Build The Outdoor Kitchen Of Your Dreams With A Backyard Pavilion

Outdoor kitchens allow you to enjoy the beauty of nature right from your own backyard. But unpredictable weather can put a damper on outdoor cooking and dining. A backyard pavilion provides the perfect solution, allowing you to cook, dine, and entertain outdoors while being protected from the elements.

We'll look at pavilion design considerations, construction tips, and ways to fully outfit your space. With some planning and DIY effort, you can build your ideal covered outdoor living oasis.

Designing Your Backyard Pavilion Kitchen

The first step in building your dream outdoor kitchen is proper design planning. You'll want to think about the layout, size, furnishings, and visual appeal of your backyard pavilion.

Choosing a Location

When selecting where to build your pavilion, consider the amount of direct sunlight, any views you want to showcase, and proximity to your home. Make sure you account for weather factors like prevailing winds or drainage issues.

Pick a flat area of your yard that receives sunlight for much of the day. This allows you to cook and dine comfortably morning, noon, and night. If possible, orient the pavilion to capture appealing views of gardens, landscapes, or other outdoor features.

You'll also want your pavilion relatively close to your home's kitchen for convenient access to appliances, utilities, and additional storage or prep areas as needed.

Layout Considerations

Think about how you'll use your outdoor kitchen to determine the optimal layout. You'll likely need separate zones for food prep, grilling, cleanup, serving, and dining. Make sure to allow ample room for multiple cooks to maneuver around one another comfortably.

Position appliances in a logical workflow pattern. For example, place sinks for washing close to prep counters for chopping and seasoning. Situate your grill station near serving areas to easily plate cooked food. Leave plenty of open floor space for transporting dishes and moving between zones.

Size and Dimensions

Measure the square footage of your outdoor area to determine what size pavilion is feasible. Standard pavilion sizes range from 10 x 12 feet up to 20 x 20 feet. Consider the number of people you typically host when sizing your space.

Allow room to add amenities or expand your structure later on. It's easier to scale up than down. You can section off unused areas temporarily as your needs change.

Materials and Finishes

The materials you choose need to stand up to sun, rain, and other outdoor elements. Opt for long-lasting, low-maintenance finishes. Smart material choices include:

• Natural stone like granite, slate, or travertine for counters and floors
• Ceramic, concrete, or wood-look porcelain tile
• Stainless steel for appliances, sinks, hardware
• Exterior-rated woods like teak or cedar
• Wicker, aluminum, or water-resistant painted finishes for cabinets

Incorporate features like lighting, ceiling fans, and heating elements suited for uncovered outdoor use. Select materials that flow visually with your home's existing architecture and design.

Constructing the Pavilion Frame

Now it's time to build the physical pavilion structure that will shade and house your outdoor kitchen. You have several frame construction options to consider.

A wood frame pavilion provides a traditional look that pairs well with Craftsman or cottage-style homes. Cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated pine resist weathering and insect damage.

For a sleek, contemporary aesthetic, choose a lightweight aluminum frame. Aluminum won't warp or corrode from rain and holds up well to sun and salt air.

A steel frame offers greater durability and strength for larger, more expansive pavilions. Match your frame materials and finishes to your home's existing architectural detailing.

Determine the needed height and pitch of your pavilion roof. Greater height and pitch allows for increased airflow and rainfall runoff. Choose roofing materials like metal, asphalt, or composite shingles suited for angled installations.

Outfitting Your Outdoor Kitchen

Once your pavilion frame is up, it's time to outfit the interior kitchen space. Carefully choose amenities that support your cooking and entertaining needs.

Grilling Station

No outdoor kitchen is complete without a built-in grill station. Select either a gas or charcoal model based on your grilling preferences. Propane offers easier temperature control, while charcoal provides authentic smoky flavor.

Ensure proper ventilation to remove smoke, grease, and excess heat. Incorporate fire safety materials like concrete board behind the grill. Leave counter space nearby for conveniently resting platters and grilling tools.

Sink and Prep Area

Include a stainless steel sink for washing produce, cleaning dishes, and more. Look for heavy-duty outdoor models with insulated faucets and drainpipes to prevent freezing. Consider an industrial bar-style sink to save room.

Flanking the sink, allow ample prep space for chopping, seasoning, and organizing ingredients. Durable countertops like quartz or granite resist stains and knife marks. Incorporate grooves to contain spills and keep cutting boards from sliding.

Refrigerator and Storage

To keep ingredients chilled and beverages frosty, include a high-performing outdoor refrigerator. Look for weather-resistant models with strong door handles rather than standard indoor pulls.

Provide ample cupboard space for cooking equipment, servingware, and pantry items. Opt for cabinets with locking doors to securely stow knives, matches, or other potentially dangerous items.

Drawers, shelves, and other organizational solutions keep items tidy but easily accessible mid-meal prep. Stainless steel offers durability; wicker brings warmth.

Seating and Dining Areas

No outdoor hangout zone is complete without comfy seating. At a minimum, include counter-height barstools for casual grazing. Or opt for a complete dining set to host family feasts.

