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Are you looking to take your outdoor entertaining game to the next level? Well-designed outdoor kitchens and grill stations can be the perfect addition to your backyard. Trust us!
With our outdoor grill station ideas, you can create the ultimate outdoor oasis!
In this article, we'll explore ten ways to upgrade your space and transform it into a stylish and practical centerpiece for your backyard environment.
10 Outdoor Grill Station Ideas
Improve your outdoor grill station with new furniture, explore DIY grill station ideas, or consider some of these helpful additions to your full outdoor kitchen!
Read below for our best ideas and practical solutions:
1. Install Extra Shelves
Adding an extra shelf or more shelves to existing cabinets or overhead areas is one of our favorite ways to upgrade an outdoor grill station.
You can use them to store spices and cooking utensils or place décor on them.
These can be made from wood or metal and placed at different heights to accommodate various sizes of grilling tools and accessories.
Having extra shelves in your outdoor grill provides more storage space and helps keep your grilling area organized and tidy. This makes the grilling process more efficient and enjoyable!
2. Fill the Space with Plants
This is a great way to enhance the ambiance of your outdoor grill area and create a relaxing atmosphere for guests and family members alike.
Adding potted plants, hanging baskets, or a small garden near your grill station can add color, fragrance, and texture to your outdoor kitchen.
Adding seating options surrounded by plants creates a cozy and inviting space to sit and enjoy your meals and company.
It provides a natural backdrop for summer gatherings and the grilling season. You can even plant herbs and vegetables that you can use to cook your food!
3. Create a Freestanding Grill Station
Creating a freestanding grill station is a great way to add functionality and versatility to your outdoor cooking area.
With it, you can cook and entertain without being limited to a fixed location or stand. It allows more flexibility in terms of outdoor layout and design.
It can be designed with features like prep space, extra storage, and a charcoal or gas grill. An island or countertop that provides space for food preparation and cooking is also possible!
4. Add a Rotisserie
Adding a motorized rotisserie attachment to your grilling station is a great way to elevate your outdoor cooking experience.
This unique and delicious way of dining and entertaining is sure to bring a fun and interactive element to your outdoor cooking experience!
As it allows you to cook meats and vegetables in a way that is both flavorful and tender, it also adds a bit more versatility to your grilling options.
If you also want to upgrade your grill skills by learning how to season cast iron, read our guide!
5. Get a Pizza Oven
If you enjoy regularly making homemade pizzas, installing a wood-fired or gas-powered pizza oven to make delicious pizzas right in your backyard can be a worthwhile idea.
A wood-fired pizza oven adds a rustic touch to your outdoor space, while a gas-powered one provides quick and easy cooking options.
With a pizza oven, you can serve delicious and authentic pizzas that taste just like they were made in an Italian pizzeria!
For small grill areas, a compact option is best. You can check out our pick of the best portable pizza oven.
If you're choosing between a brick vs stainless steel pizza oven for your outdoor grill, either option will work exceptionally well as part of your backyard cook-out setup.
6. Create a Rolling Outdoor Grill with Cooler Storage
Creating a rolling outdoor grill with cooler storage is a practical and versatile addition to any outdoor kitchen.
The wheels make it easy to move the grill, while the built-in cooler keeps drinks and frozen items easily accessible.
The rolling grill can be designed with a spacious island with enough room for prep, storage for charcoal or gas tanks, a built-in cooler for storing drinks, and even a bar area.
You're limited only by your imagination.
7. Make a Grill Cart and BBQ Prep Table
If you want to optimize the organization of your grill station, we suggest building a mobile cart to hold your barbecue grill and a prep table with plenty of counter space.
The grill cart and prep table can act as an island with a storage area for grilling tools and accessories, hooks for hanging utensils, and other customizations you may prefer.
It offers a practical, convenient, and organized solution to the grill station in your outdoor kitchen.
