There’s no better place to cook than on an outdoor kitchen grill.
All kinds of fantastic foods… Out in the fresh air… And did we mention fantastic food?!
You’re looking at perfectly-seared steaks… Juicy vegetables… The most delicious burgers you’ve ever made…
But where are you going to eat? And where will your guests sit?
While an outdoor dining table is a great idea for outdoor seating… An even better idea is right where the magic happens: at an outdoor kitchen bar!
Quick Links:
- What Are The Benefits Of An Outdoor Kitchen Bar?
- Considerations For Outdoor Kitchen Bar Planning
- How Do You Plan To Use Your Outdoor Kitchen Bar?
- How Will You Design Your Outdoor Kitchen Bar?
- Should You DIY An Outdoor Kitchen Bar?
- Ideas For Outdoor Kitchen Bars
- The Simplest Way To DIY Your Outdoor Kitchen Bar
What Are the Benefits of an Outdoor Kitchen Bar?
One of the best ways to improve your outdoor space is to build a grill island.
They look beautiful… And you can cook outside year-round.
They’re ideal for entertaining… And they function as an outdoor living room for your family!
And incorporating an outdoor kitchen bar only adds to the convenience and benefits!
The possibilities are endless…
You have the perfect drink station…
Even more room for food prep and outdoor cooking…
And best of all, there’s bar seating!
Your outdoor kitchen bar is a beautiful spot that encourages community… Where people can sit and stand to socialize, eat, and drink.
If you’ve ever hosted a large gathering… You know that sometimes, you can get so caught up in cooking and preparing that you’re barely present for your own party!
You don’t want to be left out because you’re off cooking in your outdoor kitchen alone… That defeats the whole purpose of inviting people over!
An outdoor kitchen bar provides a way for you to take care of your guests… While getting to truly enjoy the company of your friends and family.
Your guests can relax… And you’ll still be able to hang out while you cook! It’s a win-win.
At the end of the day, an outdoor kitchen bar is the ideal outdoor dining area… And it will help transform your outdoor grill island into a true outdoor living space!
The one question is… How do you build one?
Want to bring your idea to life?
Considerations for Outdoor Kitchen Bar Planning
You might be wondering how to create your own outdoor kitchen island with bar… So let’s get started!
You’ll create your bar out of the same outdoor kitchen materials you use for the rest of your island.
But before you unload your materials… What will the dimensions of your bar be?
Outdoor Kitchen Bar Dimensions
If you’re constructing your own outdoor kitchen bar… You’re going to want to make sure that your outdoor kitchen dimensions make sense!
First of all, the minimum depth for a bar top should be 12 inches.
On top of that, if you want to fit outdoor kitchen bar stools underneath it… You should have a 12 to 18-inch overhang.
This will help your guests sit comfortably.
Finally, you can plan how many bar stools your outdoor kitchen bar can fit by the width.
If you want bar stools… You should allow for about 6 inches between each stool… Or 3 feet per stool.
Bar stools that swivel might require a few extra inches each.
Overall… Your outdoor kitchen area may range anywhere from about 7 feet long… To as large as you’d like! Most will fall between 10×10 feet (100 square feet) and 20×20 feet (400 square feet).
Once you have your dimensions mapped out… You can get started!
How Do You Plan to Use Your Outdoor Kitchen Bar?
How you plan to use your outdoor kitchen bar is another factor that will determine how you might build it.
For instance…
If you want to use your outdoor kitchen bar to serve drinks… You might want to set up your grill island to facilitate drink-making!
One way to do this is to add a sink and outdoor kitchen refrigerator.
A beverage center is also a good choice. For example, Coyote’s refreshment center comes with a sink, drop-in cooler, and removable condiment tray.
This beverage center also features a convenient bottle shelf, towel holder, and a bottle opener… All of which are helpful features to incorporate if you want to make and serve drinks.
If you’d prefer to use this space as a dining area… You can invest in comfortable bar chairs!
You’ll also want to make sure that your grill island has all the appliances needed to make the right kinds of foods for your guests.
If you want an outdoor kitchen bar area that can do both… You might want to consider some combination of features to create the perfect space!
In the end, you’ll want to think about what you want to do with your new outdoor kitchen bar space… And how you can best achieve that goal!
Next… You’ll want to think about what it will look like!
How Will You Design Your Outdoor Kitchen Bar?
Designing your outdoor kitchen bar to be both beautiful and functional is the name of the game.
An outdoor kitchen bar is the perfect place to eat and drink… So you might want to consider keeping that countertop open.
You can install storage, an outdoor fridge, or pull-out trash can to utilize the base of the outdoor kitchen bar… While leaving the countertop open!
Speaking of countertop space… If you want shade, you can have an umbrella holder in your countertop.
It will shade your space… And make your guests happy!
The next question to ask yourself is… How will you make it? Should you DIY it?
