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What’s the most difficult thing you have to do when planning to build an outdoor kitchen? Deciding on the counter material. What makes this task so challenging? Outdoor kitchen countertop materials must be food safe, easy to maintain, within the family’s budget, long-lasting, and resistant to the elements. Oh, yes, you must also like the color, style, design.

Don’t get disappointed just yet! There are quite a few materials that would make an excellent choice for outdoor kitchens and while they all have their advantages and disadvantages, you do have a choice. And that’s a good thing. Should we take a look?

Concrete – for seamless outdoor kitchen countertops

One of the greatest advantages of concrete is durability. Concrete is made of cement, water and aggregates. Since it can be formed into any shape, it gives you the chance to think out of the box – as far as the outdoor kitchen design is concerned. But this is a great choice for those who don’t look for perfection, in terms of appearance. It’ll be ideal though for those who want a seamless countertop. And while concrete can be tinted to the color you like, the color may fade overtime. The major disadvantage of concrete? There might be some imperfections or cracks over the years, but such things are also subject to the installation. Make sure you find an outdoor kitchen builder with experience in working with concrete. It’s also porous – thus, must be remain sealed, and doesn’t come cheap.

Granite – the beautiful, long-lasting choice

As a natural stone, granite is as strong as a rock. It is. Actually, it is – perhaps, the very best option for outdoor kitchen countertops due to its durability. To give you an example. The hardness of such materials is often compared with the knife’s blade. Be sure to use a cutting board when you use a knife on the granite countertop. But hear this, not to protect the countertop but the knife’s blade. That’s how bulletproof granite is. And that’s not all.

Granite is heat resistant. It’s also stain resistant but only if it’s properly sealed. And this is probably its major downside. It must be sealed since it’s porous. But if you don’t mind that, it will be highly hygienic too. Another consideration? It’s one of the most expensive countertop materials.

Soapstone – the best choice for outdoor kitchens

While not all soapstone slabs are created equal, this is one of the best choices for outdoor kitchen countertops. Let me explain. Soapstone is a metamorphic rock, which contains various minerals and talc. Now, the proportions determine the hardness of the rock. The more talc, the softer. Although you should ask your outdoor kitchen contractor about that, it’s good to know that the hard soapstone rocks are usually used for the construction of countertops.

With all that said, let’s move on to the main advantages of soapstone. Apart from being really durable, it’s also dense and non-porous – so, you can forget about sealing the countertop, it’s easy to shape, it’s resistant to heat and acids – hence, germ-free.

So, is soapstone perfect for outdoor kitchen countertops? It almost is. What’s the catch? Soapstone is susceptible to scratches – although they can be sanded and thus, fixed, unless you like the wabi-sabi look. Overtime, the colors darken but you can keep them intact by applying mineral oil every few years. If you intend to get slabs larger than 7′, there’ll be seams – although they can be covered to nearly disappear. Price-wise? It’s not cheap, but not as expensive as granite. We told you – soapstone is quite an excellent choice.

Tile – the affordable countertop option

Tile is always a good option if you want to keep the outdoor kitchen building cost down due to the material’s low price. As for the appearance, there’s a big list of colors and designs to meet all styles. So, there’s no concern about that either, unless you hate the seams created with grout. And this is actually the worse problem when it comes to tile surfaces. Grout is absorbent and so, it needs to be cleaned often and sealed once in a while. If not, it will be stained and won’t be entirely food safe. During extreme temps, tiles may crack. But the good news is that they can be replaced quickly.

Designing the backyard living space in a way that you will enjoy every ounce of every season, all year around, is a must if you love spending time outdoors. Or if you find it hard to wave goodbye to the hot months of the year.

So, if you are considering building an outdoor kitchen – hence, spend quite some time in the backyard, extend this period by finding your way of heating up the area.

Yes, if the climate in your location is mild, a blanket may do the trick. But that’s when you are alone or with the family. How about when you have friends over – people who want to enjoy their dinner without being cuddled up in a blanket? Well, be happy because there are quite a few good solutions to heat up the outdoor cooking area.

An outdoor fire pit will do, won’t it?

An outdoor fire pit can be the centerpiece of your backyard, especially when it gets chilly. Although portable, it’s rarely moved. You can build a round bench and keep in the middle or place it close to the dining table. Or maybe, somewhere between the outdoor kitchen countertop and the seating area. You can even have a small firepit built directly on the dining table, right at the center of it and thus, feel completely cozy as you enjoy the meal.

Or would you prefer an outdoor fireplace?

