Ideas for creating a terrace with a barbecue area.

Safety First

Regardless of what fuel the grill, brazier or stove uses (wood, coal, briquettes, gas), installing such equipment indoors is a bad idea. The terrace is perfect for organizing a barbecue area, but this must be done in accordance with fire safety regulations.

There are not many of them:

• a device for cooking over an open fire, whether stationary or portable, in a village or summer cottage village is allowed to be installed no closer than 5 meters from capital buildings, and within the city – 7 meters;
• such equipment must stand on a pedestal or platform covered with non-flammable material (concrete, stone, tiles, metal), that is, even a small folding barbecue cannot be placed on unprotected ground;
• within 10 meters around the terrace, veranda, gazebo or pergola where food is prepared, dry grass, fallen leaves, garbage and any objects that can catch fire must be removed, and tree branches should not hang over this place;
• store flammable liquids, fuel and flammable objects (plastic, polyethylene) can be no closer than 2 meters from the open fire source;
• if the stove is attached “with its back” to the residential building, it should be located at least 20 cm from the wall;
• a working fire extinguisher must be kept in the barbecue area.

The recommended area of a terrace or veranda with a barbecue area is 10-12 sq. m., this is necessary not only for safety, but also for the convenience of the owners, who will cook here, store improvised means, move freely and relax at the set table.

What is the difference between a terrace and a veranda – a frequently asked question. A veranda is usually understood to be an unheated room attached to a house and sharing a roof with it, while a terrace does not have load-bearing walls or glazing, and can be detached and without a canopy.

Where the wind blows, there the smoke follows

It is not enough to decide on the type of cooking equipment; it must be installed correctly so that the smoke does not blow directly into the faces of those relaxing. It is especially important to consider the prevailing wind direction if you plan to build a solid large stove made of stone or fireclay bricks.

A barbecue or brazier can be moved, but a stove weighing up to a ton will last for centuries. The foundation must withstand the weight of equipment, furniture and guests. If we are talking about a glazed veranda, you need to provide an effective and reliable chimney.

It is not always possible to find the ideal place to build a stove. In this case, it is better to fence off the recreation area with a curtain made of thick material. Such an item can perform both practical and decorative functions: protect from smoke, scorching sun, insects and wind, create privacy, emphasize style.

Everything at hand

A terrace with a barbecue should have everything you need for cooking in the fresh air. If coal, briquettes or firewood are used as fuel, you need to equip a convenient place for storing them.

There you also need to compactly place dishes and utensils – best of all in cabinets, the tabletops of which will act as work surfaces for cutting and slicing products. And if you also provide a refrigerator, you won’t have to run into the house at all.

Owners of small cottages and summer houses may like the idea of organizing a full-fledged kitchen on the veranda instead of two separate places for cooking: inside and outside the house.

To be able to comfortably cook and relax on the veranda all year round, you need to perform high-quality thermal insulation of the walls and install reliable double-glazed windows. The heat from the stove will be more than enough for heating. But an open summer kitchen with barbecue will also be a good investment if the climate is mild.

Let there be light

Any place where food is prepared should be well lit, and a terrace with a barbecue is no exception. Beautiful lamps above the recreation area (table, sofa) create coziness on quiet evenings and additionally decorate the room.

Lighting fixtures should fit into the overall design of the terrace and withstand operation in conditions of heat from the stove and splashes flying from food.

Wrought iron chandeliers, sconces and antique candlesticks look harmonious in a classic wooden interior. But there are also reliable and original lamps for terraces in a modern style.

Expanding culinary possibilities

A capital stove for cooking outdoors usually includes a grill, a hob and an oven. This allows you to fry kebabs, steaks and kupaty, cook pilaf and shurpa, cook aromatic fish soup, bake bread and pies. But even this may not seem enough to an inveterate gourmet.

To diversify your menu, in addition to the oven, buy a smokehouse for fish and homemade sausages or an oriental tandoor.

Decorating the place relaxation

Decorative items will help make a terrace with a barbecue cozy and give it individuality.

These can be:

• paintings, photographs, panels and wall installations;
• hand-sewn or knitted furniture covers and pillows;
• warm checkered blankets or patchwork blankets;
• original rugs, tablecloths and curtains;
• rare dishes, utensils and figurines;
• live plants.

Remember that flammable decorative objects have no place near a stove or barbecue, or near an open fire. It is necessary to decorate the recreation area, and in the cooking area fire safety comes first.

Let’s get comfortable

There are increased requirements for furniture for a terrace with a barbecue. It should be comfortable and functional, moisture- and heat-resistant and easy to care for, because it will get dirty quickly.

If tables, cabinets, chairs or benches are made of wood or rattan, they are treated with fire retardants. Metal furniture is preferable in this sense. Tabletops can be made of natural or artificial stone, tempered glass.

Reject the temptation to save money – do not buy plastic furniture for a terrace with a barbecue. Plastic is easily flammable, looks cheap and does not last long. If you like the idea of stacking chairs and putting them away when not in use, consider purchasing folding steel chairs or stools.

Let these recommendations help you arrange your terrace with comfort, coziness and safety!