Getting Ready to Grill? 7 Ideas for Setting Up a Barbecue Zone
If you’re planning to cook outside more this summer, check out these creative outdoor grilling areas for inspiration
If you’re planning to design a barbecue area for your yard this summer, there are a lot of options. Take a look at these seven inspiring ways to help you devise the perfect outdoor cooking zone.
2. Shut it away. If you’ve invested in a snazzy barbecue, you probably won’t want it to get worn and rusty over the winter. To keep it under wraps without cluttering up the shed, how about giving it its own mini garage?
The designers of this contemporary patio made a custom wood hatch with enough room for the barbecue equipment. When the door is raised, it provides shade from the sun or shelter from a passing shower.
The designers of this contemporary patio made a custom wood hatch with enough room for the barbecue equipment. When the door is raised, it provides shade from the sun or shelter from a passing shower.
3. Cook up a rustic flavor. For a traditional look, go for an old-fashioned wood-burning stove like this one. A brick oven provides an ideal spot for outdoor cooking, with plenty of space below for the log supply. Keep it simple or add on extras like the work surface and sink in this design.
You don’t have to build something as elaborate as this, however. A simple rectangular construction with a grill on top of a recess for charcoal will work just as well.
You don’t have to build something as elaborate as this, however. A simple rectangular construction with a grill on top of a recess for charcoal will work just as well.
4. Focus on freestanding. The great thing about a freestanding barbecue is that you can move it around whenever you want. If you would still like the look of a built-in version, you could construct a work area for it to stand next to instead.
This dark-paneled space has a row of storage units and a pergola for shade. The color ties the whole area together to denote that it’s a cooking zone, but if the owners want to move the barbecue, they’re free to do so.
This dark-paneled space has a row of storage units and a pergola for shade. The color ties the whole area together to denote that it’s a cooking zone, but if the owners want to move the barbecue, they’re free to do so.
5. Pull up a perch. How’s this for a cool patio? The designers created a work surface for the barbecue with a breakfast bar for casual dining alongside. It’s made from Portuguese limestone, so it’s suitable for all kinds of weather and doesn’t need to be moved during the winter.
If your budget doesn’t stretch to a custom design like this, there are ready-made bar sets on the market, which you can position next to a freestanding barbecue to create a cooking and eating area.
If your budget doesn’t stretch to a custom design like this, there are ready-made bar sets on the market, which you can position next to a freestanding barbecue to create a cooking and eating area.
6. Find some shade. When you’re considering where to put your barbecue, it’s important to think about shade. It’s hot enough sizzling sausages without getting sunburned!
In this yard, the owners placed their freestanding barbecue in a shady corner. Even if it’s away from the house, the comfort will far outweigh the inconvenience of carrying plates of food across the lawn.
In this yard, the owners placed their freestanding barbecue in a shady corner. Even if it’s away from the house, the comfort will far outweigh the inconvenience of carrying plates of food across the lawn.
7. Go wall to wall. Make the most of your patio’s dimensions by using all available wall space. This ready-made outdoor kitchen fits perfectly along the side of the patio and stretches the whole width.
If a piece like this doesn’t suit your measurements or your budget, you could construct something similar (without the sink perhaps) with secondhand kitchen cabinets and a work surface. However, it’s important to ensure that the surfaces are protected against outdoor conditions.
Tell us: Are you planning to create a barbecue area this summer? Or perhaps you already have one? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments.
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If a piece like this doesn’t suit your measurements or your budget, you could construct something similar (without the sink perhaps) with secondhand kitchen cabinets and a work surface. However, it’s important to ensure that the surfaces are protected against outdoor conditions.
Tell us: Are you planning to create a barbecue area this summer? Or perhaps you already have one? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments.
More
How to Get a Built-In Outdoor Grill
13 Upgrades to Make Over Your Outdoor Grill Area
Your Grill Season Checklist
Browse outdoor cooking products
The countertop, cabinet doors and wall shelves are wood, which needs to be treated regularly to protect it from the elements.