1. food and drink
2. barbecues and grilling

The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
The
COMPLETE
Guide to
Outdoor Kitchens
DesignCastConcrete.com
1
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Table of Contents
Introduction.....................................................3
Getting Started......................................................4
Design ....................................................................7
Materials ..............................................................13
Appliances and Accessories ..............................19
Managing the Project ........................................28
DesignCastConcrete.com
2
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Introduction
As interest in outdoor living continues to grow, people are looking to
transform their backyards into extensions of their own
homes. Backyards have turned into second
kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms. They
have become the prime spot for entertaining,
relaxing and spending time with family and
friends.
"More than 50% of
consumers want to add
an outdoor kitchen.”
The biggest trend evolving in outdoor living
is outdoor kitchens. An outdoor kitchen
- Casual Living
allows you to cook, eat and entertain in the
beautiful outdoors. The best outdoor kitchens
are as functional as an indoor kitchen, as welcoming
as a living room and as entertaining as a family room. Outdoor kitchens are
convenient, create more space, add value to your home and make spending
time outdoors very enjoyable.
Turning your outdoor space into a fully-functional, luxurious outdoor kitchen
is a process that takes planning, knowledge and time. This guide will help
you to maximize your backyard year-round and take it to the next level with
an outdoor kitchen.
Over the next several pages, you will find ideas and tips to help you get
started, design your space, choose your materials and manage the outdoor
kitchen project. The sky is the limit for planning your outdoor kitchen!
DesignCastConcrete.com
3
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Getting Started
Location
The perfect location for an outdoor kitchen is based on your personal
preference and style. Most people like the idea of having a barbecuing
area adjacent to the side of the house. Others prefer a freestanding
kitchen pavilion.
An outdoor kitchen located near the house is popular for a few reasons.
For one, the house provides natural shelter to the outdoor kitchen. It
protects it from wind and sun and makes it easier to attach an overhead
structure for protection from rain or snow. Second, it is typically less
expensive to run utility lines from the house to the outdoor kitchen.
DesignCastConcrete.com
4
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
An outdoor kitchen close to the house is also ideal because of
convenience. Being steps away from the house makes entertaining easier
if you have to make trips back inside.
Choosing a spot away from the house can work out well, particularly if you
don’t plan to go back and forth from the indoor kitchen. In this case, you
would want to incorporate more storage into the space to hold cooking
essentials such as dishes and bowls. Many people like the idea of placing
their outdoor kitchen in a pavilion near their pool.
When deciding the location of your outdoor kitchen, make sure to consider
prevailing winds, sun protection and overhead power lines and trees. Think
about the soil. How stable is it? Does it need to be leveled? How will the
surface drain? How will the wind blow smoke? Also, remember to position
the cooking area away from the house so that smoke and cooking odors
don’t get trapped.
DesignCastConcrete.com
5
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Setup
Think carefully about your current outdoor setup and the areas you would
like to improve. What is it that you really want in your outdoor kitchen?
Ask yourself the following questions:
• How often do I cook outside and what foods do I like to cook?
• What are my grill options?
• How many people will spend time in the space?
• Do I need to consider kid safety?
• Will I do any prep work or cleaning outside?
• Do I plan to eat outside?
Consider how you will actually use the space and what additions make the
most sense in terms of your existing landscape and space. You want your
setup to work well with your lifestyle.
Permits
Before you start building your outdoor kitchen, you need to check with
your town’s building department to find out if there are any permits that
need to be filed as well as if there are any rules and regulations. Some
towns have regulations about how close you can build to your property
line.
You will most likely need a permit if you are bringing in water, gas or
electricity. If you choose to locate the outdoor kitchen near the house,
make sure to consider all fire codes.
DesignCastConcrete.com
6
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Design
Layout
Once you have chosen the right location, you can start thinking about the
layout of your outdoor kitchen. Don’t start shopping for the countertops,
cabinets and appliances just yet. The first essential step is to settle on a
layout that will make the space functional and visually appealing.
