How to Create the Outdoor Kitchen of Your Dreams

Transform your backyard with our expert tips on creating the ultimate outdoor kitchen, perfect for entertaining and elevating your outdoor space. Get inspired now!

Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming about flipping burgers under the sun or sipping a chilled drink while searing a perfectly marbled steak in the great outdoors? Well, it's time to turn those dreams into a reality with your very own outdoor kitchen—a space where the joy of cooking meets the beauty of nature.

We know the idea of building an outdoor kitchen can seem a bit daunting at first. Maybe you're asking yourself, "Where do I even start?" or "What do I need to make it truly awesome?" But worry not, friends! We’ve gathered all the essential ingredients to help you create an outdoor kitchen that’s not just functional, but a slice of paradise right in your backyard.

So, let's embark on this journey together, crafting a place where memories are made, and every meal feels like a mini-vacation. From selecting the perfect grill to choosing the right decor accents, we've got you covered. Keep reading for insider advice and design tips that will ensure your outdoor kitchen is the spot where everyone wants to gather. Fire up your imaginations (and your grills!)—we’re about to dive into some sizzling outdoor kitchen ideas.

How to Create an Outdoor Kitchen:

Cooking and entertaining outdoors is the perfect way to get some fresh air, enjoy the weather, and connect with nature. Spending time outdoors is also good for your mental health. The only problem with cooking outdoors is you need the space to do it, which can be intimidating if you need to start from scratch. Thankfully, many outdoor kitchen installations are very beginner-friendly, and you can tackle it one step at a time. The very first step is to create a solid action plan and learn what needs to be done.

Set Specific Goals

An outdoor kitchen comes in many shapes and sizes. You’ll need to take a look at your backyard and determine how much space you can reasonably work with. You will also need to decide what type of cooking you’ll do. Many homeowners are satisfied with a simple grilling setup. Others prefer an outdoor bar. Lately, owners have included full-sized kitchens complete with mini refrigerators, smokers, cooktops, and even pizza ovens! There is no wrong choice as long as you have the space and budget for it. Make sure you account for space to enjoy your meal, too.

Prep Your Outdoor Space

Depending on the outdoor space you’re working with, you’ll likely need some prep work before creating your kitchen. If you already have a deck or patio to put your appliances that can be sheltered from inclement weather, great! If not, you’ll need to put some work in (or hire someone to do it for you). Most outdoor kitchens are set upon some sort of solid foundation, like a patio, deck, or concrete slab. For most purposes, a simple patio will work well.

Patios require a foundation and flooring of your choice; ensure it is easy to clean and weather-resistant. If your home is on any type of incline or uneven terrain, a deck might be a good choice to keep things level. Decks are also ideal if you want a scenic overlook while you cook and eat. They are less expensive to build than you may think, especially if you go local. I found a reputable and affordable deck builder near me easily with a quick online search. Check your community for builders and suppliers, and be sure to compare quotes before choosing.

Weatherproof the Space

While most outdoor kitchen appliances are weatherproof, you should still protect them from the elements as much as possible. Cooking or enjoying a meal outside, even when it rains, may be a convenient option. Waterproof covers can protect your grill and other appliances, but many homeowners prefer to place their outdoor kitchen under a deck, pergola, or some type of awning. Retractable awnings or shelters can work nicely if you’d like full exposure during some days. It’s ideal to have a storage space to put your tools and less weatherproof appliances away during heavy rains, too.

Choose Your Appliances

Now that you’ve planned out and prepared a space for your kitchen, it’s time to choose the appliances you’ll include. Again, there’s no wrong choice here, but your appliances should be durable, energy-efficient, and easy to clean. You’ll likely see more dirt and wear on appliances outdoors, so their durability and cleaning convenience will come in handy. Energy efficiency is important to save on your energy bills. A second kitchen will raise your energy bill costs significantly if you’re not careful. Color-coordinating your appliances can create a seamless, inviting look.

Install Outdoor-Friendly Counter Space

A kitchen isn’t as useful without prep space. Some outdoor kitchen sets come with counters, but if you’re creating a custom kitchen from scratch, you’ll need to choose your material. You can opt for rolling kitchen carts to prep your meals, or you can install counters and cabinets like a traditional kitchen.

Stone, concrete, or tile are popular options for durability, but not all materials are alike. If you go the stone route, consider a strong granite or soapstone, as it won’t stain as easily and will hold up to the elements well. Concrete should be installed properly and likely reinforced with steel to avoid cracking. Your tiles should be porcelain or any other freeze-proof tile instead of ceramic, which isn’t as weatherproof. The color of your material matters, too. If it’s too dark, it can absorb heat and be too difficult to work with on hot summer days.

Add Accessories

You’ll want to make the outdoor kitchen easy to work with. Tool hooks, shelving, portable spice racks, and trash cans can help with this. Accessorize the space according to your needs and cooking style. You’ll want to be able to access cooking tools, utensils, and dinnerware easily. A rolling cart can help you bring items from your home to the outdoors, but cabinetry can help you keep these items at the ready. Adding a fire pit can help keep the space warm and relaxing at night.

Install Lighting

Nighttime meals can be relaxing and exciting, especially when you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a fire pit. You’ll need lighting to do this. Thanks to solar energy, there are tons of attractive and energy-efficient outdoor lighting. String lights, lampposts, or spotlights can all keep your kitchen and dining area well-lit. Consider solar-powered and LED bulbs to keep your energy bills low.

Create a Relaxing Dining Area

If you don’t have an area to enjoy your outdoor meals, do you really have a kitchen? Make sure you add some comfortable, attractive furniture where you and your guests can sit. Chairs, lounge chairs, couches, and tables are all great outdoor dining options. Ensure the upholstery or material is weatherproof and easily cleaned.

Conclusion

The last step, of course, is to decorate the space to your tastes and enjoy the fruits of your labor. An outdoor kitchen is one of the most popular ways to entertain and reconnect with nature. With a little planning and hard work, the exterior of your home can be just as useful and inviting as the interior.