If you are in the process of designing a luxury outdoor kitchen for your backyard, you may be wondering about additions to protect your investment, such as a covering. A cover over your outdoor kitchen offers benefits by sheltering the kitchen – as well as you and your friends and family – from the weather and the hot sun. Covering your outdoor kitchen minimizes maintenance and makes your kitchen useable in all types of weather.
Despite these benefits, choosing a brand like Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens means that your kitchen does not require a covering. Our powder coated stainless steel cabinets are engineered to remain durable when exposed to all types of weather with minimal maintenance. As such, installing a covering is simply a personal choice based on your needs for outdoor entertaining.
Outdoor Kitchen Covers
Pergolas, canopies, umbrellas, and gazebos are common covers for your outdoor kitchen. They are all structures that offer shelter and some degree of protection over the space. For a more permanent solution, a California or three-season room provides a complete or nearly complete enclosure for your outdoor kitchen.
Canopy
A canopy is a versatile option. You can choose a canopy that covers your kitchen or the entire outdoor living space for extra protection. Depending on materials, they can be semi-permanent and moveable.
Gazebo
Gazebos can be made of a variety of materials for added durability in the outdoors, such as a wood and metal. An outdoor kitchen gazebo has a roof and support columns to easily cover your entire space.
Pergola
If you are looking for a cover that is more decorative than protective, an outdoor kitchen pergola is constructed with posts and open lattice. You can add features like ivy for an extra decorative element.
Umbrella
For an inexpensive way to stay out of the sun, an umbrella over your outdoor cooking space is a great option. Best of all, you can remove the umbrella when you do not want or need shade.
California Room
California or three-season rooms provide the most shelter and protection. These rooms are partially or completely enclosed with screen or glass. As such, you get the benefits of being in the outdoors with protection from the elements.
Considerations for a Covered Outdoor Kitchen
Layout
If you decide to cover your outdoor kitchen, the type of covering will inform the size and shape of your kitchen. You may have to restrict the layout shape and size of your kitchen to fit beneath the covering, especially if the covering is already installed.
Rain and Snow
Although a covering is a great option for shelter from rain and snow, these elements may contribute to flooding or weight issues on the roof of your covering. Be sure to direct water away from your kitchen to prevent water-related problems.
Ventilation
Grill ventilation is simple when an outdoor kitchen is exposed to the open air. A covering means that you must take proper steps for ventilation, especially if the kitchen is fully enclosed.
Sun Exposure
For those hot summer days spent outside, sun exposure can be a concern. Consider the best covering options that will allow you to spend time in the shade while cooking outdoors.
Does an Outdoor Kitchen Need to be Covered?
Most people would agree the potential drawback of spending time outdoors is the weather. A covering on your outdoor kitchen undoubtedly provides benefits, as it can reduce the maintenance needed for your kitchen and protect you and your guests from inclement weather – especially when it is unexpected.
For most other outdoor kitchen brands, a covering is necessary to protect the integrity of the materials, like plastic and brick. However, investing in Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens for your cabinetry means your outdoor kitchen does not require a covering. In fact, many of our kitchens remain uncovered and out in the open – on balconies, rooftops, and more.
The integrity of our stainless steel outdoor kitchen cabinetry is industry leading, especially when our cabinetry is powder coated in one of our UV resistant finishes. Our cabinetry requires minimal maintenance and will remain durable in virtually every climate when exposed to the weather. To that end, your outdoor kitchen from Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens does not require a covering to stay durable.
Depending on the needs for your space and your climate, installing a covering can reduce maintenance, offer extra protection for peace of mind, and it can add a decorative element to your outdoor living space. By choosing highly durable stainless steel cabinetry, a covering is a personal choice for your outdoor kitchen design and not a requirement to enjoy your space all year long.
Browse covered and uncovered outdoor kitchens in our Gallery for design ideas!