You are probably familiar with the general layout of indoor kitchens. The
concept of the “kitchen triangle” is pretty well known. An efficient kitchen
layout will have the refrigerator, cooktop and sink form the three points
of a triangle. With your outdoor kitchen, your goal should be to form this
triangle. It will be much easier and more natural since outdoor kitchens
run fairly small compared to indoor kitchens.
DesignCastConcrete.com
7
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Styles
Similar to indoor kitchens, outdoor kitchens can have different style
layouts: straight line, L-shape and U-shape. You can also incorporate an
island.
A straight-line layout is installed against a wall. It is ideal for smaller,
budget-friendly spaces. L-shape and U-shape layouts most closely
resemble indoor kitchens and are best for larger freestanding kitchens
that include items such as a grill, refrigerator, sink and a bar area.
An L-shaped layout is the most spatially economical choice that
separates grilling and food prep and allows for the long end to double as
a bar. A U-shaped layout offers all the bells and whistles. There is plenty
of space to prep, cook, and serve and to integrate all the latest outdoor
appliances and features. It is also ideal if you are a big entertainer or
have a large family.
DesignCastConcrete.com
8
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Zones
When designing the layout of your outdoor kitchen, you should divide
it into zones: hot, dry, wet and cold. Hot zones include grills, cooktops,
pizza ovens and any surrounding counter space. Dry zones comprise
counter space used for food prep as well as cabinetry and storage.
Wet zones include the sink and surrounding countertop. Cold zones
encompass refrigerators, ice makers, beverage coolers, beer taps and
other cold storage spaces.
You should plan for enough space for all
four functional zones as well as plenty
of counter space to support each zone.
Think of the extra counter space as
landing zones. Each appliance needs
space on each side usually ranging
from one foot to two feet. The key here
is to focus on how each zone will work
“A grill should have at
least 12” of space to one
side and 24” to the other
side.”
- Kalamazoo Gourmet
together for prep, cooking, serving and
cleanup.
DesignCastConcrete.com
9
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Plumbing
Most outdoor kitchens designed today include an outdoor sink. However,
there are a few decisions that come with doing so. Does it need hot water?
Where will it drain? How will it be winterized? Plumbing for an outdoor
kitchen sink is similar to other utilities in that it will be less expensive if the
outdoor kitchen is located next to the house.
Many outdoor kitchens don’t need hot water, so if you choose to just run
cold water, you can typically cut down on the cost. If you do desire hot
water, you can choose between a water heater or running hot water lines.
An undercounter tankless water heater is usually less expensive and
performs better.
DesignCastConcrete.com
10
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
If the outdoor kitchen will be prone to frost, you will need to winterize any
plumbing before it freezes. This would usually include a shut-off water
valve and a drain. You can use an ejector pump to flush the water lines
at the end of the season or install a gravity-based system with the pipes
running to an insulated space, so you can open the valve and empty the
pipe.
You also need to decide what to do with the waste water. You can tie it to
your home’s waste water system or drain the sink into a French drain or a
dry well. You can also always drain the sink into a bucket under the sink,
but that could get a little messy. If you want to put food down the sink via
a garbage disposal, tying the sink to your home’s waste water system is
your best option.
Utilities
Electricity is essential in any outdoor kitchen. It’s a good idea to put the
outdoor kitchen on its own GFI circuit board inside your house to make it
easier to reset the system if necessary. Refrigerators most likely need a
dedicated circuit since they typically require more amperage.
You’ll probably want outlets above the counter for appliances and the
grill’s rotisserie motor and below the counter for refrigeration and a water
heater. You also want your outlets to be on a separate circuit.
You’ll most likely want to hook up gas to your outdoor kitchen. Unless you
plan on grilling exclusively with charcoal, you may want to run a gas line to
the grill.
