So you’re in the middle of planning your outdoor kitchen and you’re wondering…
How is this going to work?
You may have plenty of ideas.
But how exactly do you put pen to paper?
Or find someone to draw them up for you?
It’s a tough question to answer.
These days, there are quite a few ways to get outdoor kitchen plans.
Some are easier to obtain than others.
But before we get into the nitty-gritty details… It’s important to understand what outdoor kitchen plans are.
What Are Outdoor Kitchen Plans?
So, what are BBQ island plans… Exactly?
Many homeowners just think about the design.
Your perception may be that it’s simply the appearance of your outdoor kitchen… Laid out digitally or on paper.
However, there’s much more to it than that!
Really, outdoor kitchen plans are blueprints.
It’s a sketch of all the components that make up your grill island… With exact measurements for each piece.
Plans provide all of the logistic information you need for a proper install. Appliance openings, utility hookups, and the like.
But it’s not just the outdoor kitchen that needs to be accounted for. Let’s discuss the other considerations.
Considerations for Your Grill Island Plans
There are many mistakes homeowners make when planning an outdoor kitchen.
So when beginning your plans… You have to understand the orientation in relation to your home.
Why?
This will affect the functionality and access to your outdoor space.
If your outdoor kitchen is not placed well… It can cause you to lose out on optimizing your yard in other ways. Perhaps you wanted a pool or hot tub, that you can’t fit because of where your kitchen is.
Improper placement can also affect access to your outdoor space. What we really mean is… This can restrict free movement.
It could be as simple as not having enough space to walk around your island comfortably. Or, it could prevent you from bringing large items into your backyard easily. (Think equipment, party supplies, etc.)
And if your outdoor kitchen is going to be retrofitted into your backyard… It’s helpful to have your original home plan handy. This will tell you where to tap into plumbing for your sink.
Alright… Enough about the considerations. How do you actually obtain a blueprint?
There’s a few options at your disposal.
Have your own Outdoor Kitchen Idea?
Obtaining Outdoor Kitchen Plans
While you can create your own DIY outdoor kitchen plans… Most homeowners seek assistance for this task.
The process can vary widely depending on the technology used. (Some don’t even use technology at all!)
So keep this in mind when you make your decision.
Hand Drawn Sketch
Let’s start with good ol’ pen and paper. (Or pencil, more likely!)
While largely falling out of favor with new technology… There are still some contractors who will draw up your complete plan from scratch.
They may also use a sketching software that creates the same hand-drawn look.
While these blueprints will certainly get the job done… You’ll have a tough time visualizing your final outdoor kitchen. (Keep this in mind when hiring a contractor for your project.)
You want to have a clear vision of what the project will actually look like.
The next option is a step closer.
CAD Software
Commonly used by architects and engineers… Some dedicated outdoor kitchen designers will use a CAD software for plans.
The nice thing about this software?
It can be used to create both design plans and blueprints.
However, this will not be a free plan and will come at a cost.
Most outdoor kitchen designers will charge you a fee for the plans.
While everyone offers a different price… On the high end, this could cost you a few hundred dollars!
Point is… There can be a significant upfront investment just to view a potential plan. This will have to be factored into your final outdoor kitchen cost.
It’s also worth noting that CAD software isn’t high definition. So while the blueprints will be covered… The design plans won’t exactly be lifelike.
There’s one more offering at your disposal.
DIY Outdoor Kitchen Plans
Finally, you can create your own outdoor kitchen plans.
However… You probably won’t want to embark on this project yourself!
Unless you have a ton of experience… Creating your own plans will have you biting off more than you can chew.
There’s a lot of technical knowledge required when creating a DIY outdoor kitchen plan.
Thankfully, there’s a way you can still be involved in the process… Without going it all alone.
A Better Way to Plan
Allow us to introduce you to the RTA outdoor kitchen design tool.
We realized that when it comes to BBQ island plans… There isn’t really a satisfactory solution.
They require a lot of time, money… And just don’t represent the final product properly.
You deserve better.
With the technology we have access to today, there’s no reason you can’t have the best!
So back in 2020, we released our online design software. It’s user-friendly, intuitive, and in a few clicks… You’ll see your dream outdoor kitchen right before your eyes.
Yes, you will actually be able to visualize your custom design in 3D! It’s not going to look hyper-realistic… But it paints the picture quite nicely.
To date, over 20,000 designs have been created using our platform. That’s a lot of beautiful DIY outdoor kitchen designs!
Wondering about blueprint plans?
Once you decide you’re happy with your design… You’ll work one-on-one with a Design Expert to hammer down the details. From there, complete blueprints will be created.
