What should I decide first in an outdoor kitchen remodel?

An outdoor kitchen is a run of masonry or cabinetry carrying a grill, a counter and somewhere to put a plate down. What separates the ones that get used from the ones that do not is shelter, counter space either side of the heat, and being close enough to the house that nobody is carrying trays across a lawn.

What goes wrong most often?

A grill with no counter beside it, so everything is carried back indoors anyway. No shelter, which limits the whole thing to about four months a year.

Will it work in a small outdoor kitchen?

A 6ft run with a built-in grill, counter on both sides and a light over it beats a sprawling island nobody sheltered. Depth matters more than length — 30in gives you a working counter, 24in gives you a shelf.

Can I see it on my own outdoor kitchen before starting?

Yes — photograph the space and run it through the Studio. It is generated imagery, so compare the render against your photo rather than treating it as a plan.

Outdoor Kitchen Remodel Mistakes to Avoid

The failures that show up again and again, and what causes each one. A kitchen that has to survive weather, and still be worth walking out to.

BeforeAfter

1
Mistake 1
A grill with no counter beside it, so everything is carried back indoors anyway.
2
Mistake 2
No shelter, which limits the whole thing to about four months a year.
3
Mistake 3
Indoor-rated cabinetry and hardware that swells or rusts in one season.
4
Mistake 4
Sited far from the house because the view was better there.

Questions

What should I decide first in an outdoor kitchen remodel?: An outdoor kitchen is a run of masonry or cabinetry carrying a grill, a counter and somewhere to put a plate down. What separates the ones that get used from the ones that do not is shelter, counter space either side of the heat, and being close enough to the house that nobody is carrying trays across a lawn.
What goes wrong most often?: A grill with no counter beside it, so everything is carried back indoors anyway. No shelter, which limits the whole thing to about four months a year.
Will it work in a small outdoor kitchen?: A 6ft run with a built-in grill, counter on both sides and a light over it beats a sprawling island nobody sheltered. Depth matters more than length — 30in gives you a working counter, 24in gives you a shelf.
Can I see it on my own outdoor kitchen before starting?: Yes — photograph the space and run it through the Studio. It is generated imagery, so compare the render against your photo rather than treating it as a plan.

Outdoor Kitchen Remodel Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1

Mistake 2

Mistake 3

Mistake 4

Questions