DesignCastConcrete.com
11
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
If you decide to forego hooking into your home’s gas supply, make sure
to keep your propane tank full. You might even be better off investing in
a second tank, so one is always full and ready when the other runs low.
When looking at gas, take into account the total BTU volume of all of the
equipment including fire pits, side burners, pool heaters and patio heaters.
Safety
Position the grill at least 10 feet away from combustible materials such
as wood siding, deck rails and tree branches. If you decide to install an
outdoor grill under a structure, make sure to allow plenty of clearance
space between the grill and the ceiling and to design the room for
ventilation. Keep a gas safety shutoff valve in a convenient location that is
not too close to the grill. You should also have a fire extinguisher on hand
just in case.
DesignCastConcrete.com
12
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Materials
Cabinets
Options for outdoor cabinets are a little more limited than those for indoor
cabinets. You still have a wide range of possibilities, but when it comes
down to it, you want a cabinet that will be able to withstand the elements.
Concrete
Concrete cabinets by Eldorado Outdoor are preformed with ridges that
allow you to stick stones directly on them. You can also add these
cabinets directly on a concrete slab. Their biggest advantage is that
the stone work can be done the next day in only a few hours. Concrete
cabinetry is a great cost saving alternative.
Masonry Island – CMU
These cabinets require footing, are labor intensive and take several
days to build. In order to install these cabinets, you must dig a footing,
pour concrete, and then build the blocks on top. You have to know
the measurements for the openings for grills, doors and appliances
beforehand. These cabinets can take a week or longer to install.
Marine-grade Polymer
Marine-grade polymer is easy to hose down and UV-resistant. Your
cabinets will not expand or contract, will not rust and will resist
degradation in direct sunlight. Some people use stainless steel for
cabinet doors and polymer for the remainder.
DesignCastConcrete.com
13
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is durable, weatherproof and ideal. It provides a clean,
contemporary look that integrates well with appliances and your grill.
Most outdoor kitchen professionals agree that all your stainless steel
outdoor components should be at least 304 grade stainless steel.
Aluminum
Aluminum has many of the same advantages of stainless steel.
Aluminum cabinets come in a durable powder coat finish with several
different color options. Their durability and versatility can stand up to
all of your needs even in the most demanding setting. You can even
opt for a preconfigured cabinet set that provides an alternative to a
conventional kitchen in less time, with no assembly and with no extra
material.
DesignCastConcrete.com
14
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Countertops
When choosing a countertop for your outdoor kitchen, you should focus
primarily on durability first and looks second.
Concrete
Concrete countertops give a clean and contemporary look to your
outdoor kitchen. They are very durable, versatile and low maintenance
but should be sealed annually to protect the surface
from stains. Concrete countertops are fun
because they have limitless design options
and can be cast into any shape.
Granite
Granite countertops most closely
resemble the look of an interior kitchen.
“Countertop standard
height is 36” tall. Bar
counter height varies from
42”-46” tall.”
They are made to stand up to the
- Concrete Network
elements and won’t stain as easily as other
materials. They are easy to clean, durable and
luxurious. Granite also shouldn’t fade in the sun.
Try to avoid darker color granite because it will absorb heat making
it very hot to the touch. A honed finish in a lighter color works best
outdoors since it does not get too hot and shows less dust.
DesignCastConcrete.com
15
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Tile
Tile offers a wide range of options from a patterned style to a stone look.
It’s pretty affordable, but granite is actually almost as cheap as tile, so
you would probably be better off choosing granite. If you live in a cold
climate, tile is at great risk for cracking. Tile also has grout that can get
dirty, stain or break up, so it’s not ideal from a maintenance standpoint.
Soapstone
Soapstone’s thermal qualities allow it to withstand winter and summer
temperatures. It is about 99% non-porous, so it can’t be penetrated by
liquid due to its density. This means that it won’t be easily stained by
liquids such as lemon juice, oils or wine.
