7 DIY Ideas for Outdoor Kitchens

An outdoor kitchen is one of the most remarkable ways to spruce up your home’s curb appeal. You can create a mini kitchen in your backyard, patio, or deck for outdoor events. The best thing is that you can make it with a minimal budget and DIY skills. You only need to develop a design and gather all the necessary tools and materials.

An outdoor kitchen makes hosting outdoor events in your backyard easier, mostly because it eases the burden of cooking and bringing food from inside the indoor kitchen. However, some homeowners find owning such an essential space challenging due to the costs involved. DIY outdoor kitchen ideas simplify the work. You can create your dream kitchen with minimal materials. Check out these fantastic DIY ideas for an outdoor kitchen.

Convert a Steel Cart into a Kitchen

If you have an idle utility cart at your house, you can transform it into a lovely outdoor kitchen with storage spaces. Paint the cart in a pre-chosen colour to match the rest of the kitchen decor.

At the bottom of the cart, organize your contents with cabinet organizers and woven baskets. You can also use plywood to manage storage spaces. On top of the cart, use a firm, smooth board to create a food preparation table.

Create a Simple Grill Station

Many homeowners prefer multiple cooking options in their outdoor kitchen. However, a grill station is a viable solution. Gas and charcoal grills, an open fireplace, and outdoor cooking stoves are all options. If you have limited space, consider the easiest option. You can refer to online tutorials to create a DIY grill station using readily available resources.

Create an Outdoor Kitchen with a Dining Space

Your space will determine the size of the dining area you can include in your kitchen. Start by setting up the kitchen space and the cooking area. Here, set up your preferred cooking option. You can construct a cooking fireplace, grill, or small table to hold a stove.

If your patio kitchen is attached to a wall, use plywood to make storage cabinets that attach to the wall. Add other essentials like a sink and a fridge. Create a dining area with a full-length table and dining chairs. You can mount a television on the wall for entertainment, making your outdoor kitchen multipurpose.

Create an Outdoor Kitchen on Your Deck

If you have a deck, you can create a mini kitchen on it. Construct a built-in grill, pizza oven, and preparation area. Building a DIY oven can be tricky and expensive. However, you can do it cheaper with patience and the right plan. A brick oven will be perfect; you can follow online tutorials to build it.

If space allows, create countertops and storage spaces. Cabinets and hanging shelves serve well for storage. Traditional countertop materials like quartz, stone, and granite may be costly, but concrete countertops work perfectly.

Concrete is long-lasting and blends beautifully with modern designs. The most convenient part is that this type of outdoor kitchen requires small space, as you can combine the storage cabinets and the preparation countertops.

Add Storage Space to Your Kitchen Using Wooden Crates

Once you have the essential components of your outdoor kitchen, such as cooking and preparation areas, you may need storage space. A wooden crate is suitable for limited space.

Place a wooden crate on a flat surface so the shorter side lies on the ground. Install a floating shelf in the crate using a piece of wood. This will create two storage cubbies for cutlery, spices, and other small kitchen essentials.

You can still use the same space for a table. Use plywood to create a tabletop on the crate. Stain the entire design to match for a flawless, polished final result. You can use the tabletop for various purposes, including food preparation.

Create a Hanging Garden for Your Outdoor Kitchen

Fresh herbs add taste and aroma to your food. Plant vertical and horizontal container gardens to have your favourite herbs at hand’s reach. You can set a bench-like table to place the containers or make a hanging garden, which is more convenient and space-saving.

It would be best to place the garden next to the grill station for quick seasoning, yet far enough for to leave plenty of space. Moreover, you can blend herbs with your favourite flowers to decorate your kitchen area.

Brighten Up Your Kitchen with Outdoor Lighting

Beautiful outdoor lighting makes a significant difference to your outdoor kitchen design. Illuminate your kitchen with affordable and energy-saving overhead lights. You can also install wall-mounted bulbs behind the cooking area to provide a bright spot for grilling in the dark. You can add string and neon lights to create a party mood if your kitchen is in the backyard. This will keep evening outdoor events lively.