So you’ve decided to design and build a custom outdoor kitchen.
You’re probably quite thrilled! With visions of entertaining in your luxurious outdoor space playing in your mind like a slideshow for an HGTV ad… There is much to be excited about.
Unfortunately, that excitement may be short-lived once you realize how much effort it is.
And if you’ve already started the outdoor kitchen design process, you’re likely feeling…
Frustrated.
Confused.
Overwhelmed.
Let’s be honest… Outdoor kitchen design can be downright stressful!
And you likely have a wave of questions without any answers.
What do I have space for?
How do I plan for appliances and storage space?
Do I have control over the design?
Is there a free outdoor kitchen design software?
How will this actually look?
These are all important questions to address… So let’s discuss.
Want to bring your idea to life?
Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas & Tips
There’s a lot to keep in mind when designing your custom outdoor kitchen!
Thankfully, it doesn’t all have to be complicated.
There are a few outdoor kitchen design principles that all homeowners would do well to keep in mind.
Let’s discuss.
Remember Your Why
While this seems like a no-brainer… Sometimes our why gets lost in the planning process.
What do we mean by this, exactly?
Always remember why you are embarking on an outdoor kitchen project.
Are you looking at entertaining large gatherings often?
Do you want a cooking station complete with all the bells and whistles?
Or are you just looking for a reason to be in your outdoor space?
No matter your reason… Your why will dictate the elements you should include in your outdoor kitchen.
Keeping this in mind will ensure you achieve the perfect final design for your needs.
There’s something else you should always keep in mind…
Give Yourself Plenty Of Space
Here’s a mistake we see homeowners make all the time with DIY outdoor kitchen design.
It’s easy to get distracted by all the glamor of backyard kitchen appliances.
No shame there!
But by the time you add a built-in BBQ gas grill or charcoal grill, outdoor sink, side burner, pizza oven, and possibly more… You’ll quickly realize you don’t have enough counter space.
Considering that the outdoor prep station is a huge part of convenient outdoor kitchen layouts… You don’t want to miss out on this element!
Same goes for outdoor storage cabinets.
While not nearly as exciting as other outdoor appliances… It’s a must-have for your new modular outdoor kitchen.
Don’t you want drawers and cabinets for all of your utensils and other accessories?
Of course you do!
So, don’t forget to add storage. You don’t have to go crazy, either. A simple drawer or kitchen cabinet will do the trick for most.
Before we show you how to design your outdoor kitchen… Here’s one more tip to keep in mind.
Don’t Cut Corners
When you’re in the middle of creating your outdoor kitchen design … It’s tempting to do a couple of things:
- Design far larger than you need or have room for
- Add more appliances than you need
Now, there’s not necessarily anything wrong with this!
The trouble comes in when your eyes are bigger than your stomach. More specifically, when your desires are bigger than your budget.
If your budget can handle all the bells and whistles… That’s fantastic! Go for it.
But if your budget is wincing at the cost of your grandiose design… Resist the temptation to cut corners.
Oftentimes, homeowners are tempted to use cheaper materials to keep costs down.
Don’t fall victim to this idea!
Your outdoor kitchen should be designed to last a lifetime. That simply won’t happen if you cut corners on material quality.
In a few years… You’ll be in for a series of repairs. Sometimes, even a full replacement is necessary!
Not only is that frustrating… It’s going to end up costing you more money in the long run.
So, what can you do?
Deeply consider if you need to design your outdoor kitchen to be as large as originally planned. Unless your kitchen plans involve hosting large gatherings frequently… You can probably get away with downsizing an island or removing one completely.
Secondly, take a hard look at appliances. Consider your “must haves” and “nice to haves.”
Whittling down an outdoor sink or refrigerator may be all you need to do to get your design in check.
Now that you understand a few basic design principles…
You’re wondering how to do it yourself!
Get A 3D Rendering For Your Outdoor Space In Minutes
We at RTA can empathize with the struggles of designing and building an outdoor kitchen.
We understand there are many roadblocks on the path to designing your outdoor kitchen. Sometimes, it’s enough to make you throw in the towel. (Don’t quit yet!)
Our solution to this problem?
We created a free outdoor kitchen design tool.
This free outdoor kitchen design software allows you to design, configure, reconfigure, and visualize your layout… All in a matter of minutes.
Several hundred hours have been invested into developing this tool… Because we didn’t want this to be just another gimmicky sales grab. There’s already too much of that online.
You’re In The Driver’s Seat
Our BBQ island design software puts you in control of the destiny of your outdoor kitchen space.
You can experiment with outdoor kitchen ideas… Receive instant results… And all from the comfort of your own home.
It’s immediate gratification at its finest. Your free plans from the outdoor kitchen design tool leave nothing to be desired. No more crossing your fingers and hoping that expectations meet reality!
