Excellent L Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Ideas
Outdoor gatherings with family and friends are made even better with a functional outdoor kitchen. An L-shaped outdoor kitchen design blends style and efficiency to create the ultimate outdoor living space.
With ample counter space for prep and cooking, easy access to tools and storage, and a layout made for mingling, an L-shaped outdoor kitchen has many benefits. Keep reading to discover ideas to create the outdoor oasis of your dreams.
Benefits of an L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Design
An L-shaped outdoor kitchen offers numerous advantages over other layouts:
- More efficient use of space - The L-shape fits neatly against an outdoor wall or ends of a patio or deck to maximize every inch.
- Allows for multiple cooks - The longer countertops offer plenty of elbow room for more than one cook.
- Creates a natural flow - The L-shape provides an easy rhythm from prep to grill with everything needed in a convenient formation.
The simple, clean lines of an L-shaped design offer versatility to adapt to a contemporary or traditional aesthetic. The layout allows you to take advantage of corners and unusual angles that might otherwise go unused.
Considerations for an L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Layout
Planning is key before installing an L-shaped outdoor cooking zone. Assess the space available and ensure good visibility and access:
- Direction of the L shape - Choose whether it makes sense for it to bend left or right depending on views, sunlight, and visibility from indoor living areas.
- Accessibility - Allow ample room for cooks to maneuver from counter to sink to storage. At least 5 feet of clearance is ideal.
- Views from seating areas - Stage the layout so diners can interact with the chef and enjoy outdoor scenery.
Consider existing architecture, landscape features, property lines, and utilities when orienting your L-shaped kitchen. Maximize angles to take advantage of shade, sunlight, and protection from wind or other elements at various times of day.
Elements to Include in an L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen
A fully-equipped L-shaped outdoor kitchen has all the conveniences of an indoor cooking space. Consider including:
- Grilling station - The long side of the L with a stainless steel grill, side burners, and ventilation.
- Prep space and sink - The short side of the L with counters at least 18 inches deep for chopping and cleaning.
- Refrigerator and storage - Nearby cabinetry for tools, cookware, glassware, and cold food storage.
- Seating area - Barstools on one side of an island or a gathering area steps away from the action.
Don't forget power access for fueling appliances and plugging in mixers, blenders, and other electric cooking gadgets. Lighting is also key - both for food preparation and ambiance. Include task lighting over key areas as well as decorative lighting around the perimeter.
Design Tips for L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchens
Take outdoor kitchens from drab to fab with these design suggestions:
- Use durable and weather-resistant materials - Choose aluminum, stainless steel, stone countertops, and exterior-rated appliances.
- Incorporate lighting and electricity - Hardwire or use solar power for task lighting, ambient mood lighting, and powering appliances.
- Allow room for circulation - Leave at least three feet of clearance around islands for traffic flow and easy conversation.
- Consider wind direction - Install ventilation hoods to effectively capture smoke and odors.
Design choices like materials, patterns, textures, and color schemes impact form and function. For example, rough wood surfaces show wear over time compared to more durable porcelain or natural stone. Minimal grout lines in stone or tile make for easy cleaning. Contrasting finishes and tones add visual interest.
Creative L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Ideas
Make meal prep festive with fun amenities like these:
- Add a pizza oven - Craft artisanal pizzas with toppings straight from the grill using a specialty brick oven.
- Use a stone facade - Stacked stone, bricks, or tiles on the base bring natural texture.
- Incorporate a fire pit - Extend the party into the evening gathered around a glowing fire.
- Build in a bar area - Pull up a seat at a countertop wet bar for beverages on tap.
Get creative with building materials like reclaimed wood, corrugated metal, or galvanized steel. Contrast classic and modern elements with combinations like stone counters and sleek cabinetry or antique bricks and black steel. The sky's the limit!
Maximizing Functionality of an L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen
Achieve chef-level convenience with savvy design choices:
- Ensure adequate counter space - At least 15 square feet of surface for chopping, plating, and arranging.
- Use pull-out shelves and drawers - Access items tucked neatly away and maximize vertical storage.
- Have a designated cleaning zone - A section of countertop devoted to a compartment sink simplifies clean up.
- Consider placement of trash and recycling - Discretely out of sight but still conveniently accessible.
Include extras like a built-in cutting board, towel bar, paper towel holder, and hooks for utensils right where you need them. Install power outlets near mixing and prep areas. Optimize organization with a range of storage solutions from cabinets to shelves to drawers tailored to different functions.
Investing in an L-shaped outdoor kitchen brings lasting enjoyment for years to come. Prices vary based on materials, size, accessories, and more. Generally plan for:
- Countertop materials from $50 - $200 per square foot installed
- Cabinetry $5,000 - $15,000 depending on size and features
- Grills around $3,000 for high-end models
- Additional appliances like refrigerators and sinks $500 - $2,000 each
- Design fees range from $1,500 - $5,000
- Installation costs $3,000 - $10,000 depending on complexity
On average, expect to invest $15,000 - $35,000 for a fully-loaded L-shaped outdoor kitchen. Go luxe with high-end details or scale back finishes to meet your budget.
Get the most value from your investment by working with qualified outdoor kitchen designers and installers. Their expertise results in optimal layouts tailored to your space with pro tips for performance and durability.
Creating an L-shaped outdoor kitchen makes indoor and outdoor areas flow seamlessly into one living space full of possibility. Cook, dine, mingle, and relax while enjoying beautiful vistas and fresh seasonal flavors.