Humor us for a moment.
It has been a long week. You arrive home on a Friday late afternoon from work.
Normally, what would you be doing?
We imagine it’s usually one of two things…
One, order a pizza for the family. The kids may be happy but you’re really regretting those garlic knots. The carb load hits you and all you have the energy left for is putting the kids to bed and falling asleep in front of the TV with your spouse.
Or…
Take the family to Applebee’s or another chain restaurant. You wait for a table, eat food you really wish you didn’t, then decide to get dessert anyway. You come home smelling like greasy food… And just like last weekend, that carb load sends you straight to bed.
Unfortunately, this sleep isn’t very restful considering your kids are bouncing off the walls from that ice cream sundae sugar rush.
Sound familiar?
There’s a way to get out of the weekly carb load to sleeping on the couch routine.
We’d like to posit the solution — an L shaped outdoor kitchen. It’s by far the most popular layout we design… And for good reason.
Let’s start with why it’s a great idea.
4 Ways to Know an L Shaped Outdoor Kitchen is Right for You
L shaped outdoor kitchens may be the most popular layout option… But that doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for everyone.
Here’s a few ways to tell if an L shape is the layout of your dreams.
1. You Want to Double Your Entertaining Capacity
Compared to a regular old straight island… The possibilities are nearly endless with an L shape!
Normally, you would just have a grill island to work with.
Now… There’s nothing wrong with this! You’ll have a complete outdoor cooking station.
But it’s a bit of an isolated experience.
Most of the time, guests will want to hover around the island when you’re cooking.
This is much easier to do when you have an L shaped outdoor bar!
There’s seating available right at the bar top for loved ones to be right there with you.
Plus, an L shape layout gives you room for more appliances! (Who doesn’t love that?)
But what if you live in a small space?
2. You Have the Space to Make it Work
Space, of course, is an essential step in planning your outdoor kitchen. If you don’t have the space for a certain layout, obviously you’ll have to seek other options.
If you’re limited on backyard space, an L shaped outdoor kitchen can work.
However, you will likely have to sacrifice L shaped outdoor bar seating and have the kitchen located on the perimeter of your deck or patio. This way, your L shaped outdoor kitchen does not really intrude on your exterior living space at all if you have less to work with.
You can see an example of how this would look below:
As you can see, the L shaped outdoor kitchen fits perfectly into that corner and allows for open space. This placement is best for functional use, rather than entertainment.
Of course… If you have a larger backyard you can realize all the benefits of L shaped bar seating and entertainment space. There is no need to limit yourself to a corner.
For full utilization of your L shaped BBQ island, you’ll want at least 3 feet of free flowing space at the front and 4 feet at the back of the island. This will ensure full ease of movement for guests and allow them to sit at the outdoor bar counter comfortably.
Set up this way, the L shaped outdoor kitchen design can become a premium entertaining space with the added utility of an ultimate party bar.
Speaking of parties…
3. You Want Your Island to Encourage Socialization
It’s not just about the amount of exterior living space you have.
It’s also about the potential entertaining space your L shaped outdoor kitchen can provide.
Layout for entertaining and socializing has to be a consideration.
When you have a house party, the kitchen is the focal point where people gather. This is the same when you are having a backyard barbecue.
You want adequate bar counter space for everyone at the party to gather and mingle around your outdoor kitchen.
The great news is… An L shaped outdoor bar is perfect for family and friends to socialize and gather around!
There’s plenty of space for bar counter seating. Everyone at the party has a place to sit, and the chef doesn’t have to feel left out.
With an L-shaped design layout, you can be both the host and cook with ease. Guests are right in view as you’re grilling an incredible meal for all to enjoy. Plus, having guests seated at the bar counter reduces foot traffic and helps keep you focused on the task at hand.
An L shaped outdoor kitchen creates that “family style” setting where everyone is together, and truly connected.
Another wonderful benefit of an L shape?
You get efficiency in functionality.
4. You’ve Got an Appreciation for Efficiency
Of course, we have to consider efficiency and utility when deciding on an L shaped outdoor kitchen layout.