Don’t want the storage door? Try swapping it out for a refrigerator. Don’t want a natural gas grill? Swap in a charcoal grill or pellet grill. Don’t want a stone finish? See what modern concrete looks like.
Our outdoor kitchen design tool allows you to create unique outdoor kitchens to match your unique desires.
How To Design An Outdoor Kitchen For Your Space
Now that you’ve heard all about our outdoor kitchen design software… It’s time to get down to brass tacks.
This tool is incredibly simple to use. No technical skills are needed. Your imagination is the only prerequisite.
Can you see how easy it is to create an outdoor kitchen design online?
We’ll prove it to you with an example from a real RTA customer, California homeowner Kevin Chon.
Kevin wanted to completely revamp his existing outdoor kitchen, a feature of his home that was unfortunately neglected by the previous owner.
RTA worked with Kevin to demolish and transform the space into a functional BBQ kitchen, complete with a new power burner, 36-inch propane gas grill, kamado smoker, and a prized wood fired pizza oven.
Below, you’ll see a picture of a custom U-shaped RTA patio kitchen. Not only did Kevin use our design tool to create his own layout… we’ll also be using that example for our walk through.
There were only five steps from start to finish… So you’ll catch on quickly.
After that, you’ll be able to design your very own custom outdoor kitchen in just a few clicks! Let’s begin.
Step One: Choose Your Outdoor Kitchen Layout
It’s time to kick off this patio kitchen layout design.
The first thing you will see on your screen is a variety of layouts, which is where your new outdoor kitchen will begin to take shape. Think of the layout as simply the aesthetic arrangement of your outdoor kitchen, which will house all of your appliances and accessories.
Right underneath “Select Your Kitchen Layout,” you can choose from a variety of options, including linear, L-shaped , U-shaped , and galley.
When you click on each of these categories, more options will appear. Stay with us… you’ll see what we mean in the images below.
Kevin wanted plenty of space for his guests to sit and hang out near the action, so for his design… We selected U-shaped With Corner On Right.
You’re probably wondering how the grill, smoker, and power burner fit into all this. We promise we’ll get back to that later!
Once you have the correct option selected, click the bright orange “next” in the bottom center of your screen.
Alright, let’s move on.
Step Two: Select Your Grill Island Size
Next, we have to determine what size you want your grill island to be.
You’ll notice in the upper center of your screen, one of the islands is highlighted. This is to remind you that you’re deciding on the size of your grill island, not the bar island.
Simple enough, right?
In Kevin’s example… We’re working with a 7’ grill island.
You’ll notice the blue slider in the center of your screen measures from 4’ to 14.’ Use your cursor to drag the black circle with arrows to the right until it reads “7ft.”
From there, click “next.”
Now, you’ll notice the island on the left side is highlighted. That’s because we still have to select the secondary bar island size.
The bar island in the example is 11.’
For this second island, the blue slider lists options between 5’ and 14’… Again, drag the black circle to the right until your island reads “7ft.”
Once you’re done, click “next.”
Kevin’s kitchen design included a corner island to mount the pizza oven, so the design tool refers to the conjoining additional island as a “fourth island” to complete the U shape. This fourth island was sized at 4’.
From there, it’s time to place appliances.
Step Three: Select Your Grill Island Appliance Layout
This is where you may feel overwhelmed. There’s no need to be!
It’s true… There’s a lot going on with this page.
But don’t despair.
This page is simply showing you all of the appliance layout options available for your grill island. If you don’t like the option you selected… You can always go back and adjust.
Let’s look to Kevin’s example.
We have built-in grill with storage access underneath… And a medium accessory on the left side.
For your own outdoor kitchen island, you’ll select an option that reflects the grill and accessory placement you want. Once finished, click “next.”
You’ll notice there’s less variety with the outdoor kitchen bar. Looking at the example… Kevin’s kitchen includes more storage and a small refrigerator.
On the corner island, Kevin got the option for an add-on grill… which will actually be where the pizza oven goes.
After that… It’s time to select your appliances.
Step Four: Choosing Your Appliances
Here’s where it gets really fun!
Flipping through the available appliances is where your vision begins to take form.
As usual, we will begin working on the grill island.
In Kevin’s example, he wanted a 36” Coyote Gas Grill as well as a 24” power burner.
To select the appliances you want, you’ll simply click the rightmost arrow on the “empty” slot until you find the selection you want. Repeat this for the stainless steel grill , access doors below the grill, and any other appliances and accessories.
Some appliance combinations in the design tool will not work in reality. It’s not common… But if it does happen, you’ll see a red icon with an exclamation mark.
Just choose another configuration, and you’re good to go!
To the right of your screen, you’ll also notice brief descriptions of each appliance… So you’ll have a better idea of what exactly is featured on your island.
