25 Outdoor Kitchen Ideas to Cook and Entertain in Your Backyard
You’ll be throwing so many barbecues this summer!
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There are a lot of things to consider when setting up an idyllic backyard. You might put in a patio where you enjoy a pitcher of lemonade shared among friends. Or add a garden with flowers to beautify your space. But if you’re a regular gourmet, just like Ree Drummond, you might want to think about adding the ultimate culinary feature to your home: An outdoor kitchen! They’ve become popular in recent years, and for good reason. It’s fun to cook in the great outdoors instead of being inside, and your pals and loved ones can sit right alongside you and join in on the fun, too.
You can build a kitchen right next to your outdoor table for easy entertaining, or you can place it on your patio for dinner followed by a bonfire to end the evening. Include a grill, countertop, or even a refrigerator for all the essentials, and make sure you’re using outdoor-friendly materials that can withstand all kinds of weather. There are lots of ways to go about it—ahead, we’ve included a mix of tutorials so you can construct the kitchen yourself, inspiration in case you’d like to hire a pro to take it on, and kitchens you can purchase ready-made. It’s time to get ready for barbecue season!
Pull Up Some Barstools
To make outdoor cooking a family affair, or to set the scene for gathering with friends, make sure to include a bar and don’t forget the pretty barstools.
Learn more at Living Gardens Landscape Design.
Display a Waterfall Countertop
A waterfall countertop isn’t just reserved for indoor kitchens! This stylish accent can also be added to an outdoor kitchen, making for a visual that’s both eye-pleasing and functional.
Get the tutorial at Nest Out West.
Showcase Brick
As a durable material that will withstand the elements, and cooking regularly, you can’t go wrong with brick for your outdoor kitchen.
Learn more at Revival Construction.
Keep Things Fresh in White
Outdoor spaces should always look easy and breezy, and one way to do just that in your outdoor kitchen is to go with a white palette, from the walls to the barstools.
Learn more at Oyster Creek Studios.
Keep Logs Close By
If you’re pondering purchasing a pizza oven, make sure to include spaces to tuck logs away, keeping them at the ready whenever you fire up the oven.
Include a Burner
Most people tend to center on a grill for their outdoor kitchen, which is great! But we’re always for those extra little bonuses that will make the experience even better, like a burner so you can keep food simmering while you grill.
Learn more at Our Emerald Home.
Go with Black and White
While an outdoor kitchen certainly serves a practical purpose, it should also fit in with your overall aesthetic. If you lean toward shades of black and white and love modern, fresh looks, consider weaving the hues into your outdoor cook space.
Get the tutorial at Just Destiny Home.
Use Wood
Wood, as long as it’s properly sealed, is a great material choice for an outdoor kitchen. It’ll nod to nature while looking stylish and classic.
Make a Pizza Oven the Focal Point
Perhaps your only wish is to grill pizza in your outdoor kitchen! In this case, you definitely need a pizza oven, and this tutorial will show you how to build it.
Get the tutorial at Tikkido.
Keep Tools Within Arm’s Reach
To make your outdoor kitchen a whole lot more functional, set aside spots for your must-have tools. For instance, you can hang a tray, cutting board, and grilling tools on the wall.
Learn more at Addison’s Wonderland.
Transform Your Deck
Did you know that you can place an outdoor kitchen on your deck? If you have the space, follow this tutorial, and even keep a bonfire spot nearby, too.
Get the tutorial at At Home with the Barkers.
Make It Mobile
If you’d prefer that your outdoor kitchen not be a permanent fixture of your backyard, you can make it mobile! Follow these steps to put your kitchen on wheels.
Get the tutorial at Houseful of Handmade.
Craft a Concrete Countertop
Concrete is a hardy material that can easily live outside (considering it makes up driveways and sidewalks!), so it’s a natural choice for an outdoor kitchen.
Get the tutorial at Honey Built Home.
Hang Outdoor Pendant Lights
Planning to do some cooking at night? Then you’ll need some outdoor-friendly pendant lights to illuminate your space. They’ll add a dose of visual interest, too.
As you know, cabinets are ultra-handy inside, so why not place them outside, too? This portable outdoor cabinet will keep everything in place and it doubles as a prep station!
Give It a Farmhouse Look
Even an outdoor kitchen can benefit from some decor and a design scheme. If farmhouse is your thing, outfit your space in bygone aesthetics, like timeworn barstools, galvanized metal planters, and a neutral color palette.
Learn more at My 100 Year Old Home.
Tuck It Alongside a Hedge
If you’re scratching your head, wondering where you could possibly put an outdoor kitchen in your yard, consider tucking it in right next to your landscaping. An island and a grill, on a surface like gravel, could be ideal.
Learn more at City Farmhouse.
Simplify with a Serving Station
Not ready to commit to a full-on outdoor kitchen just yet? Instead, you can create an outdoor serving station that’ll act like a mini version of a kitchen, providing a work surface and cubbies where you can stash items you’ll need.
Get the tutorial at Live Laugh Rowe.
Set Up an Outdoor Table
An outdoor kitchen is only good if you have a table to eat at! This one brings the indoors out with its stylish design and table setting.
In addition to a grill, make sure to reserve some spaces for your refreshments! This bar cart has a built in cooler that you can fill with ice, plus places to store your wine glasses.
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