The kitchen is a place of nourishment, entertainment, and gathering. It brings every home a special look and feel, especially when enriched with unique decorations. That’s why decor enthusiasts often bring nature to indoor kitchens with plants, flowers and earthy-painted walls to add personality and style to their favorite place in the house.
But the opposite stands true, too. You can create a luxurious outdoor space by bringing everything you love about your indoor kitchen to your backyard. An outdoor kitchen may seem out of reach financially, but these days, doing it yourself is a lot easier than you think. Creating an outdoor kitchen can be a fun project that can bring your needs and desires to your outdoor space! You can create your own perfect space with affordable DIY renovations that will have your friends and loved ones coming over more than ever.
Your outdoor kitchen will not just improve the look of your home, but it will also create a unique and inviting atmosphere for you, family and your friends. We have some great ideas that will get you started on your DIY plan. Are you ready to embark on an outdoor culinary adventure?
Let’s look at some of the perks of making your own outdoor kitchen space, ideas for DIYing it in your home, and where to find supplies to make it happen.
Why Should You Build a Kitchen in an Outdoor Space?
- Personalize your space to fit your needs
- Increase your property value
- Enjoy your outdoor kitchen during sunny days or while hosting parties
- Become the go-to house, allowing you to enjoy company outdoors on sunny days without having to venture away
The best part is that building an outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams on a budget and still enjoy all the benefits listed above.
Let’s go through some ideas that will allow all budgets to create that dream DIY outdoor kitchen.
Top 10 DIY Outdoor Kitchen Ideas for the Kitchen of Your Dreams
Want to build your outdoor kitchen but not sure where to start? Here are some DIY ideas to help get your creative juices flowing on how you elevate your outdoor space.
1. Include an Quality and Functional Built-In Grill
If you’re short on space or want a particular look to your outdoor kitchen, an essential outdoor kitchen element is a built-in grill. A built-in grill is bricked into the structure of your kitchen, which means the choice you make on the grill should be a top priority. The cut-out dimensions of grills are different even if they share the same left to right dimension. This is because they may have a taller or shorter control panel, the firebox and be wider or narrower and the front to back dimension can be different. We often have people say, “I have a 30-inch grill I need to replace.” . Unless you are replacing with the same brand, most 30-in grills have different cut-out (or brick-in) dimensions. For example, Alfresco ALXE-30 has a different cut-out than a Twin Eagles TEBQ-30. You cannot replace one for the other. If you do not choose a quality grill and you need to replace it, then it may become an expensive task if you need to modify your structure. Choose wisely!
2. Create a Grill Island That Meets Your Budget and Vision
A Challenger Designs Coastal Outdoor Kitchen with Delta Heat Grill and Outdoor Refrigerator is an economical way to boost your outdoor living while buying a Made in the USA budget friendly Island.
A grill island takes the concept of stovetop islands outdoors. It allows you to make your friends a part of the cooking experience and socialize as you grill. That's much better than keeping the chef outside while everyone waits for food inside!
A grill island is one of the grill outdoor kitchen ideas perfectly achievable within a limited budget. One way to make your DIY kitchen happen is by using these BBQ islands. It’s best that you include durable materials in your DIY outdoor kitchen island plans for longevity.
Outdoor kitchen islands can vary in size. Consider creating one big enough to include a prep station for food and a drink area so you have the perfect hosting space for guests.
3. Add a Pizza Oven
Nothing gives your outdoor kitchen an Italian touch quite like an outdoor pizza oven. Turn your backyard party with friends into a create your own pizza night or get the family together for a fun, creative experience.
Outdoor pizza ovens are a great addition to entertain guests and add a unique flair to your home. They also make one of the best DIY small outdoor kitchen ideas since they don’t take up too much space. Just look at Chelsea Handler’s outdoor pizza oven shared on Architectural Digest.
4. Build a Wooden Bar Island With a Pergola Roof
You may be debating adding a gazebo but are not ready to commit. For a cozy and inviting vibe, opt for a DIY wooden bar island with a pergola roof instead. It will provide shade and add a stylish touch to your outdoor kitchen, making people feel like they just stepped onto the rooftop bar at a hotel in Mexico. Add some storage space and bar seating and make your outdoor kitchen perfect for enjoying drinks and tapas with friends.
