Built-In Outdoor Grill Ideas — 15 Ways to Make the Outdoors the Ultimate Hangout This Summer

Summer is nearly here (it feels like it already is) — and it’s time to get grilling! No need to haul a bulky grill in and out of the house anymore. Today’s built-in outdoor grill stations come in a range of sizes and styles that fit seamlessly into the garden layout, creating the perfect spot to cook, dine, and entertain.

Of course, planning the perfect built-in outdoor grill does take some forethought. You'll need to consider the essentials — from choosing the right location that’s protected from the elements to selecting the features and accessories that will make it a fully functional cooking zone. Once it's set up, it might just become your favorite dining table, lounge area, and gathering space all rolled into one.

To help you get started, we asked designers to share their best tips on setting up the ideal outdoor kitchen grill. Take a look at these expert ideas and start planning your own al fresco cooking haven.

1. Design a Built-In Grill With Amenities for Year-Round Use

Want to design the perfect outdoor space for convivial gatherings? Start by setting up a kitchen and lounge area to host long, leisurely socials. If you have the luxury of space, invest in a fully equipped cooking area — with a grill, refrigerator, storage, and more. Add weather-resistant garden furniture to enhance both comfort and functionality.

“When it comes to al fresco cooking, the BBQ will always be the star of the show," advises Craig Davies, managing director of Sub-Zero & Wolf UK. "However, it’s important to consider the full layout and arrangement of appliances for a truly seamless experience. Ideally, you want to be able to prepare and cook an entire meal without constantly running in and out of the house.

"This means including outdoor refrigeration for fresh ingredients and chilled beverages, and warming drawers to keep pre-cooked food ready to serve. A sink with a spacious prep area and ample outdoor storage is also essential — for BBQ tools, metal bowls and trays, condiments, and even space for a spare gas bottle and the grill cover.”

2. Lack Enough Outdoor Space? Install a Grill on a Ledge

Don’t let space constraints hold you back — there’s always a clever solution waiting to be uncovered. Take this example, designed by AOD. “This outdoor kitchen was conceived as a seamless architectural extension — tucked just below the upper deck to create a transitional landing that’s both functional and unobtrusive,” explains Jose Roberto Corea, design principal and owner of Austin Outdoor Design.

“The grill is built into a custom wood-and-steel frame that echoes the home’s horizontal lines, while granite counters and warm wood tones provide a clean, understated finish that allows the hillside view to take center stage,” Jose continues.

A slim shelf for outdoor BBQ tools and accessories also helps keep the space functional and clutter-free. We love this Grilling Tool Set from Wayfair.

Jose Roberto Corea

José Roberto Corea is a designer and entrepreneur known for creating purposeful outdoor environments that balance beauty and function, drawing on decades of experience and a deep passion for intentional living.

3. Install Tiles Behind the Grill for a Design Dose

One of the best ways to plan the perfect outdoor kitchen is by giving it a dose of design — think beautiful outdoor kitchen countertops, appliances in pops of color, and eye-catching tiles (porcelain is known to be weather-proof). Not only will it elevate your outdoor dining experience, but it will also enhance your home’s overall appeal.

Case in point: this lovely built-in outdoor grill by Marie Flanigan, founder of Marie Flanigan Interiors. She explains, “This outdoor kitchen was designed to feel like a seamless extension of the home — functional, refined, and rooted in natural beauty.

"The soft stone surfaces and patterned tile backsplash lend timeless charm, while the stainless steel appliances provide durability and sophistication. Every detail, from the built-in grill to the layered greenery and sculptural lighting, was chosen to invite connection and make entertaining feel effortless.”

Marie Flanigan

Marie Flanigan is a classically trained architect and award-winning interior designer known for creating timeless, soulful spaces. As the founder of Marie Flanigan Interiors, she blends architectural principles with refined design to craft homes that feel deeply personal.

4. Or Go for Paint

Let the colors of nature create a striking contrast with the tones of your outdoor space, and elevate the look of your built-in outdoor grill with an eye-catching color; perhaps one from this year's exterior paint trends list.

“Many people opt for a bright white on an exterior wall, believing it will make the space feel brighter and more expansive,” says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene. “While true whites do reflect a lot of light, a darker color can feel far more restful and embracing in an outdoor living or dining area.

"Bold, earthy shades such as ‘Tuscan Red’ or ‘Nether Red’ add warmth, reminiscent of terracotta tiles, and create a beautiful backdrop for the natural tones and textures of leafy greens. Not only do these rich colors offer instant design impact, but using Intelligent Masonry Paint also protects your exterior walls.”

