When it comes to making sure your outdoor kitchen is constructed safely… you might be wondering if there’s a proper order of operations you need to follow. Is there a proper order to plan for outdoor kitchen safety?
It’s an excellent question to ask, especially if you’re early on in the process of planning for an outdoor kitchen. As an outdoor kitchen manufacturer that has helped thousands of homeowners plan their outdoor kitchen projects… we have a deep understanding of how to properly plan an outdoor kitchen project with your safety in mind. In this article, you’ll learn whether or not there’s a proper order for safety planning, 3 areas of outdoor kitchen safety to plan for, and a safer outdoor kitchen solution.
Is There a Proper Order to Plan for Outdoor Kitchen Safety?
Planning for different aspects of outdoor kitchen safety doesn’t necessarily have to happen in a certain order. All features of outdoor kitchen safety will be decided on before any construction happens, so as long as all your bases are covered before you “break ground”… you’ll be good to go!
The 3 Areas of Outdoor Kitchen Safety to Plan For
The 3 areas of outdoor kitchen safety to plan for are: a safe location, island ventilation, and building materials.
- Safe Location: Will your outdoor kitchen be built in a safe location? In this process, you have to consider proper setback requirements that your desired appliance manufacturer sets. You must ensure that your outdoor kitchen is far enough away from any and all combustible structures, such as a wooden pergola or your home. Refer to your appliance manufacturer’s setback requirements for more details.
- Island Ventilation: All outdoor kitchens require adequate ventilation to allow heat and gas to effectively flush out from the island. This is essential for preventing an outdoor kitchen explosion. Similar to island location, your appliance manufacturer will have minimum ventilation requirements for outdoor kitchen islands. Whether you decide to DIY the project or work with a contractor/outdoor kitchen company… make sure there is adequate island ventilation present.
- Building Materials: Ideally, the builder or company you work with will use non-combustible outdoor kitchen materials. In the unfortunate event of a grease fire, this will significantly reduce the likelihood of the fire spreading to other nearby structures. Non-combustible materials to consider using are high performance concrete and high grade 304 or 316 stainless steel. If an outdoor kitchen builder or company uses wood as a construction material, steer clear! Wood is highly combustible and a risky choice for your outdoor kitchen structure.
Looking for a Safer Outdoor Kitchen Solution?
Now that you know how to plan for outdoor kitchen safety and the 3 primary areas to plan for… perhaps you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. Is there a safer outdoor kitchen solution that works right out of the box?
If you’d rather not have the safety stresses rest squarely on your shoulders… there is an outdoor kitchen solution that’s designed with your safety in mind: RTA outdoor kitchens.
Here’s how outdoor kitchens from RTA Outdoor Living keep your safety at the forefront:
- Dedicated Designers that Understand Safety: You’ll work 1-on-1 with a Design Expert who is also well-versed in safety. They can guide you through ensuring your outdoor kitchen is installed in a proper, safe location and how to navigate this area.
- All RTA outdoor kitchens exceed ventilation requirements for Coyote appliances, and island ventilation is found in 7 unique locations
- RTA outdoor kitchens are made with fully non-combustible high-performance concrete
If your interest in RTA has been piqued… perhaps it’s time to hop on a call with a Design Expert? If you’d like to get your safety questions answered, book a call at the link below.