And before you pull your calculator out… We don’t charge you extra for this service. It’s just part of the process!
Alright… Now we’re clear on outdoor kitchen plans and how to obtain them.
It’s time to get inspired.
Outdoor Kitchen Plan Ideas
Before you jump into securing your DIY outdoor kitchen blueprints… You’re going to need some inspiration first.
Let’s get the creative juices flowing with these outdoor kitchen ideas!
Make Your Outdoor Kitchen Dream A Reality
Outdoor Kitchen Build Plans
There’s plenty of grilling potential in this straight island!
From the built in grill, side burner, and Alfa pizza oven… You’ve got everything you need for pizza night, family barbecues, and more!
The traditional style of this finish blends perfectly with the concrete countertops as well.
U Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Plans
There’s a lot going on in this U shaped outdoor kitchen… And we are here for it!
Let’s start from the left.
Here, you’ll find an Ooni outdoor pizza oven with a dual pull out trash/recycle underneath. Moving back, there’s a refreshment center (with sink) and double access doors below.
The center island is our grill island. We have the Coyote S-Series grill, side burner, refrigerator, double drawers, and double access doors.
Finally, we have the bar island to the right side. There’s double access doors, plenty of space for bar seating, and a kegerator at the end. This design is “topped” off with concrete countertops.
Sounds like a party to us!
Outdoor Kitchen Area with Charcoal Smoker
Can’t decide between a gas and charcoal grill?
Why not both?
These plans feature the best of both worlds in grilling. A gas grill for quick and easy burgers… And the charcoal grill for the best in low and slow flavor.
Plus, the straight island gives you some leftover work surface!
Sounds like a pretty great deal to us.
Small Outdoor Kitchen Plans
While a large outdoor kitchen may sound great… You may be working with a smaller footprint.
Well, here’s a small outdoor kitchen idea for you!
Although little… This BBQ island still offers plenty of functionality.
You have the grill, storage underneath, an outdoor sink, and bar seating to boot!
Not a bad deal at all.
Covered Outdoor Kitchen Plans
If you’re installing your DIY outdoor kitchen under a covered structure… It can make your plans a bit more complicated.
But don’t fret!
It’s entirely doable, as you can see here.
This l-shaped BBQ island features a charcoal grill, storage drawer, and pull out trash/recycle. The sleek look is finished off with granite countertops.
And of course… We can’t forget the bar seating!
Outdoor Kitchen with Pizza Oven Plans
This cooking station offers everything you need for a great party!
We particularly love the wood fired pizza oven with room for storage underneath.
You’ll also find a drop in cooler, double access doors, a pull out trash, gas grill, and an outdoor refrigerator. We also see some lovely concrete outdoor kitchen countertops for prep space.
Ready for a pizza night, anyone?
L-Shape Outdoor Kitchen Design Plans
Some of you may be looking for wood outdoor kitchen plans. If you’re familiar with our content… You’ll know that we don’t recommend this as an outdoor kitchen material!
However, you can achieve a similar look with our weathered wood finishes. (Who knew concrete could be so adaptable?)
But let’s get back to the plans here.
We have a large outdoor refrigerator, double drawers, a grill, outdoor flat top grill, and double access doors underneath.
And if you look closely above the double drawers… You’ll find an electrical outlet. (This is reflected in the plans.)
If you’re looking for plenty of grilling versatility… This combo of a gas grill and flat top grill could be great for your own outdoor kitchen!
Stylish Outdoor Kitchen Plans
Here’s a lovely example of DIY outdoor kitchen plans on a deck.
If you’re planning to install your grill island on a deck… Know that there are going to be some additional considerations for your plans.
Also be aware that you need a lightweight solution! If not, you may need to add supports to the deck.
But we’re digressing a bit!
Quite similar to the other layouts… This BBQ island features a refrigerator, grill, double access doors, and pull out trash.
Modern DIY Outdoor Kitchen Plans
We love this modern DIY outdoor kitchen design!
The matte concrete finish and thin concrete countertops make for a contemporary… Yet timeless look.
Let’s look at what’s in this beautiful outdoor kitchen plan.
You’ll find the stainless steel grill, combo storage, outdoor refrigerator, and a pull out trash.
With that and a few friends… You’re all set up for perfect summer evenings!
Outdoor Grilling Area Plans
This DIY kitchen features a beautiful plank-style finish… And it matches the wood deck quite nicely.
This outdoor kitchen would surely be the focal point of your backyard!
With a built in grill, refrigerator, side burner, pull out trash, and bar seating… It’s a beauty to behold.
