Back to Design
Landscape
Pool
Before and Afters
Portfolio

Outdoor Kitchens & Bars

Outdoor dining setup with a stone table, a burning fire pit in the center, a bottle of wine, four glasses of red wine, and a cheese platter, surrounded by lush trees and greenery.

Alderland’s decades of experience allow us to design and build custom outdoor kitchens and bars for any style. See examples and design tips below:

Layout and Functionality

  • Decide on the functions that you want your outdoor kitchen to fulfill.

  • Generally, counter height is 36”, while bar height counters are 42”.

  • Follow the same layout concept that is applied to indoor kitchens, the “Work Triangle”: Grill - Prep Area - Sink/Refrigeration.

  • Keep hot zones (grill, burners, pizza oven) separated from cold zones (fridge, sink).

  • Ensure enough counter space on both sides of the grill (at least 18”-24”).

Shade & Weather Protection

  • Pergolas, pavilions, or roof extensions protect appliances and make spaces usable year-round (venting may be necessary).

  • Shade structures can support TV’s and speakers.

  • Consider infrared heaters, lighting options, ceiling fans, or retractable shades for comfort.

Outdoor patio at dusk with a stone bar counter set with wine glasses, cheese, and grapes, a grill, wicker chairs with cushions, a seating area with a fire pit, and a scenic mountain backdrop.

Aesthetics & Integration

  • Match or complement existing hardscape, pool, and landscape materials.

  • Create smooth indoor-outdoor flow with aligned flooring, sightlines, and proximity to the indoor kitchen.

  • Keep the kitchen’s scale appropriate to the yard.

  • Integrate seating (bar tops, islands, dining areas) to tie the space together.

Location & Orientation

  • Keep grilling zones a safe distance from the house or combustible structures.

  • Take advantage of views, sun path, and access to the indoor kitchen.

  • Locate the kitchen so that it’s near other entertaining spaces and try to orient it so that those seated and those using the appliances have good sightlines.

  • If possible, position the kitchen with prevailing winds in mind so that smoke blows away from seating areas.

Utilities

  • Decide on your fuel source early (natural gas vs. propane tanks) and be sure to install a gas shutoff valve near the appliance.

  • Plan for gas line routing or propane storage, electrical outlets, lighting circuits, and plumbing.

  • Make sure you have proper drainage for sinks and outdoor-rated appliances.

  • Use dedicated electrical circuits for fridges, ice makers, heaters, etc.

  • You’ll need dedicated 20A circuits for items like:

    • Outdoor fridge

    • Ice maker

    • Kegerator/beverage center

    • Warming drawers

A backyard with a swimming pool, several outdoor tables with chairs and umbrellas, a built-in outdoor kitchen with a grill, and a scenic view of green hills and trees.
Outdoor dining area with a long curved stone countertop set with plates, glasses of red wine, and napkins. Four chairs surround the table, and a built-in outdoor grill is on the left side. The background features a stone retaining wall with decorative lighting and landscaping, including rocks and plants, under a darkening sky.
Outdoor patio area with built-in stone outdoor kitchen with grill, under a wooden pergola, surrounded by greenery, and wet patio surface.

Storage & Functionality

  • Include dry storage, trash/recycle pull-outs, and access panels.

  • Outdoor kitchens feel more complete with:

    • Warming drawers

    • Side burners

    • Beverage centers

    • Drawer fridges

    • Ice makers (outdoor-rated)

Durable Materials

  • Use materials that are designed for exterior exposure:

    • Masonry, concrete block, steel framing, or stone veneer for the structure.

    • Granite, concrete, porcelain, etc. for countertops.

    • Stainless steel appliances (304 or 316 grade)

Common Appliance Utility Requirements

Appliance

Grill

Side Burner

Pizza Oven

Outdoor Fridge

Ice Maker

Dishwasher

Sink

Gas

Yes

Yes

Gas or Wood

No

No

No

No

Outdoor kitchen with a stainless steel grill, granite countertops, a small refrigerator, a sink with a modern faucet, and a vase of red and white flowers, situated on a stone and concrete patio with trees in the background.

Lighting

  • Layered lighting makes the kitchen functional and dramatic:

    • Task lighting above the grill and prep areas

    • Access lighting under counters or in stonework

    • Ambient lighting - pendants, scones, or integrated LED’s

Outdoor patio with a dining area featuring a long marble-topped table set for four, four chairs with beige cushions, a built-in grill, a stone fireplace with a lit fire, and a black and beige patio sofa. A wooden fence surrounds the space, and there are trees and a clear sky in the background.

Common Layout Options

  • Straight-Line: Simple, space-efficient, easy utility routing.

  • L-Shaped: Great workflow, more counter space, easy to add more seating.

  • U-Shaped: Maximum storage, countertop, and appliance capacity; excellent workflow.

  • Galley Style/Parallel: Efficient workflow, tons of space, ideal for multiple cooks.

  • Unique Shapes: The best shape is one that fits the space correctly.

Outdoor kitchen with stainless steel grill, bar seating, and a view of a backyard with a pool, steps, landscaping, and flowers.

Electric

Sometimes

No

Sometimes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Water

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

An outdoor backyard patio with a covered dining area, a stainless steel grill, and a bar counter with chairs, surrounded by trees and plants at dusk.
Outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill, storage cabinets, and countertop space on a concrete patio, surrounded by trees and bushes.
Night view of an outdoor patio with stone walls, a built-in grill, string lights overhead, and pathway lights illuminating steps, set among tall trees.

Drain

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Outdoor kitchen and dining area with a stone counter, a grill, and a table with chairs, set for a meal amid lush green trees.