An outdoor fireplace is always an excellent option. That’s a more permanent structure but one that can truly transform this section of the backyard into an outdoor living room. Whether it’s made of concrete, stone, brick or another material, it will certainly be the focal point of the backyard. You just need to consider its location in accordance not only with the outdoor kitchen but in terms of where it blows its smoke (so that you will not have problems with your neighbors), while you need to consider if there are trees hanging over it.

How about a portable fireplace?

If you don’t like the idea of a firepit or the permanence of a fireplace, why not get a portable fireplace? It’s actually a nice way to make the outdoor living space particularly modern since there are some fabulous designs.

Have you thought about a heated floor?

Did you know that even some outdoor floors can be heated? Although a heated floor won’t suffice for the cold season, it will still warm up the area, while it will also serve by melting the snow quickly.

Did you cover the outdoor kitchen?

While heating sources can create the ideal conditions for the entire year, you will be better protected from the elements if the outdoor kitchen and the entire seating area around it are all covered. The choices? You can cover with a gazebo or concrete. You can also hang insulated drapes or just curtains that will cover the whole perimeter – from one pillar to the next, and thus, protect you from the cold and the rain. If there’s a roof and some form of portable walls or shutters around the outdoor kitchen area, there’ll be enough protection from the elements. That combined with some heater will make a difference.

How about getting heat lamps?

The advantage of heat lamps is that they are portable. Also, they hardly occupy much space. It’s no wonder that most restaurants and cafés use them outdoors. And you can use them at your home’s backyard too. While there are variations among them, a standard heat lamp may warm up an area of approx. 25 sq. ft.

Now, if you also add a nice rug and some throw blankets, you can easily have the warm feeling you get indoors – just under the stars. Isn’t this magic?

Yes, everyone loves ample space, especially when it comes to the backyard of the home and particularly if you want an outdoor kitchen built. Does that mean that small backyards don’t deserve a kitchen and dining area? Quite the contrary. Limited spaces can enjoy the same privileges with big yards – just in a more compact form but without any compromise when it comes to the small outdoor kitchen design. Should we dig deeper?

You see that little corner over there? That’s your outdoor kitchen location

With a small backyard, every inch counts. Even a truly limited space can be used wisely by an experienced outdoor kitchen builder. After all, the main things you need include the outdoor kitchen countertop along with a sink and some kind of a cooking appliance. That’s the minimum one needs to have a small outdoor kitchen. Now, depending on the space available and the shape of the given section, one can build up on amenities, like getting an outdoor fridge, creating some storage space, making the countertop a bit bigger.

For example. The outdoor kitchen countertop may turn, creating a corner. And so, one side can be used for cooking and one side for serving. Or you might have enough space for a square countertop – something like a big kitchen island, where you cook on one side and eat on the opposite side.

Is the backyard even smaller – 7’x7′ small?

If you consider that the essentials of a full outdoor kitchen are limited to the countertop, sink, and main appliances, even a 7’x7′ yard would be more than enough. You simply add a small outdoor bar with stools and thus, create your comfort zone – tiny but still convenient.

The most important thing about the outdoor kitchen?

If we exclude, the cooking appliance – hence, the reason you want the outdoor kitchen anyway, the next most important part of this structure is the countertop. You need counter space to prep food and thus, enjoy the backyard. What’s the point of preparing everything indoors? And so, if there’s not enough room for both the counter and the seating area, prefer the former. You can always use the same counter as the dining table.

How about the storage space?

Creating storage room is truly easy. Although it will depend on the outdoor kitchen design, the space under the counter – even if it’s limited, can be used as storage room. After all, you want to keep the essentials outdoors – not everything found in the indoor kitchen. And don’t forget that when you cannot use space horizontally, you can go vertically.

In fact, you can create an outdoor kitchen covering with shelves that will protrude on all sides, offering protection from the elements and giving you ample storage space. If there’s space for quite a big covering, you can also use this structure to hang items – something like indoor kitchen ceiling hanging racks.

Your small outdoor kitchen can be functional & beautiful

If you consider how much space a grill or outdoor oven occupies and all you need extra is some counter space, it’s easy to realize that a kitchen can be built at any size backyard. In fact, some small outdoor kitchens are extremely beautiful since the homeowners invested in the design and the materials instead of the size.

There’s a lot of ways to make this outdoor area really attractive, keep it protected from the bad weather, and have the amenities bigger structures have. Focus on the counter space, use natural materials, hang some great outdoor lighting, bring color with accessories and if you don’t have enough room for a dining table, some floor seating may also do. The counter may also work for you. Truly, there are solutions for all backyards.

While there’s no shortage of outdoor kitchen styles, finding yours may not be an easy feat. Why? Because you may love more than just one style. And sometimes, the location leads the way. Say you like a traditional, classic style but this is a coastal home, where an airy outdoor kitchen design would make a better choice. Won’t you be torn and confused? The good news? You can mix & match styles to create your own, borrowing the best elements of each architectural genre to make your outdoor kitchen unique. But let us focus on the three basic categories of outdoor kitchen styles, classic, contemporary, and rustic.

