You have seen sheds in many backyards. These wooden storage sheds are typically used for storing garden tools or other discarded items from the house. Over time these sheds are overflowing with useless things. It makes you wonder if you really need a shed on your property?
You certainly do!
Sheds aren’t just for storage. They can serve multiple purposes. Did you know people have started transforming their sheds into fantastic living spaces? A shed home is a popular choice of many as it provides you with a comfortable living space.
But why would you need a shed home when you already have a house a few steps away? The best thing about a shed is that it is versatile. If you love to host parties, then why not consider transforming your shed into a kitchen.
Sounds brilliant, doesn’t it? Let’s shed some light on it to start your shed transformation.
Why Turn a Shed into a Kitchen?
Fairy lights, beautiful outdoor seating, meat sizzling on the barbeque grill, and the company of your loved ones is a perfect way to have a relaxing time. However, you end up making trips to your kitchen and the garden, missing out on the fun.
Having an outdoor kitchen eliminates that hassle. Shed kitchens are a great way to make these outdoor events an even bigger success. It provides easier access to the things you would need without having to go back to your house. Moreover, it also keeps your house clean during the party.
It also allows you to start your cooking or baking business without creating chaos in your house kitchen.
Tips to Get Started with Your Kitchen in a Shed Project
Here are a few tips that can help you in getting started with this unique kitchen shed project the right way:
1. Sort Through the Old Stuff
The first thing you need to do is declutter your shed. You might have collected so many items in there that you rarely use or might never use at all. Take out all the items, categorize them and determine which things should be stored and which things need to go.
You might even end up finding things that would help you with the kitchen shed. You would also need to decide where you are going to store the things you want to keep. You can either keep a small portion of the shed as storage space and transform the rest into a kitchen.
2. Create a Shed Plan
Once you have gotten rid of all the things that were overflowing in your shed, you need to think about how you want your kitchen shed to look like. What do you mainly want to use it for? Will an open kitchen design work in the location of your house? Would you prefer a complete kitchen with a small seating area? Or do you want outdoor seating?
This will also help you in determining which materials you would need to get the job done. Creating the right design plan will ensure things go smoothly.
3. Think About Insulation
While some sheds in newer homes have insulated walls, this might not be true for all houses. Therefore, you need to determine whether or not your shed needs insulation before you get started on your kitchen shed project.
You will need the proper R-rating insulation to ensure your new kitchen is well-insulated, depending on the location of your house. Wrong insulation means higher heating bills and colder rooms. It is best to get professional help.
4. Assess the Windows
A kitchen needs sufficient windows with solid panes to maintain proper ventilation. Examine the windows the shed already has and determine whether they need an upgrade, or the kitchen needs more windows.
Make sure to check the electrical wires before you begin adding windows, or you might end up cutting a wire that would lead to more work.
5. Include More Storage
Depending on how you plan to use your new shed kitchen, for instance, only to hold parties and get-togethers or for a cooking or baking business, you might want to add more storage space. You can even use this storage as a pantry if you don’t have sufficient space in your house kitchen.
Add in cabinet storage underneath the countertops and install shelves on the wall for additional storage. You can also add canisters, bins, and boxes to store dry ingredients.
6. Don’t Forget the Safety Elements
You would have to protect your new kitchen from different elements to avoid damage to your shed without air conditioning and heating. You have to ensure the kitchen stays dry. You can add in downspouts and guttering to keep the rain away from the new kitchen.
Empty out all the food ingredients during the winter season or when you know you won’t be cooking there for a long period of time to prevent mice and bugs. Make sure to include a fire extinguisher and keep it away from the stove. Moreover, adding another exit door at the back is another way to keep it safer.
7. Prep for the Winters
You can ensure all the utilities continue to run throughout the year by preparing your kitchen shed for the winter season. Wrap the water lines with heat tapes to prevent the pipes from freezing. Ensure there is insulation between the kitchen’s floor joists before you add in plywood. You can go for vinyl or linoleum flooring.
8. Decide on Kitchen Appliances
The most exciting part of the transformation would be deciding which kitchen appliances you want in your kitchen and decorating it the way you want. You can finally invest money in that oven you had an eye on for such a long time or adding that adorable yet functional small kitchen to complete the look.
Transforming your shed into a kitchen is a great way to utilize a space that wasn’t giving you much use. Since a shed is a small space, it won’t be a time-consuming project. You can even add a covered seating area right outside a shed to make the space homier.
Whether roasting chicken or searing steaks, a shed kitchen is a great way to utilize your backyard and make it easy to use the outdoor space to serve your guests. However, it is always wiser to seek help from the professional to get the job done in less time and within a budget.