Get matched with top outdoor kitchen pros in Renova, MS

You can call a second kitchen many different names—butler’s pantry, scullery, prep kitchen, working kitchen, dirty kitchen, or even just second kitchen. In modern times, however, second kitchens are almost always called prep kitchens or small kitchens. However, the purpose of a second kitchen remains the same—prepare food and clean items “behind closed doors.”

Outdoor kitchens can quickly get expensive, but there are a few things you can do to help keep costs down, including the following:

• You can build on an existing patio to reduce the cost of a new foundation.

• Opt out of a sink and stick with a built-in propane or charcoal grill to save on utility line installation costs.

• You can tackle the parts of the project that are DIYable, like finishing cabinets, installing fixtures, and building seating.

• Keep your kitchen small and make a big impact with proper planning and upgrading the essential components instead.

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.

The decision to make or buy your outdoor pizza oven depends on your personal preferences, budget, and time. If you pay a professional to build a custom pizza oven, the cost will likely be higher than retail costs. If you purchase materials to create an oven, you can typically build an elaborate one for less money, but there’s a risk that you’ll injure yourself or make a costly building error.