A New BBQ Island: Things To Consider

 One would think that purchasing a barbecue island and having it installed would be a relatively simple process. While the process itself is not overly complicated there are several challenges homeowners face prior to purchase and just after. Rising above these challenges are key for those homeowners who want their new barbecue island to not only function properly but look great and last for years.

"How big should it be?" is the first question all homeowners should ask themselves once they made a decision to move forward with the project. A thorough assessment of their backyard should be handled by not only themselves but the persons whom they would like to see install the island. The size of the backyard, pools, spas, lawn furniture and even equipment need to be taken into consideration before anyone settles on any size island.

Once size has been determined homeowners and the professionals who install barbecue islands can begin to mull over where it should be placed within a yard. There a lot of things to consider outside of aesthetics and convenience when deciding on where to place a new barbecue island. Barbecue islands should always be located downwind from where guests will be sitting/relaxing/ so as to avoid "smoking them out". While the smell of barbecue is something many people enjoy, heavy smoke is something everyone wants to avoid. A barbecue island should also be positioned so that the back side grill portion of it never sees wind. This usually means that the grill or the back of the island will be placed facing against or near a wall so that wind does not create uneven temperatures within the barbecue.

The next question homeowners will need to ask themselves concerns appliances and the space needed in between them. The manner in which appliances are positioned within a barbecue island will make a huge difference in maximizing functionality. Homeowners should seriously consider separating their barbecue island into a number of different smaller sections. These usually and should always include prepping, cooking, serving, and of course entertaining. Homeowners operating on smaller budgets and working with small barbecue islands can combine some of the smaller sections and have them serve a dual purpose in order to save space and money. The rest is pretty straightforward and simple. Homeowners will not want to cold appliances right next to their hot appliances. Grills and side burners should be kept in their own area while sinks and refrigerators should remain far from hotter areas and closer to the seating of guests.

Another challenge for homeowners is determining how tall and deep their new barbecue island should be. Barbecue island's depth should always be deep enough to house appliances properly and deep enough for the hood throw on the barbecue. The height of counter tops is another issue that individuals must contemplate and eventually settle on. While the majority of counters in a kitchen are about 36 inches tall some individuals may wish to go a little taller or shorter depending what their personal preference is. Depth of a barbecue island is also important for things like bar seating and comfort of those being entertained.

A new barbecue island can be exciting for homeowners and can provide them with years of great cooking experiences, great food, and great entertainment though all of these challenges must handled properly if one wishes the aforementioned to be true of their own island. As with all other things related to home improvement, always contact a professional not only to have the island installed properly but to get advice on appliance brands, depth, shape, as well as size and placement of a new barbecue island.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County home improvement, Orange County contractors and San Diego Home Improvement.