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Outdoor kitchens can come is various shapes and guises, from a simple BBQ set-up to the full kitchen, complete with fridges, sinks and even custom made cupboards for all your outdoor kitchen cutlery. You can get your outdoor kitchen custom made or even buy it in pre-fab or flat pack. With most outdoor kitchens, the BBQ is the star of the show (and rightly so). With your outdoor kitchen, you also need sufficient lighting, so you can see what you are cooking and eating.
After all that time, effort and money spent designing and installing your outdoor kitchen, you need to think about external structures that will frame and complement your outdoor kitchen as well as protecting it from the elements. Also, any type of outdoor enclosure will add a sense of comfort and security to your favourite outdoor area. Another benefit of outdoor shade structures, is that they protect the furniture in your outdoor kitchen from sun damage and from the other elements like rain.
Awnings
Folding Arm Awning. Source: Aalta Screens
Folding Arm Outdoor Awnings
This type of outdoor awning cantilevers off the side of your building for excellent protection against the elements. They also usually have UV protection built in so that you are safer from the sun when they are extended.
Drop Arm Outdoor Awnings
Drop arm awnings offer affordable sun block for balconies, verandas and windows and the great thing about these awnings is that they allow air and light into your home, while protecting areas like your outdoor kitchen.
Retractable Sails
Retractable shade sails are also a cost effective shade structure when you are trying to protect a large high- sun area. These shade structures can be self-standing or run on stainless steel cables, mounted to pillars or the wall. They are very popular as they marry style and function and are great options for smaller or odd shaped courtyards.
Screens
Once you have the outline of the outdoor structure for your outdoor kitchen, you can start to think about the finishing touches. Features like drop screens or outdoor blinds can really give you some extra protection against the elements, as well as giving the outdoor kitchen more flexibility in terms of how much light and heat is allowed in or out. They are traditionally made from anti-static material so they are easier to roll up and down. Outdoor blinds also give protection against the sun as they block out the majority of the sun’s damaging UV rays. Outdoor blinds come in a huge variety of types and sizes so you can find definitely find something to suit your needs!
Speak to the experts
Trying to match shade structures to an existing outdoor kitchen can be time consuming and difficult. With the wide variety of outdoor awnings, blinds and more, it’s sometimes best to get an opinion from the experts. Aalta Screens are the experts in outdoor shade structures – contact them for advice and a quote on the best way to finish off your outdoor entertainment area.
Happy outdoor dining!