrictions of different types of coverings need to be taken into account, making it so much more important to plan the outdoor kitchen layout in advance.

When planning the layout, you need to consider the counter space, storage, and proximity to cooking appliances. The counter space should be comfortable, accommodating all necessary cooking and food preparation activities. Adequate storage should be provided for cooking utensils, plates, and cutlery. Overall, the layout should also allow for easy access to the cooking appliances, such as the grill, pizza oven, and sink.

By taking these factors into account and planning the outdoor kitchen layout in advance, one can ensure a space that is practical and aesthetically pleasing. The design should be tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the individual, allowing for maximum enjoyment of the outdoor living space.

When covering an outdoor kitchen, it is essential to consider proper ventilation to ensure safety and functionality. Without adequate ventilation, fumes and smoke can accumulate, posing a risk to the chef and guests.

One important aspect of ventilation is ensuring charcoal/propane grills have proper ventilation. Built-in grills generate a significant amount of smoke and fumes, and it’s crucial to provide ventilation for them. This can be achieved by incorporating an appropriately sized ventilation hood above the grill, which helps capture and remove smoke and fumes.

Ventilation should be sized according to the outdoor kitchen appliances and should include features such as an exhaust fan and ductwork to vent outside.

Our Canadian weather can be a somewhat challenging issue for those who enjoy cooking outside in their very own curated space.

Simcoe County is known for some extreme conditions, including harsh winter storms, heavy snowfalls, freezing temperatures and lots of rain.

Despite the beauty of the Canadian winters, we must take extra precautions to keep your cooking space looking like new for years and years.

Rain and snow are of course both weather concerns that can affect an uncovered kitchen. Both of these weather elements can cause pooling, which can damage the kitchen’s appliances materials, and foundation.

As well, a build-up of snow can also pose weight issues, especially when it accumulates on the roof of a gazebo, canopy, pergola, or other structures of the kitchen.

Stone countertops (or any other weather resistant material) should also be covered with a protective cover to prevent damage caused by freezing and thawing over the seasons. Additionally, covering appliances and storing them indoors can help to prevent damage caused by harsh winter weather.

We already know that outdoor kitchens are a fantastic addition to a home’s outdoor living space.

To design an outdoor kitchen that can withstand Canada’s extreme seasonal changes, it is essential to invest in must-haves such as a durable countertop, storage space, weather-resistant appliances, and most of all, protective covers.

With proper design and protection, you can ensure your cooking space lasts for years to come. Contact the outdoor kitchen experts at Northern Pools & Landscape Design for a free quote, and lets bring your ideas into reality.