It’s a universal fact that warm summer memories are made outside. It’s also a fact that nothing says summer fun quite like firing up the grill with your nearest and dearest. Whether it’s a 4th of July party or just a weeknight dinner al fresco, grilling is a summer essential.
Now, we’re not talking about a sad mini grill plunked in the middle of your beautifully landscaped yard. Your dream backyard deserves an equally dreamy outdoor kitchen. And just as the kitchen is the heart of the home, an outdoor grill station will be the heart of your backyard oasis.
An outdoor grill station—sometimes called an outdoor kitchen, barbeque, or grill island—is as straightforward as it sounds. Instead of a solitary cart-style grill with no usable prep space, a grill station is like a mini prep kitchen built around your grill.
Your custom design can be as simple as adding additional counter space around your grill or as elaborate as installing built-in refrigerators and storage space! There’s a wide world of styles and accessories to choose from, allowing you to create the perfect design for your needs.
A standard grill setup may be okay for throwing a couple of burgers on, but to really craft beautiful dinners for your summer parties, you need room to breathe—and prep!
Outdoor grilling islands provide the space you need to organize your tools and your ingredients. With the addition of sinks and built-in trash compartments, you can prepare fresh, healthy dinners from start to finish outside. You don’t have to be stuck in an indoor kitchen while your guests are sipping cocktails and soaking up the sun outside.
Now that your summer dreams are swirling, read on to learn about choosing and designing your dream outdoor grill station.
Before you dive into finishes and features, it helps to know the different ways your outdoor grill station can come together. Whether you're looking for a quick, budget-friendly install or a fully custom setup that checks every box on your wish list, there’s a build style that fits your vision.
Choosing this model allows you to design your outdoor grill island simply by mixing and matching modular cabinets and arranging them to your chosen layout.
These stations are easy to assemble and sometimes come already put together. While these can be a great budget-friendly option, quality-wise, they’re not ideal for a long-term installation.
Ready-to-assemble designs consist of special concrete panels that are designed to slide into place to create the structure of your station.
These panels are prefinished and can be arranged and bolted together in as little as two hours.
Scratch built is shorthand for a truly custom outdoor kitchen designed and constructed from scratch. By using a trusted designer and contractor, you’re able to dream up an outdoor space that truly meets all of your unique needs.
Designing your own outdoor grill station guarantees that it fits seamlessly into your luxury outdoor space, plus it gives you the opportunity to let your imagination run wild.
Want a pizza oven? No problem. A bar? Done. From smokers to power burners, the world is truly your (grilled or smoked) oyster.
Backyard grill ideas aren’t ALL about function. Aesthetics are just as important to consider when designing your ultimate outdoor grill heaven.
Does a rustic design match your home’s vibes, or are you looking for a sleeker, more modern look? Do you live in a temperamental climate that necessitates a covered grill station? Is wood your favorite finish, or would you rather use stone?
Your custom design can be as simple as adding counter space or as elaborate as installing built-in refrigerators, storage, or a bar. These stations go by a few names—outdoor grill islands, barbecue islands, or BBQ islands—but they all serve the same purpose: creating a beautiful, functional centerpiece for your backyard cooking and entertaining.
Think of a BBQ island as an outdoor kitchen island that anchors your entire backyard entertaining space. It’s functional, stylish, and entirely customizable.
Maybe you want to extend your grill area with built-in prep counters and some closed storage. Or maybe you’re dreaming of a full-scale outdoor grill island complete with a bar top, power burner, and even a pizza oven. (Yes, that’s a thing. And yes, it’s incredible.)
Not sure where to start? Here are a few outdoor BBQ island ideas to get your creativity going:
For example, use stacked stone for a rustic feel or poured concrete for a modern, minimalist look.
Choose from straight, L-shaped, or U-shaped layouts depending on your space and how you plan to entertain.
Incorporate a bar ledge or counter seating so guests can chat while you cook.
Add extras like built-in lighting, sinks, beverage coolers, or smoker drawers to expand your cooking options.
A pergola or pavilion can add shade while defining your space and extending your grilling season.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don't! Part of the beauty of designing your yard is creating a tranquil, beautiful space. Your outdoor kitchen should be part of the cohesive vision for your backyard sanctuary, and we’re here to help.
At LiveWell Outdoors we’re committed to helping you design your complete luxury outdoor living space. From dreams of entertaining guests to relaxing by your pool, we’ve got you covered.Now is the perfect time to plan the outdoor grill station of your dreams. Schedule a consultation today and discover how we can help you build the backyard you’ve always wanted!
