Outdoor Kitchen Planner: Create a Beautiful Outdoor Kitchen Design

If you’ve been thinking about adding an outdoor kitchen to your patio in an effort to make your BBQ island dreams come true, then you’re in luck. Not only are outdoor kitchen patios and backyard kitchens becoming hot as ever, but we’ve developed a helpful guide that will allow you to figure out what kind of beautiful outdoor kitchen design will work best in your backyard.

This is your outdoor kitchen planner guide, where we’ll walk you through what it takes to plan, build, and ultimately enjoy the outdoor kitchen design of your dreams. This includes deciding on the style that best suits your needs and budget, as well as the materials you’ll want to use to ensure longevity.

As your outdoor kitchen planner, we’ll also cover some of the most common questions that you should consider before investing in an outdoor kitchen. Like, do you have enough room for a BBQ island? Do you want to create an outdoor kitchen complete with a sink, refrigerator, and oven? Let’s get started walking you through the process so that you can craft your dream backyard oasis.

Why You Shouldn’t Rely on DIY Outdoor Kitchen Design and Hire an Outdoor Kitchen Planner

Technology has advanced quite rapidly in recent years, offering homeowners the ability to DIY pretty much anything. From painting projects to placing furniture, home improvement apps exist that allow you to see what your planned project will look like in your actual space. And while this might be helpful for outdoor kitchen planners, we’d suggest not relying on DIY outdoor kitchen software.

Why? Because the technology isn’t quite there yet. While you might be able to get a basic idea of what your planned outdoor kitchen will look like, know that the accuracy is not 100%, which could lead to some costly mistakes. It can be helpful to DIY your outdoor kitchen design with some software or mockups, but relying on an app alone isn’t the way to go. 

Instead, work hand-in-hand with a deck builder and backyard designer or a professional Outdoor Kitchen Planner to ensure that not only will your new outdoor kitchen design fit within the space you have, but that the materials are quality, the appliances top-notch, and the kitchen built to custom fit your entire backyard space.

Do You Need a 3D Model of Your Outdoor Kitchen?

While we don’t suggest relying 100% on DIY outdoor kitchen design software, we do recommend that you, at some point, view a 3D mockup of your outdoor kitchen design before starting on any type of construction.

Firstly, we recommend this because it means that you’ll likely be working with a team like LA Decks who visits your space, takes measurements, and considers the overall layout of your backyard before starting to build. This means that you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that all measurements are accurate and that the 3D model created before starting is going to look nearly exactly like what it will when it’s completely finished.

Secondly, a 3D model of your outdoor kitchen can allow you to visualize exactly what your project will look like. This is helpful in avoiding costly changes and mistakes you weren’t expecting. When viewing the 3D model, be sure to double-check everything from every angle. Look at the flow of the space, the color combinations, and anything else that might be important to you.

Outdoor Kitchen Planner: What to Consider

For any backyard project, whether that be deck remodeling, pool resurfacing, or even an outdoor kitchen, it’s important to have a good understanding of what you want before you begin the project. Think about the following questions in preparation for your new outdoor kitchen setup:

• What is your budget?
• Does your backyard have a unique layout that you’ll need to work around?
• What appliances do you want?
• How much seating do you need?
• Do you want to add space for storage?
• Is lighting important to you?
• Are there any accessibility issues to consider?

Sit down and really think about the questions above as they relate to you, your home and your backyard. Perhaps take a look at some of the best outdoor kitchen ideas for inspiration and start gathering photos and samples of what you love (and, honestly, what you don’t love!).

Some of the more costly factors to consider when designing your dream BBQ island or backyard kitchen oasis are the utilities and any technology you want to incorporate. If you’re planning on wiring an entire sound system around your outdoor kitchen, for example, or need to install gas lines and electrical outlets, that’s likely where the bulk of your budget will go. An experienced deck builder and outdoor kitchen designer will be able to consult with you regarding the best options there regarding layout.

The Best Materials for an Outdoor Kitchen in 2022

Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

One of the most popular choices among homeowners today for outdoor kitchen countertops is natural stone. The top types of stones used for outdoor kitchens are limestone, quartzite, travertine, sandstone, and slate. However, there are all kinds of options out there, from recycled glass to bona fide marble and granite.

Outdoor Kitchen Appliances

In terms of appliances, woodfired pizza ovens are definitely slated to be popular in 2022. And, top-of-the-line grills are the number one choice for homeowners planning on getting some real use out of their outdoor kitchen. Small wine refrigerators and under-counter fridges are also making headway today, but don’t forget about the traditional beverage cooler.

Outdoor Kitchen Seating

As for seating options, outdoor bar stools will continue to be popular, along with char-grills that turn into benches (they’re super comfortable!) and built-in planters. If you’re looking for cute small outdoor kitchen ideas, consider making use of dynamic furniture that can double as seating and something usable, such as a fire pit that you can cover for additional seating when needed.

Outdoor Kitchen Deck Materials

And last but not least, don’t forget to choose the right decking materials! As an outdoor kitchen, you can be sure that people are going to not only walk quite a bit on the deck but that they’re also likely to spill both food and drink. Because of this, we suggest opting for only highly durable decking materials. 

Here at LA Decks, we recommend Trex, timbertech decking, and AZEK decking. Why? Well, Trex decking, for example, is not only more eco-friendly than other materials, but it comes with a 25-year guarantee that it will not fade or stain. AZEK is just as high-quality and long-lasting, and both require far less maintenance than traditional wood.

Find the Right Team of Outdoor Kitchen Planners

Planning an outdoor kitchen is best when you work with an experienced team to do so. From choosing the right materials to ensuring that all the electrical work is done correctly and safely, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to outdoor kitchens planners. Working with LA Decks will reduce the stress, time, and headaches involved in bringing your dream outdoor kitchen to life. Get in touch and let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll work with you to build a custom quote.