August means a return to school, and there is no better way to beat the back-to-school blues than with a BASKyard BBQ! Of course, any BASK party includes time in the pool, but in this post, we want to feature the “outdoors” of our name: BASK Pools + Outdoors. BASK is your one-stop-shop for all things outdoor entertaining. From fabulous pools, to gorgeous landscaping, to incredible outdoor living spaces, the team at BASK is here to help you do it all! Let’s talk about these outdoor spaces, and what we can offer to you!
OUTDOOR KITCHEN
As a South Louisiana company, we have to keep our outdoor kitchen game ON POINT. The outdoor kitchen is an institution here, and is often the domain of the men of the family who have returned from a hunt or fishing trip ready to clean their bounty. It’s also a cooking space large enough to handle big jobs like a crawfish boil, or jambalaya for an extended family event. Let’s talk about some favorite BASK features in this space.
SMOKERS
Kamado Grills a la The Big Green Egg are still our number one requested item when designing an outdoor kitchen. They are a great option for beginner and advanced smokers alike, and are the only smoker we can provide a built-in option for. Another smoker we see becoming more popular is the Traeger pellet grills/smokers. However, these smokers produce A LOT of smoke, and are therefore not a good built-in option. We often design a separate concrete pad to use for the grill cart, which can be customizable according to our client’s needs.
GRILLS
A built-in gas grill has become a bit of an essential in an outdoor kitchen. From flipping burgers, roasting hot dogs, or searing off that perfect steak, a built-in gas grill can do it all. They range in sizes and prices to fit any need or budget. Options include natural gas, propane, grills, infrared options, sear zones, and rotisseries.
COOKTOPS
We often install two-burner options near built-in grills for additional cooking options outdoors. This is not the only option. The size of the cooktop is customer-dependent and can range anywhere up to 6-burner options. We can also install additional power burners for Louisiana crawfish boils. Another option in rising popularity is the teppanyaki grill. This hibachi-style grill is a versatile option for cooking everything from traditional hibachi to a good ol’ smashburger.
REFRIGERATORS
We often recommend our clients install a full size stainless refrigerator if space allows in their outdoor kitchen space. This truly gives the most versatility for cold-storage, and can generally stand-up to our hot and humid climate. Other options we offer are refrigerator drawers and solid-door compact refrigerators.
FREEZERS
With so many clients opting for the full-size standard refrigerators, the freezer is taken care of there. However, for those who don’t have space for these large appliances, there are undercounter options for compact freezers just like compact refrigerators.
BEVERAGE COOLERS
Glass door beverage coolers are the classic option for additional cold storage of waters, beers, or soft drinks.
OUTDOOR LIVING
We love when our outdoor kitchens can flow effortlessly into outdoor living spaces. The design approach at BASK is that this entire space feels like an extension of your home’s interior, but built outdoors-tough to withstand the heat and humidity of south Louisiana. Essentials in this space include a TV for watching fall football games, comfortable and beautiful furniture, ceiling fans to create an effortless southern breeze, and rugs for added luxury and comfort.
LAGNIAPPE
There is one other major impediment to a Louisiana outdoor Saturday night. They begin with a “m’ and end with “mosquitoes”. Mosquitoes are THE pest that can ruin a good time, but at BASK we design solutions for every problem.
SCREENED-IN PATIO
The deluxe solution is a fully screened-in patio. This will keep the flies, mosquitoes, and other critters out of your living space.
MOTORIZED SHADES
Some people do not want the option to have all of their outdoor spaces flow without the impediment of a screen on a lovely mosquito-free day. Or maybe they need an increased ease of movement between the pool space and the outdoor kitchen and living space. BUT they would like the option to implement the screens when needed. For these clients, retractable shades are a fantastic option. There are manually-operated options, but for the greatest ease, motorized shades are a luxury option.