Select chairs and tables crafted from durable, weather-resistant materials. Powder-coated metals resist rust; all-weather wicker stands up to UV rays. Choose cushions in fade- and mold-resistant fabrics.

For evening dinners after dark, incorporate ambient lighting like pendant lights or lanterns. Position fixtures carefully to provide flattering light without glare.

Finishing Touches

Those final flourishes take your outdoor pavilion from utilitarian to ultra-inviting. Here are some finishing touches to consider:

• Accent lighting like miniature spotlights to illuminate steps or railings
• Ceiling fans for increased air circulation on hot days
• Portable heat lamps or patio heaters to extend the season past summer
• A flat screen TV for enjoying games or movies from the grill
• Stereo speakers to crank the tunes while cooking
• Living elements like container plants or artwork
• Weatherproof curtains to provide privacy or shade

Add personal touches that suit your entertaining style and kitchen needs. Maximize counter and wall space to incorporate the features that matter most.

Maintaining Your Pavilion Kitchen

A well-constructed pavilion kitchen is built to handle exposure to the outdoor elements. But you'll need to take steps to care for your investment and maximize its longevity.

During cold or stormy months, detach hoses, wrap appliances, and empty cabinets to prevent damage. Check for signs of wear or deterioration each season, and promptly repair minor cracks, holes, or eroded sections before they grow.

Routinely wash down all surfaces, whether stone, metal, or wood. Clean grease and food debris from appliances. Remove leaves, dirt, and other debris that can stain or rust finishes.

Consider treating wood beams and decking with protective sealants on occasion. Check that drainage areas remain clear to prevent flooding and water damage.

Enjoying Your Dream Pavilion Kitchen

With smart planning and strategic construction, your backyard pavilion kitchen quickly becomes a beloved living space rather than just an outdoor amenity. Here are some of the joys your new covered oasis invites:

• Year-round grilling: Rain or shine, fire up the barbecue in your sheltered pavilion kitchen.
• Al fresco dining: Host casual brunches to formal dinners outdoors protected from weather extremes.
• Entertaining family and friends: Accommodate groups large and small in your expansive new outdoor living room.
• Relaxing ambiance: Unwind after work or on weekends surrounded by the peacefulness of nature.
• Expanded living space: Gain extra hours to enjoy your patio or deck even on hot, brisk, or drizzly days.
• Seamless indoor/outdoor flow: Transition easily between interior and exterior cooking and living zones.

Your dream pavilion kitchen serves as the ultimate backdrop for creating memories. The meals you cook and moments you share will be that much more enjoyable.

Nature-Inspired Designs

For a more organic and natural feel, consider incorporating elements of nature into your covered outdoor kitchen design. This can include features like green walls, vertical gardens, and water features such as a small fountain or waterfall. These natural elements not only add visual appeal but also provide a calming and peaceful atmosphere.

Multi-Purpose Spaces

Consider creating a multi-purpose space by integrating other outdoor features into your covered outdoor kitchen design. For example, you could add a fire pit, outdoor movie screen, or a game area like a ping-pong table to make the space more versatile and functional.

Use of Smart Technology

As technology advances, so do the ways we can enhance our outdoor living spaces. Consider incorporating smart technology into your covered outdoor kitchen design, such as outdoor speakers, a smart grill, or a smart fireplace. These features not only provide convenience but also add to the overall entertainment value of the space.

Sustainable Features

Incorporate sustainable features into your covered outdoor kitchen design, such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, or a compost bin. These features not only add to the overall aesthetic of the space but also contribute to a more eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle.

Outdoor Dining Spaces

Create a separate dining area within your covered outdoor kitchen design. This could include a large dining table, comfortable dining chairs, and a built-in refrigerator for easy access to drinks and snacks. This area can be used for formal dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Use of Natural Materials

Consider using natural materials in your covered outdoor kitchen design, such as natural stone, reclaimed wood, or bamboo flooring. Not only do these materials add to the overall aesthetic of the space, but they also provide a more sustainable and eco-friendly option compared to synthetic materials.

Incorporation of Lighting

Add ample lighting to your covered outdoor kitchen design to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. This could include string lights, pendant lights, or built-in lighting fixtures. Proper lighting not only makes the space more functional but also adds to the overall ambiance of the space.

Use of Color and Texture

Incorporate color, patterns, and textures through your material and design choices. For example, use colorful ceramic tiles for the backsplash, choose textured stone wall cladding, or add woven patio furniture. This visual interest enhances the overall style and appeal of the space.

Creating your dream outdoor living oasis is made possible with a well-designed and constructed backyard pavilion. By incorporating weather protection, the right amenities, and personal flair, your covered outdoor kitchen becomes a versatile extension of your home's living space.

The tips provided offer a roadmap for building a pavilion tailored to your needs. With smart planning and diligent care, your backyard pavilion kitchen provides years of joyful memories made cooking, dining, and laughing with those you love.