House Layouts with an External Kitchen Wall

Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular additions to modern house plans. An external kitchen wall opens up possibilities for alfresco dining and seamless indoor-outdoor living.

Incorporating an outdoor cooking space allows homeowners to take advantage of nice weather and entertain guests in the fresh air. Designing an external kitchen wall into your house layout also adds a unique twist to a traditional floor plan.

Benefits of an External Kitchen Wall

Constructing an outdoor kitchen wall as part of your home's layout comes with many advantages. An alfresco cooking area provides extra space to prepare meals and host gatherings of family and friends.

An external kitchen design lends itself well to a relaxing, casual atmosphere for afternoon cocktails or laidback dinner parties. The smell of food won't permeate throughout the house, keeping the indoors fresh and clean.

Outdoor kitchen walls also allow for flexibility in layout options. Home cooks can incorporate custom features like pizza ovens, stand-alone grills, beverage centers, and more.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Transition

Many contemporary house plans feature open floor plans with plenty of doors and windows leading outside. An external kitchen wall design complements this aesthetic, creating a smooth flow between interior and exterior spaces.

Large sliding glass doors, multiple entryways, and outdoor living areas make it easy for homeowners to traverse back and forth.

Entertaining and Ambiance

Outdoor kitchens inherently lend themselves well to hosting guests and gatherings. The fresh air and change of scenery from the indoors creates an inviting atmosphere.

Instead of guests crowding into the kitchen, the cook can remain outside to man the grill. Everyone else can lounge on the patio furniture with plenty of elbow room.

Design Considerations for an External Kitchen Wall

While outdoor kitchen walls maximize space and flexibility, they require some special design considerations. Weatherproofing and proper ventilation must be planned for ahead of time when incorporating external cooking areas.

Weatherproofing and Insulation

Kitchen appliances, cabinetry, and amenities installed along an outdoor wall should be weatherproofed. Surfaces must withstand humidity, rain, wind, and other outdoor elements.

Ceilings, entryways, and fixtures should also feature insulation, sealing, drainage planes, and flashing to prevent water intrusion and moisture buildup.

Ventilation and Airflow

Proper ventilation keeps outdoor kitchens comfortable while cooking. Enclosed kitchen walls can block natural airflow, causing humidity and smells to accumulate.

Ventilation systems like commercial-grade range hoods remove smoke, fumes, and other airborne particulates. Strategically placed windows, ceiling fans, and doors also encourage cross-breezes.

Accessibility and Entryways

Another key consideration for external kitchen walls is easy accessibility from indoor living spaces. Multiple large entryways allow people to conveniently move serving dishes back and forth.

Doors and pathways leading outside should be spacious enough to transport food, supplies, and catering equipment. At least one entryway should be wheelchair or walker accessible to accommodate all guests.

Materials for an Outdoor Kitchen Wall

Choosing the right materials is crucial when designing an external kitchen wall and cooking space. Surfaces must be durable enough to withstand seasonal weather changes over years of use.

Concrete

Poured concrete is a sturdy, weather-resistant material for outdoor walls and surfaces. Concrete block construction better insulates enclosed kitchens from temperature extremes. The material's smooth finish is also easy to clean.

Stone

Natural stone surfaces like granite, marble, and bluestone lend an upscale, luxury feel to outdoor kitchens. Besides aesthetic appeal, stone walls are moisture-resistant and extremely durable over decades.

Wood

Wood is a versatile, classic choice for external kitchen walls in many home styles. Cedar and redwood better withstand weather fluctuations. Treating lumber surfaces protects against UV rays, fungi, and insects over time.

Brick

Brick is another traditional masonry option for constructing outdoor kitchen walls. It offers aesthetic appeal, durability, and heat retention for cooking appliances. Sealing and repointing bricks periodically protects from moisture damage.

Glass

Glass walls or partitions allow natural light to fill enclosed outdoor kitchens. Tempered safety glass doors withstand wind, rain, and other elements while also insulating interiors. Strategically placed windows boost ventilation.

Layout Ideas for an External Kitchen Wall

Creative layouts allow homeowners to take full advantage of outdoor cooking spaces. Consider overall entertaining needs and mealtime uses when planning an external kitchen wall design.

L-Shaped Design

An L-shaped kitchen layout smartly delineates cooking, cleaning, and entertaining zones. One length houses appliances, cabinets, and prep space while the other creates room for counters, bars, or dining sets.

Island Kitchen

Island cookery layouts are convenient for casual gatherings with friends and families. Islands provide extra prep space and seating while keeping the chef involved in conversations.

Linear Kitchen

Simple, linear outdoor kitchens feature working appliances, cabinetry, counters, and sinks lined up along one wall. A linear layout takes up less square footage for compact patios and decks.

U-Shaped Layout

A U-shaped design envelops an open floor plan for the cook to easily pivot between stations. It also allows for multiple cooks during busy meal preps or when entertaining larger groups.

Decorating an External Kitchen Wall

Personal flair and interior design elements let homeowners put their unique stamp on outdoor cooking spaces. Creative touches lend personalized style while also boosting functionality.

Backsplashes

Creative backsplashes protect outdoor kitchen walls between countertops and cabinets from splatters and spills. Mosaic tiles, metal sheeting, or weatherproof wallpaper make for decorative, washable splashes.

Countertops

Quartz and granite are popular countertop surfaces for outdoor kitchens given their appearance and low maintenance. Butcher block, concrete, porcelain, and stainless steel also withstand weather exposure well.

Appliances

From grills, smokers, pizza ovens, and refrigerators to sinks, ice machines and wine coolers, outdoor appliance options abound. Stainless steel finishes withstand seasonal weather shifts better than enameled surfaces.

Lighting

Proper illumination keeps outdoor cooking areas visible and safe at night while setting the desired ambiance. String lights, lanterns, spotlights, under-cabinet lighting, and floodlights enhance visibility and style.

Adding an outdoor kitchen wall with top-of-the-line fixtures and finishes carries high upfront costs. But over time, exterior cooking spaces provide ongoing returns through expanded living areas.

An indoor kitchen remodel may carry a lower initial price tag by virtue of smaller square footage. But integrating indoor cooking and living areas limits flexibility.

Weigh cost variables like layout size, factors affecting construction expenses in your region, and the types of materials and amenities selected.

An outdoor kitchen design extends living space during nice weather. In the long run, homeowners gain a specialized entertainment area and exterior living enhancement that adds property value.