Designing Your Outdoor Kitchen: A Simple Guide

Key Takeaways:

• An outdoor kitchen adds value and enjoyment to your home.
• Kitchen remodeling for outdoors starts with planning the layout, choosing the right location, and thinking about traffic flow.
• Essential appliances include a grill, sink, and refrigerator for easy outdoor cooking and storage.
• Use durable, weather-resistant materials like graniteDefinition: A natural stone used for countertops, known for its durability and variety of colors and... or stainless steel for countertopsDefinition: Horizontal surfaces in kitchens used for food preparation, commonly made of granite, qua... and cabinets.
• Add comfort with shade, good lightingDefinition: Various types of lighting fixtures used in kitchens, including task lighting, ambient li..., and enough seating for guests.
• Stick to your budget by starting with the basics and adding extras over time.
• Regular maintenance is key to keeping your outdoor kitchen in great shape.
• A kitchen contractor can help you design a functional and stylish outdoor space.

Designing an outdoor kitchen might feel like a challenge at first, but it’s easier than you think. With the right guidance, you can create a space that’s perfect for cooking, dining, and entertaining outdoors. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your backyard, an outdoor kitchen is a great way to add both value and enjoyment to your home.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to design outdoor kitchen spaces, covering everything from layout to materials and appliances. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or planning to hire a kitchen contractor, this simple guide will help you get started.

Why an Outdoor Kitchen?

Before jumping into the steps, let’s look at why designing an outdoor kitchen is such a popular choice. First, it extends your living space. Instead of being stuck inside while cooking, you get to enjoy the fresh air. Plus, it keeps the heat and mess out of your indoor kitchen.

An outdoor kitchen also creates a natural gathering spot for family and friends. Hosting barbecues or parties becomes much easier when everything is set up outside. It adds both functionality and fun to your home.

Step 1: Plan Your Layout

The first step to any successful kitchen project is planning the layout. It’s important to think about how the kitchen will fit into your backyard space.

• Choose the right location: Ideally, your outdoor kitchen should be close to your indoor kitchen. This way, you can easily bring food, drinks, and supplies outside without too much running around.
• Think about traffic flow: You want the space to feel open and inviting, with enough room for people to move around comfortably.
• Add seating nearby: Don’t forget to plan for where people will sit. Whether it’s barstools at a counter or a separate dining area, seating is key for making the space enjoyable.

If you’re unsure about the best layout for your space, a kitchen contractor can help. They have the experience to recommend designs that maximize your available space while keeping things functional.

Step 2: Select Appliances and Features

Once you have the layout, it’s time to think about what appliances you’ll need. Outdoor kitchens come in all shapes and sizes, so this is where you can really make the space your own.

• Grill: This is the heart of most outdoor kitchens. Whether you prefer gas or charcoal, choose a grill that fits your cooking style.
• Sink: A sink makes cleanup easier and reduces the trips you need to make back inside.
• Refrigerator: A small outdoor fridge is a great way to keep drinks cold and food fresh.
• Storage: Consider adding cabinets or drawers for storing utensils, grilling tools, and other outdoor kitchen essentials.

Depending on your cooking habits, you might also want to add extras like a pizza oven or smoker. Think about what you’ll use most often, and design your kitchen around that.

Step 3: Choose the Right Materials

Since your outdoor kitchen will face the elements, it’s important to choose materials that can stand up to sun, rain, and maybe even snow. This is one area where outdoor kitchens differ from indoor ones—you need everything to be weather-resistant.

• Countertops: Durable materials like granite, stainless steel, or concrete are excellent choices for outdoor countertops. They’re heat-resistant and easy to maintain.
• Cabinets: Stainless steel cabinets are a popular option for outdoor spaces because they’re rust-proof and durable. If you prefer a warmer look, consider weather-resistant wood like teak.
• Flooring: Make sure the flooring around your outdoor kitchen is slip-resistant and durable. Stone, tile, or concrete work well for most climates.

Choosing durable materials might feel more expensive at first, but it will save you money on repairs and maintenance in the long run. Your kitchen will look great and function well for years to come.

Step 4: Add Comfort and Style

Now that you’ve covered the basics of layout, appliances, and materials, it’s time to think about comfort and style. After all, you want your outdoor kitchen to be a place where people enjoy spending time.

• Shade: Cooking outside can get hot, so consider adding a pergola, umbrella, or another type of shade to keep things cool.
• Lighting: If you plan to entertain in the evening, good lighting is a must. String lights, lanterns, or built-in cabinet lighting can all add ambiance while ensuring you can see what you’re doing.
• Seating: Make sure there’s enough seating for your guests. Whether it’s a bar with stools, a cozy dining table, or lounge chairs, comfort is key.

When it comes to style, try to match the design of your outdoor kitchen to your home’s overall look. This creates a more cohesive feel and makes the kitchen feel like a natural extension of your living space.

Step 5: Stay Within Budget

Designing an outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re looking for a high-end setup or a simple design, there are ways to stay within budget.

• Basic setup: If you’re working with a tight budget, start with just the essentials. A grill, some counter space, and a small fridge can create a functional outdoor kitchen without going overboard.
• Mid-range options: For a bit more investment, you can add a sink, built-in storage, and more durable materials like granite countertopsDefinition: Durable, natural stone countertops known for their heat resistance and unique patterns. ....
• Luxury designs: If you’re ready to splurge, consider adding high-end appliances, custom cabinetsDefinition: Cabinets built to specific measurements and designs to fit a unique kitchen layout. Why ..., and extras like a pizza oven or bar area.

Remember, it’s all about creating a space that works for you. You don’t need to include every feature out there to have an outdoor kitchen you love. Start with the basics, and you can always add more over time.

Step 6: Don’t Forget Maintenance

Just like any part of your home, an outdoor kitchen needs regular maintenance to stay in good shape. Here are some tips to keep your outdoor kitchen looking great year-round:

• Cover appliances: If your kitchen is exposed to the elements, use covers to protect your grill, sink, and other appliances when they’re not in use.
• Clean surfaces regularly: Wipe down countertops and cabinets to prevent buildup from grease, dirt, or rain.
• Check for rust: If you have metal fixtures or cabinets, keep an eye out for any rust spots and clean them as needed.
• Winterize if needed: In colder climates, you may need to winterize your outdoor kitchen by shutting off water lines and protecting appliances from freezing temperatures.

Let Bradco Kitchen & Bath Build Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen!

At Bradco Kitchen & Bath, we specialize in kitchen remodeling and outdoor kitchen design. Whether you need help figuring out how to design outdoor kitchen spaces or you’re ready to start building, we’ve got the experience to make it happen. Our team of expert designers and contractors will work with you to create an outdoor kitchen that fits your lifestyle, your space, and your budget. Contact us today to get started on your dream outdoor kitchen!