Outdoor Kitchens

Build Your Complete Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen turns your backyard into the room everyone actually wants to be in. No more running inside for utensils, prepping on a folding table, or missing the conversation while you cook. A properly equipped outdoor kitchen lets you grill, prep, store, and serve — all without leaving the party.

Building an outdoor kitchen is less about buying one big product and more about assembling the right components for how you actually cook and entertain. At Living Outdoorsy, we carry everything you need to build a complete outdoor cooking space — grills, side burners, storage doors, drawers, refrigeration, sinks, vent hoods, and pizza ovens — from brands like Summerset, TrueFlame, Fire Magic, American Made Grills, and WildFire.

Essential Outdoor Kitchen Components

Every outdoor kitchen starts with a grill, but the components around it are what turn a standalone grill into a functional kitchen. Storage doors and drawers keep tools, seasonings, and supplies organized and protected from the elements. A side burner or power burner handles sauces, side dishes, and boiling — things your grill isn't designed to do. Outdoor-rated refrigeration keeps drinks cold and proteins at safe temperatures without a trip inside. And a drop-in sink makes cleanup fast and keeps your prep space sanitary.

Planning Your Layout

The most efficient outdoor kitchen layouts follow the same work-triangle principle used in indoor kitchens: position your grill, prep area, and storage within easy reach of each other. L-shaped and U-shaped islands are popular because they create a natural flow between cooking zones while providing plenty of counter space. Straight-run islands work well along a wall or fence line and are the simplest to build. Whatever layout you choose, plan for at least 30 inches of countertop on each side of your grill for prep and plating.

Material and Construction

The components you choose should be rated for outdoor use and built from materials that can handle moisture, temperature swings, and UV exposure year after year. All of the outdoor kitchen equipment we carry is constructed from #304 stainless steel — the industry standard for corrosion resistance and durability in outdoor environments. When building your island frame, common options include steel stud framing with cement board, stacked stone, or prefabricated modular systems. Your grill and most components will require specific cutout dimensions, so finalize your equipment selections before building.

Ventilation and Gas Requirements

If you're building a roofed or partially enclosed outdoor kitchen, a vent hood is essential for pulling smoke and grease-laden air away from the cooking area. Even in open-air setups, a vent hood improves comfort and keeps nearby surfaces cleaner. On the gas side, plan your fuel delivery early. Natural gas requires a dedicated gas line run by a licensed plumber, while liquid propane tanks can be stored in a vented cabinet within the island itself.