You’re purchasing an outdoor kitchen to grill amazing food, after all! The layout should make prepping, cooking, and grilling as easy and enjoyable as possible.
L shaped grill islands are a wonderful and efficient option to consider.
When you’re cooking outside, you want everything you need right where you need it. Wasted time futzing around for something can be the difference between a perfectly seared steak and an irreparable hockey puck.
The nice thing is, the very nature of an L shaped BBQ island is efficient.
Everything you need can be designed to be within arm’s reach. If you opt for a sink and/or refrigerator, they can easily be placed in a convenient location for use. There’s also ample opportunity to add storage space.
Another benefit of this layout?
You don’t have to cook alone!
Because this layout is two adjacent islands, you have two distinct cooking/prepping zones.
While a friend is prepping on the l shaped bar, you can be grilling burgers to your heart’s content. You don’t have to worry about all the other tasks that need doing, you’ve got the exterior living space for a helping hand.
With an L shaped outdoor kitchen island, cooking and prepping outdoors doesn’t feel like work at all… It’s play.
It’s for the above reasons that L shaped outdoor kitchens are such a popular choice!
So let’s see some examples of this excellent layout.
9 Inspirational L Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Ideas
Alright, at this point… You’re sold on L shaped outdoor kitchen cabinetry.
Now, it’s time to get the creative juices flowing with some impressive examples!
1. L Shape Outdoor Kitchen Idea on Flagstone Patio
This picturesque scene has quite a lot going for it.
The brilliant blue sky… The lush, verdant greenery… And of course, the star of the show, the outdoor kitchen.
This stacked stone island is perfectly optimized for cooking and socializing.
Starting with the grill island… This homeowner opted to include a built-in natural gas grill and a set of dual side burners (also with a gas fuel type).
There’s also a sink tucked away in the corner for quick hand rinses and dishwashing.
Over to the bar island… The countertop’s fully cleared for prepping and serving! Also note the large outdoor refrigerator and pull out trash bin to keep the space tidy.
With a distinct cooking zone and serving zone… The efficiency of an L-shaped layout is on full display here.
2. Outdoor L Shaped Kitchen Idea on Deck
Let’s brighten up the mood a little with this cheery L shaped island.
The modern stone finish is pleasing to the eye… Beautifully toeing the line between a modern and rustic aesthetic.
But let’s hone in on the layout itself a little more.
Compared to the previous example… This outdoor kitchen doesn’t form a perfect 90° angle.
There’s a corner island in the middle that softens this effect… And extends the entire kitchen.
You also can’t help but notice that striking wood fired pizza oven on top! It’s undoubtedly the focal point of the island… And the black oven forms a nice contrast with the brightness of the grill island finish.
And we’ve got to say… This L shaped outdoor kitchen idea is all about cooking capacity.
There’s 3 (count ‘em, 3!) cooking appliances spread out in this design. A pellet grill, outdoor pizza oven, and flat top propane grill.
This outdoor kitchen can run the gamut of any cuisine you’re craving. Is there much else you could ask for?
3. Charming Small L Shaped Island Off the Back Porch
Stuck working with a small space?
You don’t have to forego your dream of an L shaped outdoor kitchen. It just means you have to maximize the space you do have.
Just like this homeowner did.
This homeowner didn’t have much space to work with… Just a modest patio to put an outdoor kitchen on.
In order to get an L shape to fit here, all we had to do was truncate each island a foot or two. This retained the lovely L shape the homeowner was looking for… Whilst allowing a comfortable fit in the space.
A 2-burner BBQ grill and mini kamado grill still provide plenty of cooking versatility… Just in a smaller package!
Best of all?
Apart from the umbrella, the bar island’s wide open for a built-in dining area. This small outdoor kitchen design is surely one to take notes on!
4. L Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Plans with Dining Table
Need more than just a bar island for dining? If you’ve got the space… The world is your oyster.
This L shaped outdoor kitchen idea is all about optimizing your serving area.
The grill island has just a gas grill, fridge, and double access doors. Nice and simple!
Connected to the grill island is a wide-open bar island… Featuring plenty of cooking area or serving space.
We also have to mention how aesthetics make it to the forefront in this design.
Instead of dedicating the entire outdoor kitchen to cooking and serving… This homeowner included a matching pedestal for displaying a tasteful potted plant (rather than adding another appliance).
It’s outdoor entertaining at its finest.
5. Rustic L Shaped Island on Paver Patio
If your outdoor BBQ area follows a more rustic theme… You’ll appreciate the farmhouse vibe of this weathered wood outdoor BBQ kitchen (matching backsplash and all!).
This layout is a great option if you don’t have a particularly large outdoor living space.
If you don’t have room for walkaround space all around the island… Placing your grill island near a wall (not directly touching!) will be a smart move.
You can maximize the space you do have… Without sacrificing your L shape design!
It’s a win-win.
The cooking space in this island is refreshingly straightforward… Featuring a power burner and gas grill. Between these two appliances, you can cook up just about anything you set your mind to!
So cook to your heart’s content… Pull up a bar stool… And enjoy.
6. Covered Outdoor Kitchen Space with Stone Finish
There’s something alluring about a backyard that’s dominated by shades of cool gray. What may ordinarily seem boring or one-note… Actually holds your interest and soothes the senses.
And that’s exactly what we’ve got here, folks.
A slate gray paver patio forms the foundation of this design… beautifully complimented by a stacked stone island, mottled with various shades of graphite.
Even the deluxe stainless steel appliances add to the aesthetic!
But aside from just looks… This L shaped island also has it going on in terms of pure layout design.
It’s packed to the hilt with cooking appliances and accessories for optimized hosting potential.
The flat top griddle, gas grill with rotisserie kit, and dual side burner will put in some serious work for your backyard BBQ spread… while the refrigerator, sink with faucet, and storage combos melt away the stress of entertaining. (You have everything you need, where you need it!)
And the cherry on top? This outdoor kitchen is topped off with a huge pavilion… Allowing you to grill and entertain no matter the weather.
7. Grilling & Chilling at Your L Shaped Outdoor Kitchen
There’s one thing your outdoor kitchen cabinets are made to do… To help you enjoy grilling and relaxing with your loved ones, of course!
And as you’ll see… That’s just what we have here.
The extra long linear island hosts a gas outdoor grill and charcoal kamado grill for the ultimate in cooking versatility… And you have two guys demonstrating how to chill at the bar!
Looks relaxing, right?
It sure is. And with some smart landscape design behind the L shape… This space feels like your own private enclave.
8. L Shaped Island & Dining Space Under the Lights
This DIY outdoor kitchen is all about ambiance… Which it’s got in spades.
Under the cover of a pergola and twinkling string lights… This L shaped island is a beauty to behold!
The stacked stone finish adds to the rustic, cozy flair as well. The only thing that’s missing is a fire crackling in the Italian-made pizza oven! (And a fresh, cheesy pie, of course.)
You even get a little extra “space value” with this layout. An added pizza oven stand extends your island… Without taking away from the counter space on your grill island.
There’s a sink on the bar island for hand washing after working with sticky pizza dough… Plus a 4-burner grill and side burner when you’ve got a hankering for classic BBQ fare.
9. Fully Decked-Out L Shaped Outdoor Kitchen
Need an L shaped island with all the fixings? You’ll be over the moon with this outdoor kitchen design!
Every cooking appliance you could think of is all right here… With room to spare.
You’ve got the wood fired pizza oven (fully stocked with fuel)… A gas grill… Flat top grill… And even a charcoal kamado smoker.
Whether it’s Italian, Texas BBQ, or Mexican… Whatever cuisine you’re after, this outdoor kitchen is your canvas for top-notch dishes.
There’s even a little room for seating behind the fridge!
This L shaped outdoor kitchen may just be more functional than your indoor kitchen.
After reviewing all these impressive ideas… Are you starting to feel inspired?
Let’s channel that inspiration into your new outdoor kitchen.
