Acadia Grade A Teak Barstool
Acadia Grade A Teak Folding Bar Cabinet
Acadia Grade A Teak 35" Bar Table
A well-designed outdoor kitchen area does more than simply expand your outdoor space—it becomes a seamless extension of your home where form meets function.
Outdoor kitchens demand versatility and utility in a way that other outdoor spaces don’t. The kitchen area is, after all, a space that serves a functional purpose.
This is good because you’ll get more use out of your outdoor area–and potentially a boost in property value–especially if you’re intentional about designing a multi-purpose space made to be used year-round.
Achieving a sophisticated space that allows you to connect with loved ones and nature while still prioritizing practicality takes some planning but is well worth it. Here’s how to craft an outdoor kitchen that feels curated, not cobbled together.
You can personalize your cooking space to your lifestyle and likings, but some elements are non-negotiable. Every outdoor kitchen needs:
The heart of any outdoor kitchen is its cooking station. Whether you prefer the precision of a gas grill, the flavor of charcoal, or the slow magic of a smoker, your primary appliance should match your cooking style.
High-end builds often include a combination of these—plus extras like side burners or a built-in oven to offer flexibility for everything from quick weekday meals to full-course outdoor dinners.
Prep surfaces are more than just a convenience—they keep the workflow stress-free. Ample countertop space allows you to chop, assemble, and serve meals without running back inside.
Opt for materials like granite, sealed stone, or concrete that can withstand sun, moisture, and regular use without staining or cracking.
A hot-and-cold water sink transforms your setup from just a grilling zone to a fully functional kitchen, streamlining everything from rinsing vegetables, handwashing, and cleanup. Beyond convenience, it supports food safety—letting you wash produce, utensils, and your hands without reentering the house.
Smart storage keeps essentials close and helps you avoid constantly running inside for tongs, spices, or napkins.
Include drawers for utensils, sealed cabinets for dishes and glassware, and compartments for trash and recycling. If you use charcoal or wood, a designated space for fuel is also essential.
The flooring underfoot sets the tone for your kitchen and plays a big role in safety. Natural stone, porcelain tile, or textured concrete offer the right balance of aesthetics and traction, especially when the ground is wet.
The surface should be strong enough to support heavy appliances and resist staining, moisture damage, and seasonal expansion or contraction.
Without these outdoor kitchen essentials, you risk creating a space that goes unused.
At the heart of every outdoor kitchen are cooking appliances. At minimum, you’ll want a built-in grilling station, ideally with gas for convenience, or wood and charcoal for flavor. But you don’t have to stop there. If you have a passion for other styles of cooking, consider adding some or all of the following:
Together, these appliances turn your outdoor kitchen into a true culinary destination–ready for everything from weeknight dinners to weekend feasts.
Building an outdoor kitchen is as much about infrastructure as it is about design. Here are the key infrastructure considerations that come up when designing an outdoor kitchen:
Electrical planning is a critical part of any outdoor kitchen. Use weather-resistant outlets and code-required GFCI protection to reduce shock risk—this is a code requirement, not just a suggestion. Keep outlets protected even while in use with weatherproof “bubble covers" that shield plugs from moisture. It's also smart to seal the electrical box to the wall to prevent water intrusion and mount outlets 12 to 18 inches above the ground to keep them above splash zones.
If this sounds like a lot, don’t worry. Having a professional install your electrical infrastructure should cover all of this.
A fully functional sink requires hot and cold water and proper drainage. Work with a certified plumber to install outdoor-rated pipes and fixtures to avoid freezing or corrosion. Also take your unique climate into account when choosing and safeguarding your appliances.
If you're adding features like an ice maker or dishwasher, factor in additional water supply and waste management systems. Proper grading and a drain plan will prevent water pooling and keep everything flowing smoothly.
A high-end outdoor kitchen begins with strategic placement that suits your backyard layout and lifestyle. Consider how your kitchen interacts with other key areas: pool, lounge, dining, and the main house.
For example, placing the cooking station near a pool is practical for keeping an eye on children but also demands durable, splash-resistant materials to withstand chlorine and salt exposure.
Placing it next to the lounge area allows you to prep food while still interacting with your guests.
Also consider how the direction of the sun rising and setting might affect your experience when considering layout.
Play around with your options and don’t underestimate the effect of placement when designing your outdoor kitchen area.
If your outdoor kitchen is separate from your home, create visual harmony with architectural features. A pergola, pavilion, or a well-crafted overhead trellis defines the kitchen area, adding both shade and style.
These elements also offer opportunities for integrated lighting and hanging planters, enhancing ambiance and comfort.
An outdoor kitchen isn’t just about cooking—it’s about connection. Adding an outdoor bar is a quick way to elevate your space by creating a dedicated area for conversation and casual get-togethers.
