Expert: Stephen Major (Owner--Major Design Group) - 5/21/2007

Question
Hi!  We have a new home on 8.5 acres in the woods and have a cleared area for home and deck.  We want to build a summer kitchen on the deck on the back north side of the house where there is shade for entertaining in the summer.  Do you know where I could find pictures of such and what materials would be good for using to build it.  We are thinking plywood and the same siding we used for our home for the undercabinets.  Does it need to be covered or do they make cooktops have enclosures?  We are thinking we want a sink, counter and grill.  Do you know if there are codes in Ca that we would have to adhere to for such a thing?
Thanks, Laura

Answer
Laura,

First, try a Yahoo or Google WEB and IMAGE search on terms like "outdoor kitchen" "outdoor cooktop", etc.

The following four links have some nice images as well as some additional links:
http://design.hgtv.com/kitchen/Product_detail.aspx?id=880
http://www.trex.com/deckscapes/2003/kitchens.asp
http://design.hgtv.com/kitchen/Article_detail.aspx?id=73
http://www.cooking.com/products/shprodde.asp?SKU=489117

I operate on the East coast so unfortunately I don't know offhand what CA codes might affect you.  You should call your local municipal zoning office and ask.

If you are interested, our firm can do the design and specifications for you, including code compliance.  This way you could have a set of plans to show to prospective contractors, if plan to use a contractor.  You can reach us through our website: http://www.majordesigngroup.com

Please don't hesitate to come back with additional questions.  We will do our best to help.

--Steve Major