Nothing marks the start of backyard season quite like a cookout. Having access to an outdoor kitchen and dining area will make entertaining a breeze—whether you’re hosting a large dinner party or an intimate gathering. If you’re ready to create an outdoor oasis but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered. In our article and visual guide, we’ll share smart ideas for outdoor kitchens and dining, from budget-friendly options to luxurious setups.
Get Cooking!
Prepare and serve meals while enjoying the fresh air alongside your guests. Consider adding a food-prep surface, such as a small, all-weather table or custom-built countertop. You can install task lighting over your cooking area and ambient lighting for the dining space. Don’t forget a shelter for the chef, such as a market umbrella or pergola. These features will make your outdoor cooking space both comfortable and functional regardless of the time of day or the weather.
Create a High-End Outdoor Space
You can include some basic seating options and a covered spot for grilling if you want a simple outdoor kitchen, but a more comprehensive outdoor dining experience will require careful planning and consideration. In addition to some of the suggestions above, we recommend adding a sink and some appliances. You can use a sink for easy cleanup and food preparation, and appliances, such as a refrigerator or wine cooler, to keep beverages and ingredients handy.
You can include seating options such as a table and chairs or an outdoor couch. Or, find a contractor who will make a custom-built bar for you so your guests can enjoy a drink. Consider how much room you have and what your budget is so that you can turn a dining area into a hub of social interaction for you and your guests.
Find Luxe for Less
You don’t have to break the bank when you create an outdoor space. Achieve a high-end look without the hefty price tag by focusing on features that provide you with the most value. For example, you can invest in a quality grill and complement it with a more affordable countertop.
You can also use cost-effective materials that mimic expensive options, such as concrete pavers instead of natural stone. A few other ideas to maintain that high-end appeal while sticking to your budget include:
- Opting for stainless steel products which offer a sleek, modern look but are more durable and less expensive
- Repurposing or upcycling existing furniture and accessories
- Using materials, such as composite decking, which offer the look of wood without the maintenance
Remember that any investment in your outdoor kitchen can potentially increase your home’s value. As Karen Schwartz of ERA Real Estate notes, “In any market, a home with an outdoor kitchen would help buyers choose it over another without one.”
Bake Your Pizza-Oven Dreams
If you’re a pizza lover, adding a pizza oven to your outdoor kitchen is a must. While you can invest in a high-end, imported oven, you don’t have to spend a fortune for one. Opt for portable pizza oven attachments that you can use with your grill. You can use these to make brick oven-style pizzas without having to install a permanent structure. You can also choose do-it-yourself (DIY) pizza oven kits that fall between portable options and custom-built ovens.
As you start to plan your pizza oven, consider the space you have available, how frequently you’ll use it, and what fuel type you’ll use, such as wood-fired or gas. You can also have a little fun with your oven and think about adding an herb garden for pizza toppings or rustic wooden countertops where you’ll prep your ingredients.
Dine Outdoors for Less
If you’re worried that your budget stands in the way of creating your ideal outdoor kitchen, reevaluate your options—keeping a DIY approach in mind. Drape fabric between four poles sunk into the ground for a sunshade to protect your guests from the sun while adding a touch of ambiance to your dining space. You can also apply weather-resistant finishes to your worn dining table and snag some mismatched chairs from a yard sale to create a charming, eclectic look.
Affordable lighting solutions include string lights, solar-powered lanterns, or DIY candle holders. Adding some lights along a pathway or to the entrance of your outdoor dining area can provide a cozy atmosphere while enhancing its visual appeal. Use your creativity and resourcefulness to transform your outdoor space into a comfortable and stylish dining area.
Create a Safari-Style Porch
If you’re looking for a unique yet polished outdoor dining space, consider using safari-inspired decor. Include pieces that feel inviting but slightly exotic, such as caned daybeds, rattan lamps, and flowing curtains. You can add furnishings made of natural materials, which may include bamboo, rattan, or teak. Mix and match different textures and patterns to invoke your safari theme with a pair of woven chairs with a sleek white farm table or colorful African rugs and grassland animal statues.
Choose accessories that spark a sense of adventure and travel. You can use vintage trunks, antique maps, or botanical prints. Don’t forget to add some greenery with some hanging planters, potted palms, and climbing vines.
Imagine an Open-Air Dining Room
You can skip the outdoor kitchen but still build an open-air dining space if you want to eat alfresco. Take your patio or deck to the next level by creating an elegant spot where you can entertain guests or gather with your family for an evening meal. Start by finding a well-proportioned table and use it as your centerpiece, whether you want to go with a farmhouse table for some rustic charm or a sleek, modern table for a contemporary look. From there, choose comfortable and stylish seating and add a storage solution, such as a sideboard, buffet, or cabinets. This will help you keep all your dining essentials at your fingertips. Remember to pick out materials that withstand the elements.