She adds, “When selecting masonry paint, don’t just focus on color — choose a finish that’s built to last. Our Intelligent Masonry Paint is designed to perform for up to 15 years on exterior walls when applied correctly. It’s highly versatile and suitable for brickwork, new render, cement blockwork, and previously painted surfaces.”

5. Complement the Built-in Outdoor Grill With a Pizza Oven

If you're wondering whether a pizza oven is worth it, especially if you already have a grill, you might be surprised to learn that the answer is a resounding yes! Having both encourages you to make the most of your outdoor space, allowing you to prep everything — meats, veggies, pizzas, and breads — without needing to dash back into the house. It’s all right there, at your fingertips.

The key, experts say, is proper positioning. “We consider function first and work around that,” says Amy Storm, principal of Amy Storm & Company. “Positioning the grill so there's ample space on one or both sides makes grilling and serving much easier. Take advantage of the space below by using built-in stainless cabinetry or outdoor cabinet systems to store tools or prepped food.”

Material selection is also important. “Use the proper countertop material — some natural stones perform better than others, while some may discolor from grill heat. We love using Living Stone Concrete because it offers a wide range of colors, design flexibility, and excellent durability.”

Adding outdoor refrigeration, warming drawers, and roll-out garbage bins is another big win. “These features allow you to keep the entire entertaining experience outdoors, without constant trips in and out of the house,” she adds. “And if you’re placing the grill under a roof, you may be required to install a ventilation hood, which adds to the cost, so be sure to check your local codes before moving forward.”

Amy Storm

For over 20 years, Amy Storm & Company has been creating striking interiors that homeowners love to live in. With a passion for luxurious details and a sharp focus on liveability, Amy’s elevated modern-classic designs have attracted clients from across the country and beyond. She leads a full-service, luxury residential interiors studio that specializes in custom new-construction homes. Her talented design team and studio are based just outside of Chicago, in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

6. Extend the Indoor Kitchen with an Outdoor Grill

Want to create the perfect indoor-outdoor setup without all the fuss? A great way to start is by designing a small, minimalist zone on your deck with a built-in grill. This encourages both you and your guests to step outside and fully experience the home and its surroundings.

Be sure to protect your grill from the elements. Position it under a roof or install an awning above. Invest in a weather-resistant cover to keep it in top shape, and add a storage unit below for grill accessories. You might also consider placing a few lightweight chairs nearby for spontaneous BBQ sessions.

7. Install The Grill Poolside

If you have a small backyard pool and want to make it the heart of your outdoor space, consider adding seating and an outdoor kitchen, along with a built-in gas grill, and make an al fresco setup feel like a getaway.

"I think the key to making an outdoor kitchen enjoyable to use is placing it in an area that can be congregated around," says Kathryn Prideaux, landscape designer and founder of Prideaux Designs.

"I have had clients tell me that there is nothing worse than slaving over a grill alone, away from the party, listening to the fun at a distance. This project puts the outdoor kitchen at a location where the cook remains in the center of the action."

8. Create a Full Outdoor Kitchen Setup

Grilling can involve a lot of back-and-forth between the kitchen and the grill to pick up utensils and ingredients and then deliver the cooked food. Instead, consider setting up a fully functional kitchen to make outdoor dining a breeze. Add a counter with tall stools, place loungers, and make the space inviting and easy to spend time in.

"Consider including raised bars along the front of the island with decorative stools for a more relaxed eating vibe while having a backyard hang or pool," say Kate Anne Gross and Ryan Gross, founders of Kate Anne Designs.

"Try to keep the grill at least a few feet from the home exterior, so the smoke doesn't collect near the door," say Kate and Ryan. "Similarly, keep hedging away from the back of the grill so that the heat doesn’t harm the hedges. Choice of material for the counters is very important as there is always a balance between using natural materials, which are beautiful but inherently stain-prone, and man-made materials such as porcelain slabs, which can be more elegant and stain resistant yet pricier."

"We always recommend that clients order stainless steel sleeves along with their appliances for a cleaner look," say Kate and Ryan. "If you live anywhere near the coast, we recommend marine-grade appliances."

9. Refine the BBQ Setup with Formal Seating

If grilling is your passion, you may want to go all the way and make it a feature in your home. Most of the time, grilling is all about sitting around and waiting for the food to prepare and roast. Why not create a kitchen setup in your outside space with a formal table and chairs to formalize the entire process?

Before setting up the grill, take note of the wind, sun, shade, and access to amenities (such as a pool or a lawn) into consideration before choosing the perfect place. If you live in a region that receives a lot of sun, consider some shade ideas for your patio.

"Outdoor kitchens and dining are especially nice during the warmer months for entertaining family and friends, but in some cases, they go unused," says Joseph Richardson of the DC-based Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture. "So when a client voices interest in designing one, we like to have a conversation to understand their goals: How do they currently cook outdoors? How do they expect that to change with a new outdoor kitchen space, and who do they intend to cook for?"