Just be aware that when left unsealed, fingerprints, liquids, and oils
can darken the stone. To keep its look, soapstone will typically require
regular applications of mineral oil. It is also susceptible to scratches,
most of which are easily repairable.
Flooring
If you are not installing your outdoor kitchen over an existing patio, you’ll
need to think about what material you will use for the floor of your outdoor
kitchen. There are several things to consider: safety, budget, style and
maintenance.
Avoid glazed or porous tiles or stone since they can be very slippery when
wet. Instead, in terms of safety, think about concrete, brick or natural
stone.
DesignCastConcrete.com
16
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
After safety, consider your budget. Concrete is the most popular flooring
option due to its affordability and durability. You can also enhance the
overall appearance of your space with stamped or colored concrete. On a
modest budget, concrete is ideal because not only is it beautiful, but it can
be expertly colored and made to mimic real stone, brick or other materials.
Style is another component to consider. Think about the style you want:
Contemporary, Tuscan, English/Traditional, Tropical or Old World.
Those who prefer the Old World look might be better suited for brick or
exposed aggregate concrete. For an English look, try acid stained concrete
or stamped cobblestone concrete.
DesignCastConcrete.com
17
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Also, an acid stained concrete in integral colors would provide a sleek,
contemporary look. Whether you choose stone, brick or concrete, it’s
important to choose a floor that complements the overall style of your
outdoor kitchen.
Maintenance is also big deal for an outdoor kitchen, especially since the
floor will be exposed to all kinds of elements. You want a surface that will
be able to withstand the weather and any spills.
There are practical steps you can take to ensure that your outdoor floor
lasts for a very long time. For example, apply a good-quality sealer to any
floor that’s in the cooking or dining area to protect it from spills. Concrete
is probably the best low-maintenance option you will find.
DesignCastConcrete.com
18
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Appliances and Accessories
When it comes to purchasing appliances and accessories for your outdoor
kitchen, you need to consider several factors.
What kinds of foods do you like to cook? Are you a fancy cook or do you
prefer the basics? Do you need wine storage or beer on tap?
Is it just you and your spouse? Will you have family and friend get-togethers?
How often do you plan to be outside?
Think about these questions before you start buying appliances and
materials.
Grills
A grill is the heart of any outdoor
kitchen. This is the one area you
don’t want to skimp on, because this
is what you will use the most.
A good quality grill will last a lifetime,
so it’s important to consider all
aspects before you purchase one.
DesignCastConcrete.com
19
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
When deciding what grill to purchase, there is a lot to consider! Here is a
list of things to look for when you shop:
• Price
• Thermometer
• Temperature control
• Dual fuel
• Fuel
• Built-in grills
• High heat
• Side burners
• Smoking
• Cover
• Burners
• Assembly
• Starter/Igniter
• Ease of Cleaning
• Materials and Durability
• Warranty
• Workmanship
• Safety
• Grates
• Other accessories
• Rotisserie
• Color
Gas
These days gas grills are the most popular
grill option. Gas grills are extremely
convenient due to their push of a
button lighting and constant and
consistent heat with a twist of a
knob. It is much easier to control
the temperature of the grill. Plus, gas
grilling is clean and quick; you don’t
have to deal with an ashy mess.
Gas grills may not get as hot as people prefer, and
you might deal with more flare-ups than a charcoal grill. They also might
be more expensive up front, but they have a very low operating cost.
DesignCastConcrete.com
20
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Charcoal
Charcoal grills are another popular option to
consider. They cook hotter and give your
food a highly-desired smoky flavor.
Ceramic charcoal grills are very
versatile and have the ability to
grill, smoke and sear. They provide
moister meats because they act
as an insulator to hold in heat and
retain the natural moisture of food.
Both Kamado Joe and Primo Grills
have highly rated, top of the line ceramic
charcoal grills.