Another option to make your outdoor dining space welcoming and sophisticated is to paint a decorative border on the ceiling of a covered patio or pergola and complement it with elegant drapery or stylish outdoor rugs to complete the look.
Building the Perfect Patio
Your patio’s foundation can set the tone for your entire space. There are many popular flooring options, which include brick, concrete, stone, and gravel. We’ll cover a few characteristics of those flooring choices below:
- Brick offers a classic, timeless look that is easy to install. It comes in several colors and patterns.
- Concrete is a versatile and cost-effective option. Installers can stamp or stain concrete to mimic more expensive materials.
- Natural stone, such as flagstone or slate, provides a high-end, organic look, but keep in mind that it can be more expensive and challenging to install.
Consider durability, maintenance requirements, and how the material will complement your home’s architecture before you choose a foundation. You’ll also want to think about the climate in your area and pick out materials that can withstand local weather conditions. To have a little fun with your flooring option, you can mix and match materials, such as combining gravel pathways with stone seating areas.
Construct an Outdoor Kitchen (and More) From Scratch
Experienced DIYers can build their own outdoor kitchen from scratch. If you have some carpentry skills, you can customize every aspect to fit your needs and preferences. A basic island design is an efficient and cost-effective option that packs everything into one compact unit. Consider what other elements you’ll want to include, such as a grill, countertop space for food preparation, storage for utensils and supplies, and possibly a small refrigerator or sink.
Choose weather-resistant materials for your outdoor kitchen construction. Stainless steel is a durable choice for appliances and hardware, and you can use stone or concrete for countertops and the island structure. Remember to include ventilation, especially if your outdoor kitchen will be located under a covered area.
Make a Grilling Station
Carrying things from your indoor kitchen to the backyard can be a real drag. You can create a mobile cart where you can store all your grilling essentials—and you’ll have everything you need to cook up your barbecue feast. You can make a grilling station with two planters as a base and add a few easy-to-find parts to create a functional and attractive unit.
When designing your grilling station, consider including features, such as:
- A built-in cooler or ice bucket for keeping beverages cold
- A heat-resistant surface for food preparation
- Hooks for hanging grilling tools
- Storage compartments for utensils, spices, and other grilling accessories
- Wheels for easy mobility
Choose materials that can withstand outdoor conditions, such as treated wood or weather-resistant plastics, and include enhancements, such as a fold-out side table or integrated cutting board for added functionality.
Build a Picnic Table
A classic picnic table with attached benches is a backyard staple. It has ample seating without requiring as much space as individual chairs and tables. By building your own table, you have control over the size, style, and finish to make it right for your outdoor space and personal taste.
When constructing a picnic table, consider the following:
- Add features like umbrella holes or built-in benches for added functionality.
- Apply a weather-resistant finish to protect the wood and enhance its appearance.
- Choose durable, weather-resistant wood such as cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated pine.
- Ensure the table is level and stable, especially if it will be placed on uneven ground.
Make an Outdoor Bar Cart
You can upgrade your cooler and bag of ice with a homemade bar cart. Construct a cart tough enough to withstand sun, rain, and spills. Including two-wheeled construction will allow you to navigate stone patios or lumpy lawns with ease, and you can add a removable top tray for serving drinks or munchies. With this mobile unit, you can easily serve drinks and snacks to your guests, whether you’re hosting a barbecue or a casual get-together.
Key features to consider for your outdoor bar cart include:
- Built-in storage for glasses, bottles, and bar tools
- A collapsible design for easy storage during the off-season
- A removable top tray for easy serving
- Sturdy wheels for mobility across various surfaces
- Weather-resistant materials such as cedar or treated hardwood
Turn a Salvaged Sink into an Outdoor Bar
Repurposing a salvaged sink into an outdoor bar combines the charm of vintage elements with the practicality of modern dining. The sink can serve as an ice bucket for chilling beverages, or you can use it as a washing station for easy cleanup.
When creating your salvaged sink outdoor bar, consider the following steps:
- Source a suitable vintage sink from a salvage yard or antique store.
- Choose a sturdy base, such as a cedar potting bench, to support the sink.
- Install proper drainage, either into a bucket or connected to your garden hose.
- Add a decorative skirt to conceal storage beneath the sink.
- Incorporate additional features like a cutting board or bottle storage.
No matter what you choose to do with your outdoor space, remember to make sure it’s comfortable and stylish but functional.