Shading elements, like a pergola or awning, allow guests to linger comfortably no matter the weather. Also consider a back bar with shelving for glassware so you’re always ready to serve your guests.
Select durable but stylish materials that stand up to the environment. Teak is a smart option—its rich tone and natural oils resist moisture, making it as practical as it is beautiful. For a more contemporary look, powder-coated aluminum offers clean lines and minimal upkeep.
Fixed or freestanding, the bar should feel intentional. Built-in counters with matching stools create a seamless extension of your cooking area. Alternatively, standalone bar furniture allows for more flexible placement—and easier updates as your needs evolve.
Your kitchen should enhance–not dominate the landscape. If you really want to lean into this and let nature lead the design, choose colors and textures that echo your natural environment and incorporate organic elements directly into your design.
Think beige cushions to match the surrounding sand if you live in a southwest landscape. Or install trellises and pergolas with climbing vines like jasmine or wisteria to soften the hard edges of your functional kitchen space. A nearby herb garden wall brings freshness within reach.
Choose an open layout that won’t block the view. Add organic accents like driftwood, terracotta pots, woven textures, or stone bowls that blend in with the scenery.
By embracing the unique natural beauty around you, your outdoor cooking area will be as functional as your indoor kitchen while still feeling like a serene escape.
One of the most elegant trends of late is blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living.
Think large operable windows or retractable walls that open fully to create an effortless flow–or extending a countertop from inside to outside to unify the space visually and functionally.
These setups not only look stunning but also make entertaining smoother by minimizing trips back and forth.
The possibilities are endless, but here are a few ideas to get you started. See how the details completely change the look and feel of the space. Your outdoor kitchen really should be just as intentionally designed as any other outdoor space, harmoniously blending with the overall design.
Crisp lines and a monochrome palette set the tone. Opt for handleless stainless steel cabinetry, integrated grills, and poured concrete countertops for a sleek, low-profile layout. Understated lighting and clean-edged seating keep the focus on simplicity and function.
Natural materials like rough-hewn stone and reclaimed wood make the space feel grounded and inviting. Incorporate a wood-fired oven, hammered copper fixtures, and a wood pergola overhead. Add wrought iron shelving and vintage lantern lighting to complete the look.
Terracotta pavers, colorful tile backsplashes, and arched niches create the feel of a sun-drenched villa. Use stucco-style cabinetry, mosaic details around the cooktop, and weathered urn planters with herbs or citrus for a relaxed, lived-in feel.
Think rooftop-ready: sleek stainless steel islands, matte black appliances, and industrial materials like exposed metal, glass, and polished concrete. Statement pendant lights and geometric bar stools give a bold, modern edge.
Inspired by sun, sand, and salty air. Go for weathered teak cabinetry or kitchen bar, crisp white surfaces, and soft blue tile accents. Rope-wrapped handles, driftwood shelving, and airy bar seating keep things casual and breezy.
This style pairs porch culture with outdoor cooking. Shaker-style cabinets, beadboard ceilings, and large ceiling fans. Finish with classic brick flooring, traditional lantern lighting, all framed by white columns. You can also add a bar counter complete with carved teak wood stools–a great spot to gather for sweet tea—or something stronger.
Balance and serenity lead the way. Use bamboo cabinetry, smooth river rock countertops, and horizontal wood slat screens to blend structure with nature. Add a simple water feature nearby, low bench seating, and soft, indirect lighting for a calming outdoor cooking experience.
Bold and relaxed. Mix Moroccan-style tiles with colorful fabrics, natural rattan bar stools, and hanging string lights. Open shelving for vintage pottery and layered rugs and potted plants for long, leisurely meals.
Ultimately, your outdoor kitchen should reflect your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you favor seamless integration with your home or a distinct backyard oasis, mixing materials, textures, and architectural accents can create a tailored look that invites relaxation.
A high-end outdoor kitchen can be used during every season if it has the right design. Consider your climate and incorporate features that will help your cooking area adapt to it:
These additions extend the amount of time you can enjoy your outdoor kitchen.
Premium materials elevate the aesthetic while providing durability. Popular options include:
Used for: Appliances, grills, refrigerators, cabinetry, sinks, and hardware.
Why it’s great: Stainless steel is the gold standard for outdoor kitchen appliances because it resists rust, corrosion, and staining even in harsh weather or coastal environments. It’s low maintenance, easy to clean, and offers a sleek, modern look that complements almost any design style.
Used for: Countertops and bar surfaces.
Why it’s great: Granite is durable, heat-resistant, and naturally weatherproof. Its dense structure makes it resistant to scratches and stains, perfect for food prep. It holds up well to exposure without fading, and the natural stone pattern adds a timeless, upscale look. Sealing granite protects it even more from moisture and outdoor stains.
