When planning an outdoor kitchen, many homeowners want to place their island near the wall of their house. It’s nearby and convenient to access… so what could go wrong?
Well, there are situations where an outdoor kitchen can be too close to your house. Hence the question: “How close is too close?”
As an outdoor kitchen manufacturer that has helped thousands of homeowners with their outdoor kitchen designs… we’ve bumped up against this question countless times. And through our experience, we’ve learned about how to keep enough distance between your outdoor kitchen and an exterior wall. In this article, you will learn how close an outdoor kitchen can be to a wall, considerations for placing an outdoor kitchen near a wall, and what else you should know about outdoor kitchen safety.
Outdoor Kitchen Near a Wall: How Close is Too Close?
How close can you put an outdoor kitchen to a wall? If your outdoor kitchen is too close… you can end up with melted vinyl siding, or worse, put yourself at risk of a spreadable grease fire.
The answer will depend on what outdoor appliance brand you choose to put in your outdoor kitchen. Your appliance manufacturer will determine proper setback requirements, which will be the minimum safe distance from any combustible structure. For example, Coyote Outdoor Living sets a minimum 15” setback requirement from all combustibles.
Considerations for Placing an Outdoor Kitchen Near a Wall
While adhering to appliance setback requirements is the most important thing to keep in mind if you’re placing an outdoor kitchen near a wall… there are some other considerations at play.
- Consider Adding a Backsplash: If you want your outdoor kitchen as close to the wall as possible, it’s a good idea to also install a backsplash made with non-combustible materials. Tile, concrete, and stainless steel backsplashes are a good choice. A backsplash will provide extra heat protection, help prevent spreading of a fire, and will keep your outdoor kitchen area easier to clean and maintain.
- You May Need Overhead Hood Ventilation: If you want your outdoor kitchen near a wall in a covered space, you may also need overhead hood ventilation. This will ensure that any heat coming off the grill can effectively flush away from the outdoor kitchen area. An outdoor kitchen designer or appliance manufacturer can confirm whether or not this feature will be needed in your space.
What Else Should You Know about Outdoor Kitchen Safety?
Now that you understand how far away your outdoor kitchen should be from a wall, and considerations for placement… this may bring up yet more questions for you. Is there anything else you should know about outdoor kitchen safety?
Yes, there is! There’s a lot more to outdoor kitchen safety than just how far away it is from a wall. Our Outdoor Kitchen Safety Resources page is a wealth of knowledge for everything you need to know about outdoor kitchen safety. From island ventilation, to hood ventilation, to combustible vs non-combustible materials… by the time you’ve absorbed all the information contained on this page, you’ll be a safety expert! Enjoy the read, and we’ll catch you in the next one.
