LimeTree Alfresco was born from the idea of creating outdoor kitchens that give clients colour and material choices, rather than the stock standard stainless steel and black enamel. Ten years and 1500 projects later, LimeTree Alfresco is an industry renowned company and the perfect go-to for custom-build options using a range of materials that not only give clients fashionable choices, but also have warranties on outdoor performance. After ten years of living and breathing outdoor kitchens, the team at LimeTree Alfresco has garnered valuable insights that transcend joinery and associated appliances.
Outdoor kitchens are revolutionising the way we cook and entertain, blending culinary creativity with the splendour of the outdoors. After all, as Douglas simply states, “having a quality, well-built outdoor kitchen means that you can spend more time enjoying the backyard and just being outside.” The essential items in a self-contained outdoor kitchen include a barbeque, fridge and sink. “It means you can cook, drink, washup and put away without any reliance on heading indoors or back and forward between the two,” Douglas explains. Other appliances that are currently popular include beer taps and keg fridges because who doesn’t want the convenience of having their favourite drink on tap? Regardless of the features you decide to incorporate, Douglas stresses the importance of good quality appliances as “inferior products will not last in the outdoor environment and will be a problem if they have to be replaced.”
The layout of your outdoor kitchen is another important factor to consider for flow and functionality. Naturally, creating an outdoor kitchen in a smaller space becomes more difficult in terms of functionality, especially since the initial inclination is to try and jam as much as possible into the space. However, keeping it limited to the essential features is key so that it doesn’t feel cramped. With larger spaces, LimeTree Alfresco likes to create separate ‘zones’ for cooking, prep and entertaining to keep the layout logical and functional. “The main layout feature we try to incorporate is the separation of the barbeque and fridge where possible. If guests need a drink, they can do this without interrupting the cook,” Douglas details. “A sink can then be a shared space between the two. This really does depend on the space available for the project and the inclusions required by the client.”
It is important to remember that it is impossible to make cabinets watertight due to the nature of joinery, however, the right materials should be waterproof and UV-resistant. Covered outdoor kitchens are popular for creating a protected and enjoyable outdoor space, whilst the right materials mean you can be free and open to the elements. It's your choice with a LimeTree Alfresco custom built Outdoor Kitchen
Due to outdoor kitchens being, well, outdoors, it is common for clients to have concerns about how the changing weather will affect their outdoor kitchens. It is important to remember that it is impossible to make cabinets watertight due to the nature of joinery, however, the right materials should be waterproof and UV-resistant. This is also where using a professional is ideal as they will have an assembled range of products and materials fit for purpose or checking the manufacturer’s warranties to “get a good idea about the quality of the materials being used.” As with a lot of things, longevity of your outdoor kitchen comes down to maintenance. “Giving all surfaces the once-over with a damp cloth and soapy water before drying will ensure many years of hassle-free use,” Douglas explains. For seasonal use and holiday homes, Douglas recommends a full clean and cover for your kitchen to be in tip top shape for its next use.
In an outdoor kitchen, the choice of materials plays a pivotal role in creating a functional yet inviting space. At LimeTree Alfresco, a combination of PVC board and aluminium is commonly used to create cabinets, doors and drawers due to their good moisture and UV resistant properties. In 99 percent of LimeTree Alfresco projects, the benchtop of choice is Corian by DuPont as it ticks a lot of boxes for outdoor use – UV stable, nonporous, repairable and joined seamlessly. Additionally “because we can pre-fabricate these benchtops before installation, most projects do not require the need for a stonemason and are installed in one or two days to completion,” Douglas notes. Regarding appearances, Douglas has seen a rise in COLORBOND inspired colours and finishes to complement window/door frames, fences and other external surfaces to ensure continuity with the kitchen’s surroundings. The different cabinetry finishes that are currently trending are a timber look aluminium batten and painted PVC V-Groove door profiles, giving the kitchen an overall natural and elegant look to tie in with any style of decor. Like in any room, lighting can play a significant part in the entire feel and mood of the outdoor kitchen so it’s important to get it right. “Task lighting within barbeques has become extremely popular in newer models, whilst LED strip lighting can highlight and create interest,” Douglas elaborates. Decorative pendants are another good option and can enhance your aesthetic and create a talking point.
At LimeTree Alfresco, our experts specialise in designing and constructing impeccable outdoor kitchens tailored to your home's unique requirements. Begin your Outdoor Kitchen journey today by getting in touch with us. We are here to assist you every step of the way.