Rustic outdoor kitchens

By definition, rustic outdoor kitchen designs have a traditional character, a casual appearance. While rustic is a broad term, it mainly embraces natural elements – like wood, accent features, an earthy feeling. There’s a focus on natural materials. Thus, an outdoor kitchen can be made of natural stone and consist of wooden elements too – like protruding beams on the ceiling over the countertop. The furniture may be handmade, the doors of the outdoor kitchen cabinets may be made of wood, the colors are neutral. Whether you opt for a cottage or Tuscan look, rustic is for you. It’s inviting, friendly, cozy and has no modern elements.

Classic outdoor kitchens

Classic outdoor kitchen styles are distinguished for their traditionalism, the intricate designs, balance, harmony, ornaments. They may involve elements of rustic and thus, welcome natural features, like wood. Though the focus is on the details that will bring the expected symmetry. The patterns are similar since there’s a countertop with cabinets in several shapes but not anything extravagant. This is the old school style which may have granite outdoor kitchen countertops, absolute symmetry, and decorative elements.

Contemporary outdoor kitchens

Contemporary outdoor kitchens are modern. Emphasis is given to the airy look, the clean lines, the simplicity of the style. There’s nothing intricate and ornamental here. And while wood can be incorporated in small doses, it is usually combined with more modern materials – like concrete, glass, marble, stainless steel. Even if this is not a minimalistic outdoor kitchen area, there’s no clutter. There’s no clutter in the surroundings either. Not too many stools, types of seats, small and big tables – the whole backyard space is neat.

Mix & match outdoor kitchen styles

Over the years the walls between architectural styles were tumbled down and the elements that made a genre distinguishable became part of other genres as well. The features of all styles leaked, floated, traveled to meet new needs, expectations, and tastes. When people started praising imperfection, the wabi-sabi style was born. When the traditional and the modern met, transitional became a style. You get the picture.

And so, you can take elements from different styles to build your own one-and-only custom outdoor kitchen.

Say you like rustic but modern too. You can bring elements of both worlds. How? By using wood but also focusing on straight lines. Add some brick and metal, and you will have a touch of industrial too.

To avoid exaggerations and making the outdoor kitchen busy, don’t overmix. The best way to proceed? Study the features of the most popular styles and see which elements agree with your taste. Don’t forget to consider your overall home style and its location. Is this an urban or cottage home? With small splashes of character, you give personality to your outdoor kitchen – who knows, a new style too?

Outdoor kitchen enthusiasts hate the moment when they have to pack up all summertime accessories and return indoors. But if you have fun outdoors and love spending time around the backyard kitchen, all you have to do is find the perfect covering solution for you.

That’s the ultimate way to expand your staying outdoors and also, protect the kitchen and everything that comes with it – the outdoor kitchen countertop, the oven and all appliances, the storage space, just to name the basics.

While the options among outdoor kitchen coverings are not innumerable, they are all great. Your decision lies on the home structure, the location of the outdoor kitchen, your taste, your budget. Let’s examine the options.

Is a pergola sufficient for the outdoor kitchen?

Pergolas are excellent structures for all parts of the yard. They cover decks, patios, walkways – why not the outdoor kitchen? The only downside here is the way pergolas are made.

You see, their main characteristic is that their roof is semi-covered. They usually have a lattice design or boards of timber parallel to each other and so, the roof is semi-open – hence, there’s no complete protection from the weather, just some shelter.

Of course, you can order a custom pergola and design it to your needs. But if you cover the roof completely, this won’t be a pergola anymore but a gazebo. Alternatively – and depending on the weather in your location, you can cover the roof with fabric or even fiberglass that will still allow the sunlight in, while protecting from the elements.

Or, will a gazebo be a better choice?

Of course, if you need full protection, a custom gazebo is the best choice. Impressive as much as pergolas, gazebos have the extra advantage of the roof. Plus, you can have the gazebo shaped any way you like it and thus, match exactly the outdoor kitchen design.

How about a canopy roof?

The most cost-effective solution for the protection of the outdoor kitchen is a canopy. The designs are numerous, the shapes and sizes vary to meet everyone’s needs, and the canopy is easy to install. Obviously, the elements may take their toll on the material, which although strong, it’s not as durable as the metal and wooden gazebo and pergola choices. But in the defense of canopies, they are much easier to replace.

Ever considered an outdoor room – so to say?

Let’s say that you plan to install an outdoor kitchen now and considering the covering options as well.

