Get matched with top outdoor kitchen pros in Ponca, NE

An outdoor fireplace can add value to your home, with an estimated return on investment (ROI) of 56%. This luxurious outdoor feature will certainly appeal to buyers when the time comes to sell. And, of course, if you aren’t in the market, an outdoor fireplace will increase the livability of your home.

If you plan to have a refrigerator or other appliances that require electricity, you will need an electrical outlet in your outdoor kitchen. Be sure to comply with all National Electrical Code® (NEC®) codes for electrical wiring and outlets in kitchens. If you do not plan to install a refrigerator or any other appliances that require electricity as part of your outdoor kitchen features, then you do not need to install electrical outlets. However, it is a good idea to install at least one electrical outlet should you decide to use any appliances that require electricity.

Use fire bricks for a brick pizza oven. These bricks are typically used for fireplaces and chimneys as they can withstand high temperatures from heat sources. If you attempt to use any other kind of bricks, it’s likely that this material will crack from such high heat exposure in the best case—and potentially explode and cause serious harm in the worst case.

The least expensive way to build an outdoor kitchen is to start small and use an existing patio space as close to the house as possible. If you have access to appliances that you can reuse or have the carpentry skills for DIY outdoor kitchen cabinets, that will save the most cash. Otherwise, start with a few basics and work towards your dream kitchen by adding a little each year.