8. Decorate with Statement Tiles, Bricks, and Lights
Want to give your outdoor kitchen some flavor and personality? Decorating your outdoor grill station with striking elements can add the stylish solution you're looking for!
Brick designs are timeless, but feel free to take inspiration from your own style to create a chic and appetizing atmosphere perfect for entertaining guests or spending quality time with family.
Additionally, incorporating a pergola or cover can provide shade and protection for you and your equipment. Plus, you can also hang some plants from it (or a corresponding shelf)!
9. Opt for Granite Countertops
Granite is a durable (fancy) material that can withstand exposure to the elements and harsh weather conditions, making it an excellent choice for backyard spaces.
In terms of functionality, these types of countertops can provide ample prep space for grilling and cooking. They are also easy to clean and maintain, which is crucial for outdoor areas.
You can incorporate a granite bar or island to create an outdoor kitchen area that can easily transform and elevate the look and durability of your grill station.
10. Build a Mini Bar
When you create a mini bar that’s designated for friends and family to gather and enjoy a drink or two around your grill station, it can really encourage fun social opportunities.
It can be built as an extension of your grill station, matching the style of your outdoor living space, with an island or bar-like area that includes storage space for glasses and drinks.
This addition to your outdoor grill station helps create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere where you can entertain AND enjoy the company!
What is the Best Worktop for Outdoor Grill Stations?
This will depend on your budget and personal preferences.
- For those looking to save, stainless steel is a popular option. Durable, easy to clean, and fit for grill station needs, it can usually suit various outdoor design styles.
- For those wanting something more fancy and upscale, granite and concrete countertops are popular, with good reason. These materials are as durable as they are sleek.
Choosing a worktop suitable for outdoor grilling is essential, as it will be exposed to heat, food, and weather.
Ultimately, the best worktop for your outdoor grill station should match your budget and style preferences while being practical for grilling and preparing food outdoors.
How to Plan Your Outdoor Grill Blueprint
Planning your outdoor grill station blueprint involves considering various factors, such as your funds, available space, and intended use.
- We recommend researching and selecting the best DIY grill station ideas that meet your needs.
- Then, decide on the overall set-up, e.g., whether you want an island or a rolling grill with wheels.
- You should also consider how much storage, prep, and shelf space you need and whether you want to include a pergola or other covering.
- Additionally, choose your preferred cooking options (e.g., want a pizza oven, charcoal grill, etc.)
- Finally, ensure there's enough room for preparing meals and entertaining guests.
Where is the Best Location for My Outdoor Grill Station?
When planning the location for your outdoor grill set-up, consider the amount of outdoor space you have available and the layout of your backyard.
Choose a spot that has ample room to accommodate the grill, preparation area, and other additional features you want.
Ideally, it should also be close to your indoor kitchen to make it easy to transport supplies.
Additionally, keep in mind the prevailing wind direction to avoid smoke blowing into your home.
A sheltered area, such as a covered patio or pergola, can also provide protection and make your grill area functional for summer.
Here’s some more relevant information regarding brilliant outdoor grilling station ideas! Most place their grill station near the patio or their back door for easy access to the house. Ensure a stable surface to place the grill on that’s a safe distance from flammable objects. Remember, you should have enough nearby storage for charcoal or tanks, utensils, and other grilling accessories. Building an outdoor grill station involves several steps: Follow safety guidelines and local codes when building your outdoor grill station! Grills can be put on a deck or any flat surface near your house. A pergola or a covered area can protect your grill from the weather. Make sure to place your grill where you can freely move around and conveniently store utensils and accessories.Grill Station Ideas FAQs
Where Should I Place My Grill in My Backyard?How Do I Build a BBQ Grilling Station?Where Do You Put a Grill if You Don't Have a Patio?
Final Thoughts
In this article, we've covered ten outdoor grilling station ideas to elevate your barbecuing experience.
From adding simple shelving to incorporating a minibar outdoors, there are multiple ways of making your outdoor dining better than ever!