However, they require more attention than a gas grill and are less
predictable. It can be harder to control the temperature, so for
best results you should divide the grill so you have several cooking
temperature zones.
In terms of price, a charcoal grill might be cheaper than a gas grill, but
the cost of buying coals adds up overtime. In the end, a gas grill will give
you more bang for your buck.
DesignCastConcrete.com
21
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Wood-Pellet
Wood-Pellet grills are a gaining popularity
for their ease of use and precise
temperature control. They require
electricity to light the fire pot
and run the combustion fan and
temperature controller. A woodpellet grill can function as a smoker,
oven and grill, which makes it very
appealing. It’s easy to operate and has
precise temperature control.
However, it requires more maintenance than gas and charcoals grills.
Cleanup could turn into a 30 minute process of scraping and washing
greasy grates and plates. Overall though, wood-pellet grills are a very
desirable choice.
Kitchen Appliances & Accessories
Besides a grill, there is a multitude of other appliances you can add to your
outdoor kitchen. Think about your entertaining, cooking, prep and serve
zones. What extra amenities would you like to have?
Entertaining Zone
• Outdoor Refrigerators
• Keg Tapper
• Bartending Centers
• Blenders
• Ice Bins
• Wine Coolers
• Ice Maker
DesignCastConcrete.com
22
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Cooking Zone
• Doors and Drawers
• Ovens
• Side Burners
• Pizza Oven
• Warming Drawers
• Smoker
• Griddles
• Ventilation
Prep Zone
• Sink
• Cutting Boards
• Trash Bins
• Pot Racks
• Paper Towel Holders
• Utensil Holders
Serve Zone
• Warming Drawers
• Food Warmers
DesignCastConcrete.com
23
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Lighting
To maximize the hours you can spend using and enjoying your outdoor
kitchen, you need to plan for lighting. Having good lighting around the
outdoor kitchen is essential. Lighting should be subtle, not bold. Make it
only as bright as necessary in order to maintain the ambiance of a soft
glow.
You might find it’s most effective to combine several different types of
lighting. It’s especially important to have bright task lighting above the
area where you will be cooking and preparing food. Undercabinet lighting
would also be beneficial as well. Gas lights are a great option for lighting
pathways, marking entrances, or just adding an elegant accent to the
space. You can also hang downlights from trees, arbors or walls to
provide soft, general lighting.
DesignCastConcrete.com
24
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Shade
You definitely want to be able to keep cool during the summertime, so
try to incorporate shade into your outdoor kitchen. A pergola is a fun
option that not only adds shade but also adds visual interest. Retractable
awnings, a popular choice, are great for covering your seating and dining
areas. Umbrellas are also simple shading options to consider.
Dining
Your outdoor seating and dining areas play a big role in the functionality of
your outdoor kitchen. Adding a high bar with barstools makes entertaining
more fun as people can sit with you while you prep and cook. A large,
outdoor dining table is perfect for big gatherings and will provide plenty
of room for eating and serving. Built-in seating works well in spacechallenged outdoor kitchens.
DesignCastConcrete.com
25
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Your outdoor furniture can be just as comfortable as your indoor furniture,
but as always, you should still consider the weather. Opt for furniture that
is weather-resistant and can withstand both high and low temperatures.
In designing your dining and seating areas, keep in my mind the flow of
traffic. You should allow at least 32 inches between the counter, table or
bar and the nearest obstruction to make room for comfortable seating.
Allow 36 inches behind seats so that people can pass through.
There are tons of options for seating and dining, so make sure to consider
functionality, durability, and your own personal style.
Heat
If you want to add a perfect accent piece and create a delightful ambiance,
then consider adding an outdoor fire feature to your outdoor kitchen
space.
DesignCastConcrete.com
26
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor fire features continue to grow in popularity as they provide a
great way to entertain and to extend the livability of your outdoor space.