Should You DIY an Outdoor Kitchen Bar?
The simple answer is… You absolutely can!
However… This is a project that requires a lot of skill, so there are a few questions to ask yourself first.
Do you have the expertise to do it well? And are you willing to spend the time and money?
If you don’t build it right, or if it doesn’t last as long as you expect… You might be very unhappy… So you should think about whether or not it’s worth the risk.
Of course, there are a lot of great video guides for building your own… So whether you choose to start from scratch or go the RTF route… You won’t be alone!
If you aren’t totally sold… Stick around, because we’ll wrap this article up with the easiest DIY outdoor kitchen bar solution out there.
Now we’ve gotten through all the hard stuff… So let’s talk about the fun part!
Outdoor Kitchen Bar Ideas
It’s hard to decide what kind of aesthetic you want to use for an outdoor kitchen bar.
Will you make something that stands out? Or blends in with your house?
The possibilities are endless… So here are a few outdoor kitchen bar designs to help inspire you!
These outdoor kitchen bar plans will give you ideas for your own outdoor space.
L-Shaped BBQ With Bar
This beautiful L-shaped outdoor kitchen has a lovely bar.
The bar island is higher than the grill island… And it is also used for an outdoor kitchen refrigerator and trash bin! The umbrella is also a great touch.
It’s very useful… And blends right in with the main outdoor kitchen island… And the gorgeous patio pavers underneath!
Outdoor Kitchen with Bar Top
This lovely outdoor kitchen with bar makes the whole outdoor kitchen patio look inviting!
Even with other seating… What better place to spend time than at the bar while someone cooks?
The small outdoor kitchen makes this a great choice for compact spaces.
Small Outdoor Kitchen with Bar
This small outdoor kitchen island bar is a perfect spot for drinks and more. The grill island is separate… So you can use it entirely for drinks and seating.
The beverage center and fridge are perfect for preparing cocktails… And your guests can sit back and relax while you cook!
Separating your islands is a great way to make use of a small space… And the natural stone look of this outdoor kitchen bar blends in with the patio aesthetic perfectly.
L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen with Bar Plans
Between the massive bar… The beautiful stainless steel grill and outdoor kitchen flat top grill… And the fire pit in the middle… This outdoor bar kitchen idea really stands out.
The four swivel bar stools look exceptional under the granite countertops.
Outdoor Kitchen with Bar Ideas
There’s no better place to have homemade pizza than at an outdoor kitchen bar!
This bar is longer… So there’s room for an outdoor pizza oven on top… And three bar stools!
In addition to the other patio seating options… You can have a good-sized party here!
Covered Outdoor Kitchen and Bar Under Pergola
This beautiful outdoor kitchen bar area is shaded by the outdoor kitchen pergola.
Not only does an outdoor shade structure make the space cooler during the summer…
It also protects your patio and bar island from UV damage!
Outdoor Bar and Kitchen Ideas
This outdoor grill station is right up near the house… So it’s almost a part of the porch!
Imagine walking out your door… And your bar is only a few feet away!
This is a great setup for homeowners who really love to grill… And the L-shaped bar provides a lot of space where guests can sit!
Create the perfect Bar island
Outdoor Patio Kitchen and Bar Ideas by a Pool
What’s better than an outdoor kitchen bar? An outdoor kitchen bar with a pool!
This sprawling backyard has a gorgeous pool… Nice sitting area, a fire pit… And a massive U-shaped outdoor kitchen!
If you get hot… Just dip your feet in the pool, and come right back to the bar!
Double Outdoor Kitchen Bars
Why get one bar… When you could get two?
If you want to feel like a real bartender… This is the setup for you.
This stunning, beach-side outside kitchen has a bar on each side.
With space for six people… There’s no end to the fun you could have here!
Your guests will also be able to face each other from opposite sides of the bar… Just like at a table!
Outdoor Kitchen Bar with Pizza Oven and Bar Stools
The perfect addition to an outdoor kitchen bar is a few beautiful bar stools!
Not only does it give your guests a place to sit…
This is a great way to spruce up your bar and incorporate your own style.
Outdoor Kitchen and Bar Ideas with Seating
As much fun as it is to sit at the bar… Maybe your guests would be more comfortable sitting elsewhere while you prepare dinner!
If you want to reserve your bar seating for food and drinks…
Having an additional seating area under an outdoor kitchen roof nearby helps keep the party going… And your guests comfortable!
Covered Outdoor Kitchen/Bar Idea with String Lights
What’s better than enjoying your summer kitchen during the day? Getting to use it at night, too!
The string lights will make this a great place to grill at night!
On top of that… This outdoor kitchen gazebo offers great coverage from the rain, snow, and sun!
You even get side coverage… The fabric rolls down to cover the gorgeous outdoor kitchen bar from the side!