The question is this: is there a protected space at your backyard? For example, an extension of the indoor kitchen or the living room which is covered by the building – by the first-floor terrace? If so, you’ve got yourself a perfect place for an outdoor room – i.e., an outdoor kitchen.

Ask your outdoor kitchen builder if this is a good location for the installation in terms of size, shape, etc. If it is, you just found yourself not only the ideal location for the outdoor kitchen installation but also a place where the covering is already there.

This is a very convenient scenario since it will be easier to get power, have all types of outdoor lighting, and transform this part of the backyard into a great living space – so close to the indoors but still outdoors.

It’s clear that your decision is often shaped by the structure of your own home. It is also influenced by your pocket since all these coverings are priced completely different. The good news is that they all work just fine and can protect both your outdoor kitchen and your days spent in the backyard from the elements all year around.

Found at the top of the list of best decisions for truly livable backyard spaces, outdoor kitchens are a fantastic way to spruce up the environment and get the absolute comfort you look for summer in, summer out. In fact, if you plan truly well, you can actually spend more time outdoors than indoors.

But as all things, not all outdoor kitchens are created equal. In this case, it’s actually a good thing. Why? Simply because you have the freedom to choose an outdoor kitchen design that will best match your style. But let us assure you, that’s hardly an easy feat – all the more, if you plan to keep it, enjoy it, love it for many, many years. Who wouldn’t want that? Get ready for some tips that will help you think things over, before you even start looking for an outdoor kitchen builder.

Go beyond the aesthetics of the outdoor kitchen. Think function

While tempting to focus on the outdoor kitchen design first, leave it for last. Finding the perfect match to your taste may matter enormously but truth be told, there are some other matters that have priority. Everything related to function. Remove function from the equation and you will end up with an inconvenient kitchen or an exposed-to-the-elements environment that won’t be inviting at all. Who wants that?

Now, while the assistance of a professional outdoor kitchen contractor will make a difference, try to answer the following questions to start narrowing down options.

•   How often do you plan to use it?

It’s totally worth investing in custom outdoor kitchens and actually splurge on outdoor appliances and big counters, but it all comes down to how often you plan to use it. Well, you may not know exactly yet, but think of how often do you gather with the family or friends for dinner? Are you passionate about cooking and having people over, or plan to cook once a year?

•   How big the family is?

Assuming you really want an outdoor kitchen and yes, you plan to use it as much as you can, consider your needs. Consider your family members, the people you usually dine with and then make decisions about the size of the countertop, the cooking and refrigeration appliances, the dining area. Cooking for three people is quite different than cooking for ten people. You will need different counter space, a bigger table, more chairs, a comfortable backyard living space.

•   Which are your cooking habits?

Will you need a grill? A pizza oven? A barbeque? There’s quite a list of outdoor cooking appliances. So, you need to decide if you are the sausage, pizza, or gourmet kind of family – or even all of them, to get the right cooking appliance(s).

•   How much thought have you given to the materials?

Everything about the outdoor kitchen must scream durability and resistance. This is the duo you should focus on, when it’s time to consider materials. Even if you plan to install the outdoor kitchen in a protected location at your backyard, it will still be exposed to the elements. You need materials that can withstand the hardship – anything from moisture and snow to extreme heat.

•   How close to nature are you willing to go?

While the whole point of building an outdoor kitchen is to enjoy the fresh air, the open space, and the natural environment, don’t overdo it. You won’t be able to enjoy any of that if you are getting wet or are cold. To prolong your staying outdoors and protect both your family and the outdoor kitchen from the elements, think shelter – built or pergola. Think about heat sources as well, something like an outdoor fireplace.

Now, think aesthetics – outdoor kitchen styles, colors, designs

Once everything related to function is all set, you can start talking designs. Resistant materials don’t imply boring appearance. In fact, some of the most wonderful materials ideal for outdoor kitchen building are extremely strong and resistant – something like stone, concrete, and brick.

To keep the outdoor kitchen as consistent and stylish as the indoor one, stay within the same color family or go wild with contrasts. If you like the industrial vibe, you are lucky. Stainless steel makes a great choice for outdoor kitchens due to its high resistance to the elements.

Outdoor kitchen lights and storage space for both function & form

The outdoor lighting and the storage space both serve two purposes, function and form. While lights primarily serve function – who wants to cook and eat in the dark, it also contributes to the aesthetics. And not only by choosing beautiful lighting fixtures but also the right brightness to enjoy at all moments, when you need task light and when you need ambiance light.

Something similar happens with storage room. The counter and all cabinets of the outdoor kitchen first and foremost serve function. But that helps you keep a clutter free outdoor kitchen – hence, keeping it looking good at all times.