Outdoor fire pits, fire bowls and fireplaces extend the outdoor season,
extend your entertaining space, increase your home’s value and provide
a beautiful focal point. They also add warmth, both physically and
emotionally.
Gas fire pits, fire bowls and fireplaces will provide you the most
convenience since you can add warmth and elegance with the flick of a
switch.
Patio heaters are also an option for a heat source on cooler evenings. A
portable gas heater performs well, offers stability and wind resistance,
is easy to use, and has a contemporary design. You can also opt for a
permanent patio heater that will add a subtle ambiance to your space and
enhance the overall atmosphere.
DesignCastConcrete.com
27
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Managing the Project
Budget
You can spend however much you want on an outdoor kitchen, from a few
hundred dollars for just a freestanding grill to $40,000 for an extravagant
fully-outfitted outdoor kitchen with built-in appliances and plenty of room
for entertaining and cooking. Most people fall somewhere in between.
When deciding how much to budget towards an outdoor kitchen, consider
where you live. If you live in a cold climate, you might not get as much use
out of your outdoor kitchen as you would if you lived in a warmer climate.
In many places, an outdoor kitchen can be used year-round, especially if
you incorporate fire features such as an outdoor fireplace. Think about
how often you will use the space and adjust your budget accordingly.
You also need to think about your wants and needs. What must you have
and what would be a nice plus? Make and prioritize a list of items you
would like to incorporate into your outdoor kitchen.
Consider the neighborhood you live in as well as the possible return on
investment. Outdoor kitchens can increase your home’s value, particularly
if you live in an upper-middle class neighborhood. Also, be aware of
what your neighbors are doing. You don’t necessarily want to improve far
beyond the level of the neighborhood, but adding an outdoor kitchen will
give your home a nice touch.
DesignCastConcrete.com
28
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Where to Save and Where to Splurge
You are most likely going to have to make a few compromises on
your outdoor kitchen. The one thing that you should absolutely NOT
compromise on is your grill. You want to buy the best grill you can afford.
It doesn’t have to have all the bells and whistles, but it should be one that
will perform well and last for years.
Two worthwhile splurges to consider are a sink and a refrigerator. Both
make entertaining easier and more convenient. An outdoor rated mini
fridge can provide enough space for a few beverages and any condiments.
Everyone has different priorities. It all depends on your preferences and
where you are willing to splurge. If wine and beer are a crucial component
of entertaining, you would be well-served to add a wine cooler or beer tap.
If gourmet cooking is your forte, side burners and pizza ovens might be
essential.
DesignCastConcrete.com
29
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Hiring a Professional
When it comes to building an outdoor kitchen, hiring a professional is a
must. An outdoor kitchen project should be left up to those with plenty of
experience that are known for designing and installing outdoor kitchens.
When it comes to choosing who to hire, look for a company that is wellestablished and has past projects that you can view. You want to hire a
professional you can trust that has a good reputation.
You should also arrange a consultation to get more information about the
designers and installers and about the overall process. Finally, before you
decide to move forward with the project, make sure a detailed contract is
in place that discusses the contractors, terms of agreement, dates for the
project, description of work to be done, equipment involved and payment
schedule.
Installing an outdoor kitchen is a great investment that will enhance your
overall quality of life. From the layout and design to the materials and
appliances, you can create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams.
DesignCastConcrete.com
30
Follow us on:
The Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Interested in learning more?
Spring is the perfect time to make improvements to your outdoor space and
start planning your outdoor kitchen. If you are ready to take the next step,
the professionals at Designcast Concrete along with G&B Energy are here to
assist you! We can turn your dreams into a reality and create your ultimate
outdoor kitchen.
To request a free consultation, click below
or give us a call at (336) 258-4233!
Request a Free Consultation
Fabrication Shop: 209 West Main Street, Boonville, NC 27011
Mailing Address: PO Box 811, Elkin, NC 28621
(336) 258-4233
DesignCastConcrete.com
31
designcastconcrete.com
Follow us on: