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Unlimited Options: Building a Custom Outdoor Kitchen From Scratch
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Building an outdoor kitchen gives you new opportunities for outdoor cooking, boosts the value of your home, and provides you with an excuse for hosting countless parties in the future. If you choose to build a custom outdoor kitchen, you'll have practically limitless possibilities, meaning you'll get exactly what you want.

So what are the most important customizations to consider? And how do you begin this process?

The Value of a Custom Outdoor Kitchen

Creating and installing a custom outdoor kitchen comes with many independent benefits, including:

·       Home value increases. The estimated return on investment (ROI) for an outdoor kitchen varies, depending on which source you consult. The lowest estimate implies an ROI of 54 percent, but some studies suggest that an outdoor kitchen could return up to 200 percent of its value to your home. No matter what, you're going to add value to your home. When it's time to sell your home, you'll be able to sell it for more. That doesn't necessarily mean you should install a custom outdoor kitchen right before you sell your house and move, but it does mean you'll get back at least some of your investment when it comes time to sell.

·       More kitchen space. Have you ever run out of kitchen space? Have you ever wished you had an extra oven or refrigerator? Having an outdoor kitchen solves these problems and more, giving you more total kitchen space than you ever thought possible.

·       Outdoor cooking. Many people dream of having outdoor kitchens so they can spend more time outside. Cooking outside gives you more fresh air, makes cleanup easier, and reduces odors in your home.

·       Backyard beautification. For some people, installing an outdoor kitchen is a way of beautifying the backyard. It's an installation that can fit your aesthetic needs and make your outdoor space more interesting, unique, and inviting.

·       An excuse for more gatherings. Speaking of inviting, a custom outdoor kitchen means you'll have an excuse to host more gatherings. People will love hanging out in your beautiful backyard while you prepare food for everyone.

Key Considerations for Your Outdoor Kitchen

If you want to design your outdoor kitchen from scratch, these are the most important considerations:

·       Layout and size. How big do you want your outdoor kitchen to be? How do you want it to be shaped and laid out? There are truly endless possibilities here, so the biggest limitations will likely be available backyard space and your budget.

·       Appliances. Do you want a stove and an oven? Do you want a grill? What about a separate refrigerator or freezer? Appliances will dictate the functionality of your kitchen.

·       Utility hookups. Depending on what you want from your outdoor kitchen, you may need lines and hookups for utilities like electricity, natural gas, and water. This may increase your costs, but give you much more convenient access to the resources you need here.

·       Storage. Without ample storage, any kitchen is going to get out of control – and outdoor kitchens are no different. Carefully consider what types of cabinets, drawers, and other forms of storage you want available in your outdoor kitchen.

·       Materials. From granite to natural stone and stainless steel, there are countless options for materials to use in your outdoor kitchen. Both functionality and aesthetics should be considered here.

Getting Started

Not sure how to get started?

You can begin by evaluating the following:

·       Space. How much space do you have, and are there any inherent limitations to that space? Depending on the size and layout of your backyard, you may be restricted on how big your outdoor kitchen is or how it's shaped.

·       Budget. How much are you willing to spend on this outdoor kitchen? If you have a firm number in mind, it will be much easier for you to make decisions (and possibly compromises) about things like appliances and materials.

·       Style. How do you want your kitchen to look overall? Are you looking for something sleek and modern or more natural and rustic? What does the rest of your yard look like? What does the rest of your house look like? And how is your outdoor kitchen going to fit?

·       Ability/willingness. Finally, think about whether you have the skills or willingness to build your outdoor kitchen on your own. If not, you can always hire contractors to do the work for you – just make sure you do your due diligence when hiring.

Once you have a better idea of your limitations and preferences, you can begin the process of designing and securing the components for your outdoor kitchen. You can work with a contractor, build it yourself, order prefabricated units, or build everything from scratch. It's totally up to you!

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Troxel’s foundation was built in elite player training, working extensively with NBA talent before transitioning into women’s basketball. His sessions were intense, detail-oriented, and rooted in the belief that daily discipline creates long-term success. In his view, excellence was not a switch to be turned on during game day, but a habit formed through countless hours of precise, focused practice.

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One of the most defining chapters in Troxel’s career was his partnership with Diana Taurasi, widely recognized as the greatest women’s basketball player in history. Their collaboration began in Russia, where Taurasi was a key player for UMMC Ekaterinburg.

What started as occasional training sessions quickly evolved into a daily, high-intensity routine. Troxel introduced a more physical, NBA-inspired training approach into her preparation—one that blended skill drills, strength work, and film study.

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Troxel’s coaching principles are straightforward but powerful, rooted in his years of experience across levels and continents:

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  2. Never get outworked – Approach each session with full energy and precision, setting the standard for players to follow.

  3. Tell the truth – Elite athletes value honesty over empty praise; constructive criticism is essential for growth.


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It turns out, you don't need a secret family recipe to bake like a pro. Much of what makes a professional bakery stand out is a commitment to the fundamentals. We spoke with several bakers, and they all agreed that precision is key. Unlike cooking, where you can often get away with a pinch of this and a dash of that, baking is a science. Using a kitchen scale to weigh your ingredients, especially flour, can make a huge difference in the final product. This ensures you have the correct ratios of fat, flour, and sugar, which is critical for creating the perfect texture.

Another secret? Patience. Many of us are in a rush to get our creations into the oven, but professional bakers know that a little extra time can go a long way. Allowing your cookie dough to rest in the refrigerator overnight, for example, allows the flour to fully hydrate and the flavors to meld, resulting in a more flavorful and evenly baked cookie. This is a common practice in many of Georgia's most beloved bakeries.

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Of course, it wouldn't be Southern baking without a nod to tradition. Many of Georgia's bakeries have been around for generations, passing down not just recipes, but a love for the craft. Take a stroll through any historic downtown, and you're likely to find a bakery that has been a community staple for decades. These businesses are more than just a place to buy a loaf of bread; they are a gathering place, a hub of the community, and a testament to the enduring power of a shared love for delicious food. To learn more about the history of southern desserts, check out this Ultimate Guide to Southern Desserts.

Beyond the Recipe

While precision and patience are crucial, the real secret to exceptional baking is passion. The bakers we spoke to all had one thing in common: a genuine love for what they do. It's this passion that drives them to wake up before the sun, to meticulously craft each and every pastry, and to constantly strive for perfection. It's what transforms a simple list of ingredients into a work of art.

So, the next time you bite into a warm, flaky croissant or a decadent slice of cake, take a moment to appreciate the artistry and dedication that went into it. The secrets of Georgia's bakeries aren't just about what's in the recipe; they're about the heart and soul that's poured into every creation. For a deeper dive into the science of baking, we recommend this article on Bakery Basics.

Whether you're an aspiring baker or just someone who appreciates a good sweet treat, we can all learn something from the masters. By embracing precision, patience, and a whole lot of passion, you can bring a little bit of that Georgia bakery magic into your own kitchen. And who knows, you might just discover your own secret to baking success.

 

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