Now, click “next” to start configuring the bar island.
With this example… The choice is easy! We’re looking for the 24” outdoor refrigerator with the handle on the left side, with the addition of a three-drawer cabinet and a front-to-back pull out trash and recycle bin.
In Kevin’s example, we’re working with an Asado Stand. You’ll see that you can select either “1” or “2” for the position you want, being on either the left or right end of the island.
And voila!
We’re nearly done. There’s just one more step to review
Step Five: Enjoy Your Outdoor Kitchen Layout
After clicking through the steps… It’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
The 3D outdoor kitchen design tool will digitally render your new kitchen in front of you.
Pretty neat, right?
By default, your design will appear in a Weathered Wood Ash finish with Chiseled Smoky concrete countertops.
You can easily switch up the finishes and countertops on the right hand side. Select either “Pick Countertop” or “Finish Style” to see which combination you prefer. You’ll find we offer granite outdoor countertops in addition to concrete.
Feel free to play around with it. This is supposed to be fun, after all!
Since Kevin’s example’s finish appears in Modern Concrete Bright… We’ll select that option, as well as the Alfa White countertop finish.
From here, you can view your design from any angle. Click and drag on the screen to discover the full experience.
No need to admire from afar, either. You can scroll your mouse to get a closer look at everything.
But, hold on. Looking at your design on-screen is great and all…
But what if you want a visual of your outdoor kitchen, as it will appear in your own space?
View Your Custom Outdoor Kitchen With Augmented Reality
Before setting your outdoor kitchen design in stone… Aren’t you curious to see how it fits in your outdoor space?
Well, our new augmented reality feature allows you to appease that curiosity.
On the right hand side of the screen, you’ll see a blue button that reads “View In AR.”
Clicking this will prompt you to request a free quote, which can be done via the bright orange button at the bottom center of your screen.
Upon submitting your contact information, we’ll text a link to your phone… Allowing you to preview your exact design in your very own backyard.
Simply hold your phone camera up to the space where your outdoor kitchen will go… And voila! On your screen, your custom outdoor kitchen will be brought to life in your own space.
If you had any doubts about how your custom outdoor kitchen would fit in your backyard… This technology will set your mind at ease.(Not to mention, it’ll get you even more hyped about your new outdoor kitchen!)
With the RTA 3D Design tool, everything is within your grasp. Talk about convenience.
Still Not Convinced?
Perhaps a little backyard makeover action will get your attention.
Remember that outdoor kitchen we just designed together?
Well… It was a product of our first-ever Great Outdoor Kitchen Makeover!
We gave you a little bit of background about this project earlier. But you’ll get all the nitty-gritty details in this TV-style episode. (Grab your popcorn!)
Now that you have an idea of what an RTA outdoor kitchen project is really like from start to finish, are you ready to redesign your own outdoor living space?
Get A Free Quote For Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen
At the bottom center of the page displaying your design, there’s a button that says “Free Quote.” Click on it.
You will be led to a simple form to fill out. Basic contact info, project-related questions, and any other additional comments.
Your design will be sent to one of our Design Experts to assess and create a unique proposal. They will get back to you and answer any questions you have.
And as mentioned earlier… At this stage, you’ll also be texted a link to view your custom outdoor kitchen design with AR.
And there you have it. It’s that easy. We can guide you from not knowing where to begin to a full outdoor kitchen design (and proposal on the way) in minutes.
Our goal was to make this process as easy as possible for you and allow you to make informed decisions.
We know how busy you are. The process of designing an outdoor kitchen can seem daunting… Like a chore. We wanted to remove this stress and make the process enjoyable.
And with all the stress and frustration removed… That leaves you with more time to host the moments that matter in the outdoor kitchen of your dreams.
You can thank us later
Need Help With Your Plans?
FAQ
Designing an outdoor kitchen layout can be a daunting task, but using the right planning tools can make it a breeze. A written plan and diagram can help you get all your ideas on paper, and from there, it’s just a matter of plugging in the materials, accessories, and appliances you want. You might choose to use a 3D design tool like SketchUp, or RTA Outdoor Living’s free online design tool to plan your project.
Many free design tools exist online to help you design your outdoor kitchen. Using a free tool, you can take your time trying out different ideas without any risks before you start ordering materials or calling contractors. Thousands of customers have used RTA Outdoor Living’s free 3D outdoor kitchen design tool to help design their perfect outdoor kitchen.
You might save some costs on parts and labor by picking your own materials and doing all the work yourself. But if you don’t have the skill or experience to build a custom outdoor kitchen yourself, a prefab outdoor kitchen company can help you select the best materials and prevent costly mistakes. It comes down to the availability of materials in your area, as well as your own confidence and skill in construction.
