Every Aussie homeowner dreams of having a large outdoor entertaining area. A space with all the trimmings - a functional, lavish outdoor kitchen, modern, comfy furniture and even a wall-mounted TV and sound system. And to top it all off, a grand, exquisitely designed pergola to protect your furnishings and keep your guests out of the elements.
With years of experience in South Australia’s building industry, Dan Horsfall, owner of MidCoast Pergolas and Decks, has perfected the art of designing, manufacturing and building high-quality pergolas that enhance Adelaide homes. Dan recently sat down with us to explain why pergolas and outdoor kitchens are a match made in heaven.
Why should outdoor kitchens have a pergola?
“A beautifully crafted pergola is the perfect addition to any Australian home,” explains Dan. “Not only does it extend the living space of your home, but it also makes your Adelaide outdoor kitchen more functional. With a roof and some shutters or screens, you can cook up a delicious meal for your family all year round.”
What comes first? The pergola or outdoor kitchen?
“It’s a bit of a chicken and egg situation,” laughs Dan. “A lot of homeowners don’t know where to start. Should they build the pergola first or the outdoor kitchen?”
“We always recommend planning and building your pergola alongside your Adelaide outdoor kitchen. That way, the design of your kitchen accommodates your new pergola and vice versa. At MidCoast, we work directly with Adelaide Outdoor Kitchens from start to finish to ensure that your pergola and outdoor kitchen flow together and co-exist perfectly.”
What do I need to know before I put a pergola on my Adelaide outdoor kitchen?
“Designing your pergola and outdoor kitchen together definitely has its benefits,” Dan starts. “We can foresee any issues that might arise and nip them in the bud before they become a problem.”
“But there are some things you need to consider. For example, a fully functional outdoor kitchen will probably have a sink, taps and maybe even a dishwasher. All of that requires plumbing. So it’s important to install your plumbing before you build your pergola. Otherwise, you’ll have to rip up your existing decking or floor tiles to lay down any pipes.”
“And don’t forget to add gas outlets to fire up your barbecue and heating.”
What are the latest trends for pergolas?
“Sustainability is huge for homeowners right now. So a lot of people want to incorporate that into their homes. At MidCoast, we often use recycled timber to build our pergolas. In one recent project, we used reclaimed timber from the old wharf on Kangaroo Island for the pergola’s posts.”
Check out MidCoast and AOK’s Seaford Rise project.
“Using reclaimed timber also adds a natural element to the space, which is also trending at the moment,” Dan elaborates. “Blending raw, earthy materials within the pergola design makes the area more aesthetically pleasing and creates a flow between the home and the outside world.”
Thinking of adding a pergola to your Adelaide outdoor kitchen? Team up with MidCoast Pergolas and Decks and AOK to create the ultimate outdoor entertaining space for your home. Learn more about how AOK and MidCoast can elevate your home here.