Your Streamlined Outdoor Kitchen Solution
There’s no doubt about it… Building an outdoor kitchen is a large undertaking.
But it doesn’t have to be.
At RTA Outdoor Living… We’ve spent many sleepless nights figuring out how to make getting an outdoor kitchen more accessible.
Lucky for you, we’ve figured out the formula.
Assemble Your L Shape with Ease
While some of us may be avid DIYers and love the thrill of making something from scratch… Most of us wouldn’t want to be bothered with that much labor!
Understandably so.
The traditional outdoor kitchen project is highly invasive and time consuming. It takes months… Your backyard is disturbed… And you have to work with multiple vendors to source all the outdoor kitchen materials required. It’s a lot to manage!
Which is why we went through great pains to create the easiest DIY outdoor kitchen solution on the market.
From the island, to the countertops, to the appliances… RTA is your single-source for all your outdoor kitchen needs.
We deliver the complete package right to your backyard… And in a few hours, you’ll have the whole thing assembled and ready to entertain.
How is this possible?
It’s all in our monolithic, single-layered concrete panels. These panels are structural and also have the finish fully integrated into them.
All you need to do is bolt the panels together… Place the countertop… Slide in the appliances… And you’re done. That’s really all there is to it!
You may be thinking: “Ok, that’s great. I can install my L shaped island in one day. Is it good quality?”
Great question.
The Long-Lasting Solution
Let’s face it. An outdoor kitchen is a huge investment! Naturally, you want to ensure your new outdoor kitchen will provide many years of faithful service.
A high quality outdoor kitchen needs to be able to withstand the elements, no matter where you live.
Whether it’s the windy city of Chicago… The frigid cold northern Minnesota… Or the salty, coastal air of Florida… An RTA outdoor kitchen handles every climate with ease.
Our 100 year rated concrete is impervious to rust, corrosion, freeze thaw damage, termites, rot, and warping. (We also offer a limited lifetime structural warranty.)
In short… RTA kitchens will look the same in year 5 as they do in year 1. (Talk about aging gracefully!)
Coyote Outdoor Living (our appliance partner) takes the same approach with their heavy-duty outdoor appliances. All of their built in grills and other products are manufactured from complete 304 stainless steel.
A more durable outdoor kitchen = a more secure investment.
But most importantly… You need to be able to customize your dream L shaped island to your heart’s content.
An L Shape Design Your Way
As you’ve seen in all the L shaped designs we’ve shared… There’s no one way to design an outdoor kitchen!
Everyone has their own unique tastes and preferences… And that should be reflected in your outdoor kitchen design!
For this reason, we put customization at the forefront of every RTA outdoor kitchen.
We’ve invested heavily in technology and resources to help you personalize your outdoor kitchen… Without compromise.
In fact, every L shaped outdoor kitchen you saw today was an RTA outdoor kitchen!
You’ll have access to Coyote’s full suite of premium appliances… Including gas grills, charcoal grills, pellet grills, kamado grills, power burners, refrigerators, sinks, and a plethora of storage options.
No matter your cooking style, we’ve got something in store for you.
RTA can also accommodate a wide range of aesthetic options.
We offer an array of 12 unique island finishes... Plus 6 concrete and 6 granite countertop variants for even more personalization potential.
Unless you’re buying one of our Quick Ship kitchens… No two RTA outdoor kitchens are alike.
So with that said… How can you get started with your dream L shaped outdoor kitchen?
GET STARTED ON YOUR L SHAPED OUTDOOR KITCHEN DESIGN FOR FREE
If you couldn’t tell, we at RTA are passionate about outdoor kitchens and their design.
That’s why we created a free online outdoor kitchen design tool.
This tool allows you to design your kitchen in just a few clicks and even get a free quote on the way.
You can see exactly how each layout will look, from straight, L Shaped, U Shaped, to Galley outdoor kitchens.
It’s the perfect opportunity to see how that L shaped outdoor kitchen will look, and the appliances you choose to fit it with.
No risk, only reward.
So what are you waiting for?
Start your design, and have fun!
