Q: Do I need to know exactly what I want before hiring an outdoor kitchen contractor?

• <div><p>No, even if you have a vague idea of what you want, it&rsquo;s a good idea to reach out to a contractor that specializes in outdoor kitchens for assistance. Professionals who have constructed kitchens for other homeowners can not only help you think about the functionality and convenience of your outdoor space&mdash;which many homeowners neglect&mdash;but they can also help you choose high-quality, durable materials that meet your budget and match the rest of your outdoor space. In fact, it&rsquo;s often better to contact a contractor and get the ball rolling before you have a solidified plan for your outdoor kitchen.</p></div>

Question 1

How big should a fire pit be?

Accepted Answer

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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.

Question 2

Do you need planning permission for an outdoor kitchen?

Accepted Answer

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In many cases, you will not need permits to install an outdoor kitchen because it’s not usually considered a permanent structure and doesn’t require a foundation. If you run natural gas lines to a grill, plumbing lines to an outdoor sink, or electrical lines for lighting and power, your contractor will likely need to pull permits.

However, every municipality is different, so you should defer to a professional outdoor kitchen contractor to confirm which portions of your outdoor kitchen project require building permits.

Question 3

Do I need to know exactly what I want before hiring an outdoor kitchen contractor?

Accepted Answer

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No, even if you have a vague idea of what you want, it’s a good idea to reach out to a contractor that specializes in outdoor kitchens for assistance. Professionals who have constructed kitchens for other homeowners can not only help you think about the functionality and convenience of your outdoor space—which many homeowners neglect—but they can also help you choose high-quality, durable materials that meet your budget and match the rest of your outdoor space. In fact, it’s often better to contact a contractor and get the ball rolling before you have a solidified plan for your outdoor kitchen.

Question 4

Is a fireplace the same as a firepit or outdoor oven?

Accepted Answer

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A fireplace is, by definition, an enclosed space where you burn wood or other fuel for the purpose of generating light and heat. A firepit burns wood and is much less expensive to build, but they aren’t technically a fireplace as it isn’t enclosed. An outdoor oven—commonly outdoor brick pizza ovens—often uses wood as fuel, but its primary purpose is to cook food, and you’d rarely just burn wood inside them for warmth or aesthetic reasons.

Question 5

What is the ideal height for a pizza oven?

Accepted Answer

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The best height for a pizza oven is one that allows the user to easily see what’s going on inside and comfortably place pies without having to crouch over. In general, that means the opening should be between 36 and 48 inches off the ground. By contrast, the height of the dome is totally up to your preference, because different heights create different results. Shorter domes are better for creating Neapolitan-style pies, whereas taller domes are ideal for NY-style recipes.