5. Create an Industrial Design With Corrugated Metal and Wood
If you’re looking for modern outdoor kitchen ideas that result in a durable look, consider an industrial design that uses corrugated metal and wood. This combination withstands the elements of the outdoors and adds a contemporary touch to an outdoor oasis.
An industrial design will also go great with beautiful greenery. The use of lush greenery perfectly compliments concrete countertops and will add life and color to your entertaining space. Planned out efficiently, you could build your outdoor kitchen to allow space for people to spread out around corners with seating areas and standing tables. Keep in mind that if you are adding gas appliances to your outdoor kitchen, you will need an insulated jacket if using any combustible materials.
6. Base Your Outdoor Kitchen Plans on the Existing Space
To make your functional outdoor kitchen ideas a reality, base your plans on the actual space you have. Allow for counter space and outdoor cooking space, whether that includes a gas grill, island components, side burners, and so on.
Don’t forget the must-haves of every outdoor kitchen, like storage, trash bins, drink areas with ice makers, and more. Planning around your available space instead of making your ideas fit in what you have once you’ve bought everything, will ensure a seamless integration with your backyard and maximize the functionality of the area.
7. Consider a Galley-Style Outdoor Kitchen Design
Opt for a galley-style outdoor kitchen design to maximize storage and efficiency. This design will closely resemble an indoor kitchen, providing lots of space to keep ingredients and cookware while allowing for a wide grill station. Use any barbecue grill of your choice and make enough counter space for your guests to get hands-on with cooking for a collaborative and fun experience they won’t forget!
8. Include a Mini Fridge for Convenience
Affordable kitchen ideas don’t always include all-new outdoor kitchen appliances. To save money and space, get a mini fridge for your outdoor cooking area. You most likely won’t be stuffing it with daily ingredients the way you do indoors but it will allow you to easily access drinks and co*cktail essentials when you’re hosting.
Anoutdoor fridge adds convenience to your DIY outdoor kitchen on a budget, allowing you to grab what you need without constantly going back and forth to the indoor kitchen. You can place it so it’s accessible to your guests, allowing you to focus on other hosting tasks while keeping everyone refreshed.
9. Build Your Seating Area Around a Fire Pit
Don’t feel like putting your guests on bar stools to eat? Move the party to a fire pit by adding a seating area to your outdoor kitchen where guests can sit on trunks, cement seating, or whatever is in your budget.
A fire pit adds warmth and additional space to your kitchen, so you don’t have to go inside once you finish eating. Grab a warm or refreshing drink and keep the conversation going with the cozy ambiance of the fire!
10. Surround Your Outdoor Kitchen With Beautiful Landscaping
Complete your DIY outdoor kitchen with lush landscaping. While your lawn does add a green space to escape to, plants and flowers add a touch of nature, making your outdoor space even more inviting. Plus, it helps integrate your outdoor kitchen with the natural space of your backyard.
Get a landscaper or do some research to find out about local plants you can add to battle mosquitoes, add a nice scent, and provide a touch of color to compliment your outdoor kitchen design and to help your outdoor space feel complete your outdoor space.
Bring Your Outdoor Kitchen Project to Life With the BBQ Depot
Having the outdoor kitchen of your dreams isn’t as out of reach as you may have thought. A DIY outdoor space for food, drinks and even music can spruce up your outdoor space with only a few touches and small investments. You can also build in stages to relieve the burden of your pocket.
Start with a grill that’s in your budget by visiting the BBQ Depot. We offer a wide range of outdoor kitchen appliances and accessories to make your DIY outdoor kitchen dreams a reality. From a grill or pizza oven to ice makers, keg dispensers, and bins, we have everything you may need for your outdoor kitchen in one place.
Enhance your home and make it a cozy gathering place amongst your loved ones. You’ll have countless good times, memories and a space you’ll never want to leave.
by Tracy Hollander