Used for: Countertops, accent walls, and backsplashes.
Why it’s great: Marble lends elegance to any space. It’s heat-resistant but softer than granite, so keep in mind that it requires a bit more maintenance and sealing when used outdoors. Best used in covered or shaded areas to prevent weathering and staining, marble provides a beautiful contrast with the natural beauty of outdoor spaces for an instantly elevated look.
Used for: Cabinet doors, drawer fronts, bar fronts, and furniture like stools and tables.
Why it’s great: High quality teak is prized for its natural oils that resist water, rot, and insect damage, making it ideal for outdoor wood applications. It ages beautifully to a silvery patina if left untreated or can be oiled to maintain a warm honey tone. Teak adds warmth and texture that balances harder stone and metal surfaces. It also blends perfectly with more organic-inspired designs.
Used for: Flooring, walls, countertops, and fire pit surroundings.
Why it’s great: These stones offer varied textures and colors that blend beautifully with outdoor environments. They’re tough and weather-resistant but may need sealing to prevent staining and moss buildup. Their organic, earthy feel complements garden landscaping and softens modern architecture.
Used for: Flooring, backsplashes, and countertop surfaces.
Why it’s great: Porcelain is highly durable, non-porous, and resistant to scratching, heat, and stains. It’s available in endless colors and patterns—including natural stone looks—while requiring minimal maintenance. Porcelain’s low water absorption makes it especially suitable for wet areas like around sinks and bar stations.
Used for: Countertops, flooring, and built-in fire features.
Why it’s great: Concrete is versatile and can be custom poured or precast into any shape or size. It’s extremely durable and heat-resistant, perfect for countertops.
Used for: Structural bases, fire pits, and flooring.
Why it’s good: Brick offers a traditional look while also being heat-resistant and sturdy. It can be left raw for a rustic vibe or painted for an elevated touch. Keep in mind that it may need sealing to prevent weather damage and moss.
Once the essentials are covered, consider adding a few just-for-fun features for added comfort.
Keep drinks cold and ready to pour. Whether you're topping off a lemonade or pulling a pint, having built-in access to ice or draft beverages adds a bar-quality touch without having to run back inside.
Perfect for morning protein shakes, afternoon margaritas, or kid-friendly frozen fruit blends. A built-in blender streamlines your drink station and keeps the mess outdoors.
Background music while you grill. A game on during dinner. Or just an easy way to cue up your favorite playlist. Built-in AV turns your outdoor kitchen into a full entertainment zone.
Of course a dishwasher makes cleanup easier, but also consider the fact that having an outdoor dishwasher means you can wash and store your dishware outdoors, meaning you don’t have to lug your dirty dishes back inside when you’re done or clean dishes outside when it’s time to eat.
It’s about creating a setup that works hard while streamlining the process so you can lean back and relax in your outdoor space.
Safety is not an area you want to skimp on. Here are a few areas you’ll want to get right:
Proper ventilation keeps your outdoor kitchen comfortable and safe. Make sure you have good airflow to prevent smoke and gas buildup.
Always hire licensed professionals for installing heat appliances, electrical systems, and plumbing. This ensures safety and compliance with local regulations.
Use weatherproof outlets, seal countertops and cabinetry, and add protective covers to guard against rain and moisture. Also consider choosing a slip-free flooring option if you live in a rainy climate.
Incorporate windscreens or barriers to shield your kitchen from strong winds and consider your local climate to choose materials and features that withstand seasonal changes.
Trends lean toward natural materials, seamless indoor/outdoor transitions, and fully equipped setups that rival indoor kitchens. Built-in pizza ovens and wine fridges remain popular.
Yes. With enclosed patios, heaters, and weather-rated materials and appliances, outdoor kitchens can be enjoyed anywhere year-round.
A grill, sink, prep counter, safe flooring, and storage are essential. Beyond that, it depends on how you plan to use the space.
Granite, concrete, stainless steel, Grade A Teak and sealed natural stone are durable and weather-resistant. Avoid porous or untreated surfaces.
Yes. A well-built outdoor kitchen can significantly boost resale value, especially in markets where outdoor living is a priority and in environments that see year-round good weather.
An outdoor kitchen is more than a design project—it’s a lifestyle upgrade that invites you to cook, entertain, and enjoy your space in new ways, all year long. Whether you’re crafting a resort-inspired retreat or a casual weekend hangout, the details you choose make all the difference.
At Ash & Ember, we believe your outdoor spaces should feel as considered as your indoor ones. From luxurious fire features to weather-rated furnishings, we curate pieces designed to bring comfort and beauty outdoors. Explore our top outdoor furniture to create a space that feels like home–only better.