Traeger Outdoor Kitchen Plans
Wondering how to incorporate your Traeger into your DIY outdoor kitchen plans?
Check out this solution.
The recessed stand provides a perfect platform for your existing Traeger grill.
And if you take a close look… You’ll also find that there’s storage built in as well!
The rest of this plan is beautiful as well. On the left, you’ll find the outdoor pizza oven stand with wood storage underneath.
To the right… There’s more storage and plenty of counter space on the concrete countertop!
Outdoor BBQ Kitchen Plans
This DIY outdoor kitchen would add fantastic functionality to your yard!
For outdoor cooking appliances, we have the gas grill and side burner. Additionally… You’ll find access doors, storage drawers, an outdoor fridge, outdoor sink, and pull out trash.
This plan truly shows the sky is the limit when it comes to grill island design.
Plans for Outdoor Kitchen
Here’s a simple DIY outdoor kitchen kit plan for you!
Perfectly situated on the patio… This little L shape is a great addition to nearly any outdoor living area.
The functional aspects of this design are the grill, access doors, and pull out trash. The bar island countertops are perfect for prepping and serving!
Outdoor Kitchen Bar Plans
Let’s view another example of a summer kitchen galley layout. Here, you can easily see how an outdoor bar completes the space.
There’s nothing wrong with having just a grill island! However… Guests will naturally look for a place to sit once they have their burger.
Enter the bar island!
As this example proves, you don’t need to fill your outdoor bar with appliances. While this family opted for a sink on the right side… There’s plenty of space leftover for seating!
And ultimately… That’s the most important function of a bar island. (Bar none!)
So now that you’ve viewed some outdoor kitchen layout plans…
What’s the next step?
Get Started with Your Custom Plans
After seeing all these outdoor kitchen DIY plans… We bet you’re ready to tackle this project yourself!
Well, you’re in the right place.
In fact, there are three things you can do right now to get started.
Let’s break it down.
Sample the Free Online Design Tool
Generally speaking, our first recommendation is always to experiment with the design tool.
As previously mentioned… Our free online design tool has been used over 20,000 times since 2020.
That’s a lot of data!
Point is, this is a great first step to obtaining your outdoor kitchen plans. You’ll get a feel for what you want your optimal layout to look like… And what’s possible for your outdoor space.
Best of all?
It won’t take you more than 5 minutes. (Unless you’re really having a ball!)
Looking for more hands-on advice?
Speak with a Design Expert
Another route you can take is to speak directly with a Design Expert.
Getting personal feedback on what is optimal for your space can prove to be invaluable!
This is especially true if you’re not sure how to pull the project off. If there’s a will… There’s a way to get an outdoor kitchen in your backyard!
Our Design Experts will be able to show you a 3D rendering of your custom outdoor kitchen… And provide concrete plans when you reach that stage of your project.
Not quite ready to hop on a call?
There’s one more thing you can do right away.
Download Sample Outdoor Kitchen Plans Free
Sometimes… All we need is an example to work off of.
Remember all those DIY outdoor kitchen plans we just reviewed?
You can download all of those plans.
For free.
That’s correct. You can view these free plans without any cost to you!
Talk about a no-brainer.
So… Where can you get these free outdoor kitchen plans?
It’s quite simple, really.
Click the button below! (You can thank us later.)
Need Help With Your Plans?
FAQ
The answer is a resounding yes! An outdoor kitchen will bring immense joy and functionality to your backyard.
Yes, there is an investment of time and money upfront. But when done properly… You’ll have years of entertainment, delicious food, and time with loved ones.
Sounds like a pretty great deal to us.
If there’s one thing you do when building an outdoor kitchen on a budget… It’s this:
Don’t skimp on materials.
You can keep the cost down in other ways, but not with materials. Poor quality materials will cause you to spend far more money in the long run.
To stay on budget… Consider eliminating some of the appliances and reducing the size of your layout.
Currently, the average outdoor kitchen costs somewhere around $12,000-$13,000.
Some projects will cost more… Others less. However, this range is a good starting point to keep in mind.
There are a few ways you can accomplish this. Some contractors will provide a hand drawn or digital sketch. Others will provide a rendering in their CAD software.
However, these options generally mean you have to pay for the plans.
RTA Outdoor Living provides a solution where you can obtain your design in minutes… And your plans for free. Explore our outdoor kitchen design tool to get started.
Short answer? Yes. Long answer? The construction method you choose matters.
Some construction methods are DIY friendly… Others? Not so much.
If you’re looking to build your own outdoor kitchen… A ready-to-assemble kit is going to be the easiest, fastest, and most durable option for your needs.
