An outdoor kitchen allows you to enjoy cooking and entertaining outdoors. With some planning and DIY skills, you can create a functional, high-quality outdoor cooking space. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of building your own outdoor kitchen.
Choose a Location
Consider the following when picking a spot for your outdoor kitchen:
- Sun exposure – Pick a spot that gets some shade, especially during hot summer months. Full sun locations can get very hot.
- Protection from wind – Find an area that has some shielding from strong winds, which can blow out grills.
- Proximity – Locate your outdoor kitchen close to the indoor kitchen for easy transport of food and supplies. It should also be near outdoor seating/dining areas.
- Views – Select a pleasing vista to look out at when cooking and entertaining.
- Privacy – Ensure it has some privacy from neighbors unless that doesn’t bother you.
- Gas and electric – Building access makes hooking up appliances easier.
- Grilling safety – Keep it 10 feet from siding/combustibles and in a well-ventilated area.
- Drainage – Pick a level spot with good drainage to prevent water issues.
- Budget – Opt for a DIY-friendly spot if working within a budget. Complex terrain can add costs.
Design the Layout
Map out the layout based on your goals, space, and budget. Gather inspiration from home remodeling sites, landscapers, and magazines.
Consider the following:
- Cooking methods – Include your desired cooking appliances like a grill, smoker, pizza oven.
- Seating – Add a bar/counter area for casual dining.
- Sink – A sink is essential for cleaning, prep work, and hand washing.
- Storage – Incorporate cabinets, drawers, and shelves to store appliances/tools.
- Countertops – Durable stone or stainless steel countertops withstand outdoor use.
- Refrigerator – An outdoor fridge keeps cold drinks and perishables handy.
- Lighting – Task lighting, mood lighting, and safety lights are important.
- Accessories – Include extras like side burners, ice bins, cutting boards.
- Flow – Ensure the layout has a good workflow from prep to cooking.
Make your outdoor kitchen as luxurious or simple as you desire and budget allows. Just be sure to incorporate good work triangle flow and allow a minimum of 42-inches clearance between counters and appliances.
Choose Materials
Use high-quality weather-resistant materials designed to handle long-term outdoor exposure:
Countertops
- Tile – Attractive, affordable option. Vulnerable to cracks from dropping heavy items.
- Concrete – Durable, heat resistant surface. Can stain.
- Granite – Withstands heat, scratches, stains. Higher cost.
- Stainless steel – Easy to clean, durable surface. Can dent from heavy objects.
- Weather-resistant laminates – Affordable. Avoid chip-prone solid surface materials.
Cabinets/Storage
- Stainless steel – Most durable option. Higher cost.
- Weather-resistant woods (teak, cedar, cypress) – Attractive, protected storage. Moderate cost.
- Outdoor-rated composite materials – Affordable, handles weather well.
- Concrete/masonry – Provides weighted stability, but can crack.
- Tile-front cabinets – Durable and easy to clean.
Appliances
- Grills – Opt for stainless steel grills designed for outdoor use. Built-in models provide a clean look.
- Refrigerators – Choose outdoor-rated models with ventilation to handle humidity.
- Pizza ovens, smokers, etc – Ensure it’s rated for outdoor use. Stainless steel handles weather best.
- Sinks – Select outdoor/marine-grade stainless steel models. Undermount installation provides a seamless counter-to-sink transition.
Other Materials
- Lumber – Use weather-resistant cedar, redwood, or pressure treated pine.
- Hardware – Choose stainless steel or zinc coated metal. Avoid uncoated metals.
- Caulking/adhesives – Select exterior-grade, waterproof varieties.
- Lighting – Install outdoor-rated fixtures with GFCI outlets.
- Plumbing lines – Use copper, CPVC, or PEX tubing. Galvanized steel can corrode.
Create a Durable Foundation
Outdoor kitchens need a strong, level base that can withstand the elements. Here are some effective options:
Concrete Slab
Pros:
- Provides a completely flat surface
- Long lasting durability
- Works with all cabinet/countertop materials
Cons:
- More expensive
- Permanent
- Frost can crack slab – install below frost line
Concrete Pavers or Bricks
Pros:
- Allow you to reconfigure layout
- Provides good drainage
- Less expensive than poured concrete
Cons:
- Not as sturdy for cabinet installation
- Can shift and settle over time
- Weeds can grow between bricks
Gravel Base
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Provides good drainage
Cons:
- Cabinets need added support for installation
- Shifts when disturbed
- Weeds/grass can grow through
Wood Platform
Pros:
- Customizable size and shape
- Allows access to utilities
Cons:
- Susceptible to rot over time
- Needs frequent staining/sealing
- Not as sturdy as concrete
Fill in the base with sand or gravel to create a level surface for cabinetry. Compact the fill material thoroughly before installation.
Install the Cabinets and Countertops
The cabinets and countertops serve as the framework for your outdoor kitchen. Use moisture-resistant materials and construction designed to survive humidity, rain, and UV rays.
Follow standard cabinet installation steps:
- Assemble cabinets and ensure they are level, plumb, and square.
- Attach to base using exterior screws or concrete fasteners. Use shims to adjust to level.
- Attach cabinets together. Check for square and plumb.
- Add counter overhang support along front and sides.
- Prepare countertop and install per manufacturer instructions.
Seal all seams and edges with exterior-grade caulk. Consider adding cabinet covers or storm doors for extra weather and insect protection.
Add the Sink and Plumbing
Having a sink adds important functionality for cleaning, prep work, and hand washing.
- Select an outdoor-rated stainless steel sink made for outdoor use. Undermount for easiest installation.
- Mount faucet and soap dispenser drilled through countertop. Use silicone caulk around holes.
- Install supply lines from shutoff valves up to faucet using flexible, UV-resistant tubing.
- Run drain line from sink to outdoor sewer cleanout or dry well. Insulate lines.
- Test water lines, check for leaks. Insulate all supply lines.
Consider an instant hot water dispenser or small water heater if wanting hot water access.
Install Cooking Appliances
Here are some tips for installing common outdoor cooking appliances:
Built-In Grill
- Select a grill designed and rated for outdoor built-in use. Match size to space in cabinetry.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for cut-out dimensions, clearances, and venting.
- Build support structure for weight of grill (often 500+ lbs).
- Make electrical and gas connections.Perform leak tests on gas line.
- Slide into cabinet cut-out and attach securely to supports.
- Test ignition, burners, thermometers. Make adjustments as needed.
Pizza Oven
- Choose a wood, gas, or electric pizza oven suited for permanent outdoor installation.
- Prepare base as needed – concrete pad, blocks, hearth pad. Follow clearance requirements.
- Make cut-out in countertop or build standalone base for oven.
- Install oven and attach chimney/flue as directed. Arrange ventilation.
- For gas, connect line and perform leak test. For wood ovens, arrange fuel storage.
- Test to ensure proper heating and airflow. Start curing oven.
Other Appliances
Follow individual manual instructions for cut-outs, clearances, installations, wiring, and gas line connections required when installing smokers, side burners, etc. Perform leak tests on all gas connections.
Add Finishing Touches
Apply the following touches to complete your outdoor kitchen:
- Install all needed wiring/outlets. Use marine-grade conduit and GFCI outlets.
- Add task lighting under cabinets and accent lighting throughout the space. Use LED or solar fixtures rated for outdoors.
- Attach durable backsplashes. Use waterproof materials like tile, metal, or composite panels.
- Install ventilation like a vent hood, chimney, or wall-mounted fans for appliances that need it.
- Add locking storage doors, drawers, and cabinets suitable for outdoor use and weather resistance.
- Incorporate binning for garbage/recycling/compost. Use bins rated for outdoor use with tight-sealing lids to keep out pests.
- Include food prep features like a cutting board, paper towel holder, seasoning racks.
- Decorate! Add custom touches to match your style like fun knobs, exterior rugs, planters, and outdoor art.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
- Use heavy-duty, marine-rated exterior screws and hardware throughout the build.
- Caulk and seal all seams, edges, holes, and changes in plane with a flexible polyurethane caulk.
- Slope counter surfaces slightly to shed water. A 1/8″ per foot pitch is recommended.
- Install shelving brackets every 16 inches for stable support.
- Keep combustibles like paper towels away from heat sources. Have an ABC fire extinguisher handy.
- Clean stainless steel regularly with a good cleaner/polish to prevent corrosion.
- Consider adding a cover or outdoor cabinet system to protect the space when not in use.
Building your own outdoor kitchen is an extremely rewarding project that lets you create an amazing outdoor entertainment space tailored to your cooking and hosting desires. Use high-quality materials, proper construction techniques, and this guide to build an outdoor kitchen that will bring joy for many years to come. Best of luck with your project!
Frequently Asked Questions About Building Outdoor Kitchens
What is the first step in designing an outdoor kitchen?
The first step is deciding on a location. Consider sun exposure, wind protection, access to utilities, safety clearance from combustibles, proximity to the home’s kitchen, and views. Also factor in your budget and the complexity of the terrain.
What materials work best for outdoor kitchen cabinetry?
Stainless steel is the most durable outdoor cabinet material, but also the most expensive. Outdoor-rated woods like teak and cypress are attractive options. Composite and tile-front cabinets also handle weather well at a lower cost.
What is the best material for outdoor kitchen countertops?
Tile, concrete, and granite all work very well and resist damage from weather, heat, and dropped items. Stainless steel is another good option that some prefer for easy clean up. Avoid less durable solid surface acrylics and laminates.
Can you install a refrigerator in an outdoor kitchen?
Yes, there are many good outdoor-rated refrigerator options available. Just be sure to choose a model explicitly designed for outdoor use. These have ventilation and construction to handle humidity, rain, and other elements.
What kind of sink should you install for outdoor kitchen use?
Choose a stainless steel sink made specifically for outdoor and marine applications. Undermount installation often works best. Make sure to use supply lines and drain pipes rated for outdoor use.
How long does an outdoor kitchen build take?
An outdoor kitchen project can take 2-6 weeks from start to finish depending on the complexity of the design. The construction process is similar to an indoor kitchen remodel in most ways – it just requires using weatherproof materials and builds.
What design tips help make an outdoor kitchen more functional?
Some good design tips include: providing good lighting, adequate storage, durable low-maintenance materials, effective ventilation for appliances, seamless transitions between surfaces, and good traffic flow.
How much does a typical outdoor kitchen cost?
Costs vary widely based on size, materials, and design complexity. Most homeowners spend $5,000 to $20,000 on their outdoor kitchen projects. Higher-end luxury builds can reach $50,000 and beyond.
Conclusion
Creating the ultimate backyard paradise with an outdoor kitchen is an achievable DIY project that can take your summer entertaining to a whole new level. Use this guide to help design and build an outdoor cooking space tailored to your needs. With smart planning, quality materials, and proper techniques, you can construct an outdoor kitchen your family and friends will enjoy for years to come. Fire up the grill, mix some drinks, and get ready to take your outdoor entertaining to the next level!