Outdoor Kitchen Bar under Pergola
This outdoor kitchen roof makes the whole outdoor kitchen and bar feel like it’s in its own room!
Whether you want to eat great food… Or even just come to read a book… This outdoor kitchen is the place to be!
Covered Pergola Outdoor Kitchen with Adjustable Bar Stools
This bar is a great spot to have a good meal.
The raised bar is a great touch… And the adjustable bar stools make it comfortable for everyone!
Anyone who sits here will enjoy the sunny weather through the outdoor kitchen pergola… While being protected from the wind and rain with the cover on top and curtains on the sides!
Large U-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Bar
This modern BBQ kitchen is the perfect example of how to fill out a lot of space very well.
The U-shape of the outdoor kitchen is great because it provides plenty of space for outdoor kitchen appliances and countertops.
And anyone cooking can easily talk to the guests seated at the bar at the same time!
Outdoor Kitchen Bar with Extra Utility
This outdoor kitchen bar is both great for serving guests… And is useful as a kitchen island!
While the countertop is open for guests to eat or drink at…
The bar island itself is used for refrigeration and a pull-out trash can!
The outdoor kitchen sink right beside will also be great when you’re serving drinks to guests!
Outdoor Bar Kitchen with Umbrella
An outdoor kitchen roof isn’t for everyone… But it’s still great to get some shade over your outdoor kitchen cabinets and bar!
This outdoor kitchen bar has a hole in it specifically for holding an umbrella… Which is a great way to keep the rain and sun off!
Now you’ve got a good idea of the different ways you can make an outdoor bar shine.
But how will you get one?
The Simplest Way to DIY Your Outdoor Kitchen Bar
There’s something special about building something with your own hands… Especially an outdoor kitchen!
It’s rewarding to know that you brought your vision to life.
…But your time is also limited, and building an outdoor kitchen bar from scratch can be complicated.
If you enjoy the idea of DIYing your outdoor kitchen… But you just aren’t sold on starting from scratch…
Consider an RTA outdoor kitchen bar!
It’s the best of both worlds.
You get all the fun of building your own outdoor kitchen bar… But without all the parts that can make it difficult and frustrating!
Custom Outdoor Kitchens & Bars Made Easy
For starters… One of the best parts of creating your own outdoor kitchen and bar design is that you can fully customize it.
With RTA, you still have the option to create a custom outdoor kitchen… Just without all the blueprints and math!
You can use our free and easy-to-use Design Tool to choose your size, layout, configuration, appliances, finish, and countertops!
Not an expert in outdoor kitchen design? Not to worry!
After you submit your design… You’ll get one-on-one advice from someone on our team of Design Experts.
They’ll listen to your needs… And help create the perfect outdoor kitchen bar for your backyard.
No stress!
Building is a Breeze with an RTA Outdoor Kitchen Bar
On top of that…
You won’t have to spend weeks (or months) constructing your island.
…And your backyard won’t be turned into a construction zone by an outdoor kitchen contractor!
Instead, we’ll ship the panels, countertops, and appliances right to your door… And you can assemble it in only a few hours!
Just grab a friend or two… And you’ve built your very own outdoor kitchen bar from design, all the way to the final screw.
You don’t have to be an expert in outdoor kitchen building or design to get the perfect outdoor kitchen bar here.
It’s the easiest home improvement project you’ll ever complete… And the end result is a gorgeous outdoor kitchen with bar seating, made by you!
To learn more about starting your project… Or even just outdoor kitchens in general… Visit our Learning Hub!
We’d be happy to have you.
Need Help With Your Plans?
Q&A
An outdoor kitchen bar should complement your outdoor kitchen. Not only is it a great place for seating, but it can also be used as a great place to entertain guests. They’re the perfect feature for a party or event… Or even just for relaxing with your family!
Outdoor kitchen bars are very popular! They’re a great way to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your outdoor kitchen. You can serve food and drinks at your outdoor kitchen bar… And they can also be an excellent seating option for guests at your parties and barbecues! It brings your indoor kitchen and living room to the outdoors!
There are all kinds of options for outdoor kitchen bar materials. Wood is a popular option for DIY’ers… Concrete, brick, and stone are durable choices… Aluminum and stainless steel are often used for frames… And quartzite, granite, concrete, and soapstone are frequently used for countertops.
An outdoor kitchen bar has almost endless appliance options… The most common set-ups will include access doors, and maybe an outdoor sink, refrigerator, or trash bin. More extravagant outdoor bar set-ups might also include a drop-in cooler, griddle, refreshment center, ice chest, and kegerator.
There are a variety of materials you can use to create an outdoor kitchen bar! Wood and metal frames are very popular choices, although we wouldn’t recommend using wood. Concrete blocks make a sturdy frame. Concrete, brick, and stone are durable choices for the finish. And quartzite, granite, and soapstone concrete countertops are frequently used!
