Bring the Indoors Out with an Outdoor Kitchen Structure

Having an outdoor kitchen can transform your patio, deck, or backyard into an extension of your home's living space. Covered outdoor kitchen structures seamlessly connect interior and exterior areas while providing weather protection and ambient lighting for alfresco cooking and dining. From stylish gazebos to modern pergolas, there are many options for creating an outdoor room focused around food, fun, and gatherings.

We'll also cover key design elements like layout, spatial planning, and finishes to help you craft a comfortable covered cookspace. With an outdoor kitchen structure that matches your home's architecture, you can fully blend indoor and outdoor lifestyles.

Choosing an Outdoor Kitchen Structure

The first step in designing a covered outdoor kitchen is selecting a sheltering structure. Consider your home's architecture, needs for weather protection, and the overall look you want to achieve.

Pergolas

Pergolas are composed of beams assembled into an open lattice design with a roof of rafters. They allow sunlight and airflow while providing light overhead shelter. Pergolas come in wood, vinyl, aluminum, and other materials. They require minimal foundation work and can extend off a home's roofline or patio cover.

Pergolas work well for exposed outdoor kitchen areas needing weather protection. Their slatted roof design drops rain away while allowing some sun to filter through. Pergolas made of attractive, durable cedar or redwood are a classic choice.

Pavilions

Pavilions are freestanding structures similar to pergolas but fully roofed for increased coverage. Pavilion roofs can be made of wood shakes, composite slates, metal panels or tiles. Materials like stone, brick, or stucco are used for pavilion walls. Pavilions provide sheltered spaces for outdoor kitchens in climates with rain or snow.

Attached pavilions blend seamlessly into the architecture of a home. Freestanding pavilions work well in gardens or backyards. Enclosing your outdoor kitchen in a pavilion provides weather protection while maintaining sightlines.

Gazebos

Gazebos are six or eight-sided standalone structures with complete roofing and siding. They provide an enclosed outdoor room for cooking, dining and relaxing. Gazebos come in wood, vinyl and composite materials with shingled or metal roofs.

Screened gazebo rooms are ideal for outdoor kitchens in mosquito-prone climates. Ample wall space allows for kitchen cabinetry, appliances and display shelves. Octagonal gazebos work especially well for circular outdoor kitchen designs.

Trellises

Trellises are stationary wood or metal frames made of criss-crossing bars supporting open latticework. They form partial shade while allowing air circulation. Trellises support climbing vines like grapes, wisteria or roses over outdoor kitchen spaces.

A trellis adds a decorative focal point and can be incorporated along the top of a pergola or patio cover. It provides dappled sunlight perfect for casual outdoor meals in the garden.

Retractable Awnings

Retractable awnings are folding shaded covers extended from a frame or a home's exterior. Manual or motorized versions allow you to adjust awning coverage as the sun moves. Made of aluminum understructure and acrylic fabric, retractable awnings enable flexible shading.

Awnings can be customized to cover an outdoor kitchen of any shape or size. With the ability to retract the awning, alfresco cooking and dining can be enjoyed in both sunny and rainy conditions.

Design Considerations

When planning your outdoor kitchen structure, factor in size, layout, height, and style to create a functional, eye-pleasing space.

Size

Consider the measurements of your available outdoor area when choosing a structure. Make sure to allow ample room around islands and appliances for traffic flow and seating. Check that the structure accommodates your ideal kitchen amenities like cabinetry, counters, a sink, and grill.

Layout

Layout is key for an efficient outdoor kitchen. Relate the structure layout to your home's floorplan and entryways. Place appliances and work zones in a logical sequence for cooking steps. Arrange the space for appealing sightlines that encourage conversation and community.

Height

Check the overall height and roof pitch of your planned structure. Make sure it allows sufficient head clearance for users. Optimal roof height enhances visibility while cooking. Match the structure's proportions to your home's lines and angles.

Style

Select a covered structure that complements your home's architectural personality. For a Craftsman bungalow, an earthy timber pergola suits the mood. Contemporary glass dwellings pair well with sleek steel pavilions. Coordinate color, materials, and accents for a cohesive vibe.

Structural Elements

Outdoor kitchen structures incorporate foundation work, framing, roofing, siding and weather protection. Well-built structures stand up to the elements and use materials chosen for durability.

Foundation and Footers

Freestanding structures require excavating and pouring a concrete pad or laying a compacted gravel base. Attached structures can be supported by a slab foundation or anchored to an existing patio.

Framing and Roofing

Framing provides the skeleton of beams and rafters for the structure. Cedar, redwood or pressure-treated pine suit wet outdoor conditions. Curved steel beams offer modern options. Shingle, tile and metal roofing is sloped to prevent water accumulation.

Siding and Screens

Siding made of naturally rot-resistant cedar or redwood adds attractive appeal. Other low-maintenance options are fiber cement, vinyl, aluminum and engineered wood. Screen panels allow ventilation while keeping bugs out.

Weather Protection

Gutters and downspouts divert rainfall off the structure. Ceiling fans circulate air while heaters extend the comfort season. Adjustable sun shades, shutters and retractable roof covers provide adaptable shelter.

Finishing Touches

Materials and decorative elements like lighting, furnishings and appliances give an outdoor kitchen its signature style. Tailor finishes to your desired look and function.

Flooring

Natural stone, concrete pavers, bricks and tile make durable, stylish outdoor kitchen flooring. For a softer feel underfoot, use wood decking or composite planking. Gravel or pea stone offer low-maintenance options.

Lighting

Proper illumination transforms a covered cookspace. Task lighting like pendant lights goes above workstations. Ambient lighting such as string lights or lanterns creates inviting mood lighting. Opt for durable materials like weatherproof LED.

Furnishings

Prep tables, bars with overhangs and sinks organize the workspace. Comfortable chairs, side tables and ottomans encourage lingering. Hanging planters, flower boxes, wind chimes and artwork make it feel homey.

Appliances

Outdoor kitchen functionality relies on quality appliances like grills, refrigerators, cooktops, ovens and sinks. Choose commercial-grade stainless steel models designed to withstand the elements.

Style Inspiration

Consider the following popular design motifs for your covered outdoor kitchen structure:

• Rustic farmhouse with timber framing and reclaimed wood accents
• Modern contemporary highlighted by steel, concrete and glass
• Coastal cottage featuring breezy fabrics and weathered cedar shingles
• Urban industrial with corrugated metal, exposed ventilation and vintage lighting
• Eclectic bohemian blending colorful tiles, woven textures and global flair

Creating a well-designed covered structure allows you to get the most out of your outdoor kitchen. Protection from the elements lets you cook, dine and relax in comfort. The kitchen structure ties into your home's architecture for a cohesive outdoor living space.

By choosing the optimal structure style and orienting it strategically on your property, you can bring the indoors out. Your covered kitchen oasis extends living spaces to embrace beautiful days. With clever lighting, finishes and layout, you can craft an outdoor kitchen perfectly tuned to your entertaining and lifestyle needs.