"Clients often overestimate how often and to what extent they will use their outdoor kitchen, and given the cost of appliances, utilities, and surrounding hardscaping, it's important for homeowners to have these conversations early to ensure that what is ultimately designed and built is a perfect match for their lifestyle," says Joseph.

10. Design a Stylish Grill Counter

"I think grill islands are great, depending on the space," says Linda Hayslett of LH Designs. "It helps with smaller spaces to incorporate a cooking area while having a place for people to sit and hang out while people are barbequing."

"An outdoor kitchen does not need to be elaborate to be functional," adds Lauren Lerner, principal and founder of Living with Lolo. "This outdoor kitchen is one I designed in my last home, where we had a large island and only a grill. It was a great space to cook and entertain.

"We always recommend adding lighting around the grill so you can cook after the sun goes down and still see what you are doing."

11. Include a Wet Kitchen

Having a well-positioned prep and outdoor sink will transform just a grill into a true outdoor kitchen. Be sure to include an easy-clean work surface and some storage for frequently used tools.

"Before installing an outdoor grill, keep in mind where all the entertaining will be," says Linda. "Most people tend to want the grill away from the outdoor spaces where all the activities are because of the smoke, but it's never fun not being a part of the conversation while baking out in the sun over grilling food.

"These days, you can get an outdoor hood to soak up all those fumes, so you don't have to be solo BBQ'ing."

12. Add a Built-In Outdoor Grill in The Courtyard

There's something inherently cozy about courtyard gardens. These outdoor spaces, usually encased within the home, encourage family time and intimate socials. To make the most of this space, add a grill for light meals while you're sitting outside, sharing a private chat.

Do remember to invest in quality appliances, and also necessary ones. It would be fun to get a rotisserie, warming drawer, and a pizza oven — but do you need them all? In compact spaces, you can do with just a grill, and nothing more.

13. Don't Want the Grill to Be the Main Event? Hide It

"You always want to be mindful of local regulations concerning clearances from the grill to the home and property line," say Kate and Ryan. "We like to locate the grill area adjacent to the outdoor dining space and, if possible, ideally near the interior dining room as well."

"We prefer to locate the islands off to the side and not intrude too much on the visual line out of the windows of the home, as we like to have yards feel open with an unobstructed flow from the inside to the outside."

14. Complement The Grill With a Mini Bar

Install all the necessities needed to ring in a good time outdoors. While a built-in grill will ensure that there's always hot and sizzling food ready, a minibar or a fridge will help set up a lovely F&B station.

Utilize a long wall to set up a small backyard bar and allow the center to be used for seating. If you don't want to get into the technicalities of designing a garden bar, you could always purchase a prefab one. Complement the space with a grill and make the outdoors a self-sufficient space.

15. Unify Multiple Socializing Areas With a Built-InGrill 

If you like entertaining outdoors, you'll be using your outside space for a lot more than just the occasional barbecue. When you're planning the outdoor space, consider all the must-haves and think about how you'll be serving your friends and family (and yourself).

Create a space that has pretty much everything you would have inside your home — outdoor spaces today are bringing the indoors out in a way that is more stylish and homely than ever before — it is an extension of your home and should be treated as such.

Unify all of it with a grill — after all, food truly brings everyone together!

FAQs

Is a Built-in Outdoor Grill Worth It?

Yes, a built-in outdoor grill is a great investment for those who love to entertain and make the most of their outdoor space. It transforms a garden into a fully functional cooking and dining area, blending style with convenience.

Unlike movable grills, built-in options offer a more polished look, long-lasting durability, and the chance to incorporate features like prep counters, storage, and refrigeration.

With everything at your fingertips, you can enjoy effortless outdoor cooking without constant trips back into the kitchen.

How Long Do Outdoor Built-in Grills Last?

A long time! Outdoor built-in grills are built to last and, with the right care, can serve you well for 10 to 20 years or more. Their longevity depends on factors like material quality, how often they're used, and ongoing maintenance.

Premium models made from stainless steel and other weather-resistant materials typically offer extended durability. To keep your grill in great shape, be sure to clean it regularly, use a protective cover, and perform seasonal upkeep.

A well-maintained, high-quality grill is a long-term investment in outdoor living and entertaining.

A built-in outdoor grill is the perfect addition to the outdoors, enhancing your garden with convenience, style, and value. It’s ideal for entertaining and everyday cooking. Choose durable, weather-resistant materials like stainless steel or stone for long-lasting performance and a seamless, sophisticated outdoor kitchen setup.

To ensure your outside space is fully ready for the hosting season, ensure you have all the best garden furniture to make your setup as stylish and comfortable as possible.