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How big a fire pit should be depends on how many people you want to get around it on a regular basis, and how big your space is. The average fire pit size is between 36 and 44 inches. However, if you regularly host big gatherings and have the appropriate outdoor space, you can go as big as 72 inches.

Yes, you need a hood for an outdoor kitchen. A ventilation hood is required over each cooking appliance, including grills, griddles, and woks. If these cooking surfaces are all in the same area, you can consolidate the hood to one single ventilation unit above the grouping of cooking appliances. A single ventilation hood may require custom fabrication, which may increase the cost compared to mass-produced options.

Your maintenance needs revolve around the type of foundation you choose, as well as how you furnish or decorate it. Patios require little else other than the occasional hose-down, but decks and other wooden structures will require annual power washing and sealing. You may also need to restain the wood every two to three years.

Adding a solid roof rather than building a pergola or leaving the space open will make maintenance much easier. Without a roof, you will need to spend more time sweeping, washing, and covering your furniture to protect it from UV bleaching.

Weatherproofing and winterizing your outdoor kitchen is extremely important, especially if you experience intense weather events. Make sure to choose weather-resistant furniture and waterproof containers to store ingredients. Also, go with a high-quality grill that’s built to last and protect your cabinets with sealant or varnish. Finally, invest in a covering of some kind for when it rains or snows.