4 Outdoor Grilling Areas that Go Beyond the Basics
How often do you head outside to fire up the grill? Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout with friends, your outdoor grilling area should be more than just a grill on the patio—it should be a destination.
From built-in grills to fully equipped outdoor kitchens, the options are plentiful to tailor your space to fit your lifestyle. Think beyond the basics – add cooking accessories that match your routine, pair them with durable surfaces and smart storage, and incorporate built-in features that make prep and cleanup effortless.
Architectural elements like pergolas or covered patios add comfort and encourage year-round use. Thoughtful design turns your grilling area into the focal point of your backyard, perfect for entertaining, dining, and soaking in the view beyond the summer season.
Built-In Grills
A built-in grill surrounded by custom cabinetry and countertops transforms your backyard into a gourmet cooking station, complete with space for prepping, cooking, and storing all your essentials.
Connect it to your home’s natural gas line for uninterrupted grilling, eliminating those last-minute fuel runs. Keep the party close to the chef and add a nearby umbrella table or integrate a dining surface right into your grill station so the cook stays part of the conversation.
For those on a quest for the perfect homemade pizza, add a pizza oven as an alternative to the barbecue. Built into the backside of the fireplace, the wood-fired oven is designed for high heat, perfect for achieving the soft and chewy crust for Neapolitan-style pizza.
Destination Pergola
No one wants to stand over a hot grill when the summer sun is soaring. Adding a pergola, or other structure, provides daytime relief. Once evening falls, lighting elements further define the space. Decorative light fixtures or indirect lights add a soft glow. Landscape lighting and direct light over the grill provide the perfect balance of function and atmosphere.
More than just a stylish cover, the pergola defines your outdoor kitchen and dining area as a destination. It’s a natural extension of your outdoor living space, seamlessly connecting to the main house and other backyard features like the pool, fireplace or screen porch.
Covered Outdoor Entertaining
Entertain in every season with a covered patio that protects your outdoor kitchen and dining area. Beyond shielding you from the elements, a roof overhead creates an opportunity to add comfort features like ceiling-mounted fans, decorative light fixtures, heaters, speakers, or even a TV, raising your outdoor entertaining to the extraordinary.
Seasonal exposure calls for smart material choices in every region. Durable countertops in granite, stainless steel, concrete, or tile offer sleek style with minimal maintenance. Weather-resistant composites, stainless steel hardware, and outdoor-rated appliances ensure your space stands up to humidity, heat, salty air, and rain.
The result? A functional, beautifully designed outdoor entertaining space that feels like a natural extension of your home.
Equipped Outdoor Kitchen
A fully equipped outdoor kitchen transforms your backyard into a complete culinary destination, equipped with everything you need to cook, serve, and entertain without ever stepping into the main kitchen.
Built-in features such as a sink, refrigerator, cabinetry, and even a beer tap bring style and function together. Drawers, pull-out trash and recycling, and cabinet accessories provide smart storage solutions to keep your tools, serveware, and essentials organized and within reach.
When designed for effortless entertaining and easy weeknight dinners, your outdoor grilling area becomes more than just a cooking space—it’s the center of every gathering. With details tailored to your lifestyle, al fresco dining becomes an experience for you and your guests, leaving everyone looking forward to the next get together.
