Concept Help for new table/kitchen

fletcherfam

ok, so next spring (2017) I am building a new deck here in the great PNW. It will be roughly 10-12' deep by 24-26' wide. This will be a high up 2nd story deck (14' off ththe ground) I am going to put a shed roof to cover most of it (including the egg area).

that being said, what do you like about your outdoor egg area, and what would you change?

here are my thoughts /wishes so far.

1. Needs to house both the large and mini-max
2. Would like one large, or two medium prep areas.
3. Would like a sink as mine will be decently far away.
4. In an ideal world I would have a refrigerator.
5. Maaaaaybe a bar area?
6. Shape could be "L" shaped, maybe an island, or "U" shaped?


what are your thoughts?

midwestsmoker

I installed an ash vacuum system in mine. Also went with concrete tops, thought about cherry wood top ahead of time and at times I wish I went that route. Since I'm in the Midwest, sink and fridge wasn't an option for me. 

McStew

@midwestsmoker I sure wish I wasn't forced to live in the city ...Great set up 

blasting

@fletcherfam

I think what often gets overlooked in outdoor kitchens is the non-sexy stuff.  Dirty landing counters for hot things, vacuum hoses etc.  

I've designed a large pizza making cart that I plan on building this summer.  Nothing fancy, but it will house my vacuum, weedburner/tank, and provide me with 12 drawers for various lump, smoke woods, partially used lump, and various implements.

@midwestsmoker  That is a truly gorgeous cooking area you have.  I'm sure you enjoy the heck out of it.

CheeseheadinAZ

@midwestsmoker that is beautiful!!  Is that 2 LG and Mini?  Also can you show if your build-in ash vacuum you mention?

jvencius

If you're going to be putting any significant amount of masonry on a deck, consider building it with joists that are 12" on center vs the more conventional 16" spacing as well as some additional support columns/posts to account for the load they'll be bearing.  Before doing any construction, though, a consult with a structural engineer (if you don't have to do one as part of the permitting process) would be smart money to make sure that the deck will be strong and safe enough for what you're planning.

fishlessman

10 feet is not deep enough for that size deck, definitely go 12 or bigger.

ColtsFan

It may be different in the Pacific Northwest, but in the Indiana sun and humidity I find an outdoor refrigerator isn't very efficient. Mine struggles to keep up. I'd opt for a built-in cooler with a drain. 

BBQBuddy

I'd really try to put in a sink and an ice maker that makes clear ice.  Cloudy ice is a pet peeve of mine.  

kidcowboy

I am in the process of building almost exactly what you are thinking of.  I have progress pics that I'll make a separate post for.  Mine is L shaped and the egg sits in the corner and my mini-max sits on the long side.  It has a green tin roof on it.  I used 6x6 rough sawn cedar posts for the outside posts.  I'll name it egg kitchen, keep an eye out.

Jeremy

Ladeback69

@fletcherfam, sounds like a good plan so far, but I agree that you ought to go bigger the 10'-12' deep.  Once you put the kitchen area in and add a table and chairs you are not going to have a lot of room left to move around.  When we moved into our house 9 years ago we had a 10'x10' pad and it was ok, then 5 years ago we had an 18'x24' patio put in.  I have my egg area, which needs to be improved on and room for a table with 6 chairs and a fire pit with room left over.  I have thought of building an outdoor kitchen just haven't found the time or the money yet.  Make sure you have a way to control sparks from the eggs and I wouldn't put it to close to the house.  I suggest drawing something up different ways to see how everything will fit. Sketchup is good free program to do this on you computer at home.

@midwestsmoker, that is an awesome outdoor area and is kind of what I would like some day.  How big is your patio and where about's in the Midwest do you reside if you don't mind me asking?

RRP

CheeseheadinAZ said:

@midwestsmoker that is beautiful!!  Is that 2 LG and Mini?  Also can you show if your build-in ash vacuum you mention?

+1 on the built-in vacuum - please tell us more

stichrunner

very nice. Have been thinking about building one my self. But Wife wants a pool first.

dldawes1

RRP said:

CheeseheadinAZ said:

@midwestsmoker that is beautiful!!  Is that 2 LG and Mini?  Also can you show if your build-in ash vacuum you mention?

+1 on the built-in vacuum - please tell us more

I just use Rockwood....no need for ash removal !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I couldn't resist !!! I appreciate ya'll putting up with me !!

DaveRichardson

I might consider building the structural portions with steel and then wrapping with wood.  If its going to hold up a bit table, eggs, and granite / concrete countertops, you will want something strong and not needing to be replaced.  And Steel can be easily added onto.