21 Easy & Affordable Outdoor Grill Station Design Ideas
When a grill is not enough, and an outdoor kitchen is too much, an outdoor grill station is a perfect option.
Basically, an outdoor grill station is the smallest possible type of outdoor kitchen – all you need is a grill and a countertop. There are four types of an outdoor grill station:
- freestanding grill with a cart
- freestanding grill with a counter
- an island with a built-in grill
From type, shape, finishes to a grill model, there are many details to learn about before making a decision. I have twenty-one photos you can use for inspiration so you can get closer to the fun, convenient, and safe grill station you’ve always wanted.
5 Features to Consider When Choosing Grill Station Designs
The first step in designing an outdoor grill station is choosing the proper type, which involves learning about different features like longevity or cost.
There are three ways of creating a grill station:
- freestanding grill with a cart
- freestanding grill with a separate counter
- an island with a built-in grill
There are advantages to all of these, so let’s break them down.
| Freestanding grill with a cart | Freestanding grill with a separate counter | An island with a built-in grill | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longevity | *** | **/*** | **/*** |
| Cost | * | ** | *** |
| Labor | * | ** | *** |
| Customizing | * | ** | *** |
| Winterizing | Shed | Shed + Cover | Cover |
Longevity
Outdoor grill station longevity depends on the chosen materials and appliance, but not solely. Keeping a grill station away from the elements, while unused, influences this factor a lot.
Therefore, the simplest option (freestanding grill with an additional cart) may be the one that works the longest.
Additionally, the movable option doesn’t take up patio space permanently.
Cost
The cost of an outdoor grill station depends not only on the chosen structure option, but also the grill model. Prices vary from between $300 to $5000, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs and your budget.
Labor
On average, building a permanent grill station takes much more time than creating it from a grill and a cart. It is possible, though, to minimize outdoor grill station labor by buying from a business that offers a prefabricated structure with a built-in grill.
Customization
Building an outdoor grill station from scratch allows you to fully customize it. You can bring the house exterior design to the outdoor grill station by incorporating a specific color, material, or shape.
Achieving this is far more difficult with a cart and a grill.
Winterizing
Even the best materials can get ruined by the elements, especially when uncovered in the snowy/rainy wintertime, so winterizing your outdoor grill station is pretty important.
A mobile outdoor grill station is easier to protect and move to a shed when unused. For a permanent structure, an outdoor kitchen cover is a must (you can buy one or craft one to the size of a specific grill station).
Outdoor Grill Station Option #1: Freestanding grill with a cart
An outdoor grill station made out of a freestanding grill and a cart is a classic option. It doesn’t add too much to the backyards’ look and lets you enjoy benefits such as:
- inexpensive
- easy to assemble
- compact
- easy to store and clean
What’s wonderful about this option is the ease of building it. Usually, this option is made out of a freestanding grill – landing spaces on both sides and a cart. It can also consist of a built-in grill placed on a cart and a table.
Price-wise, this is the most tempting option. As mentioned before, an outdoor grill station’s price depends vastly on the type of grill ($500 – $5000). You can easily buy an excellent quality 3-burner grill for $1000, while a cart is going to cost an extra $100.
This means you can have a brand new outdoor grill station for about $1,100.
If you’re a beginner and don’t know what type of grill you need, check this blog post about grill essentials.
For most outdoor chefs, a grill station is a second choice after using a grill solely for barbecuing. For the majority creating an outdoor grill, the station will be $100 for a stainless steel outdoor cart. It’s important to buy an outdoor-rated one to increase its longevity – indoor grills aren’t as durable.
The cart can be used not only for cooking outside but also to bring prepped food from the kitchen or bring dirty dishes after a party. It’ll make a world of difference if you have back issues and want to reduce back-and-forth.
This option is as simple and inexpensive as it can be. No labor, no extra covering, and no permit permissions need.
Outdoor Grill Station Option #2: Freestanding cart with a separate counter
A grill station can be made out of a freestanding grill and a permanent countertop. This is a more advanced solution that permanently takes space from your patio or porch, but it’s also more convenient.
First of all, the countertop height can be customized to your needs, which is crucial for reducing back pain. Check out this guide on figuring proper height if you’re stumped.
The space shown in the pictures above is actually visible in option 1, too. A freestanding grill was paired with the cart, while here it’s incorporated into the permanent construction made from metal studs and wood.
The shape of it, and the materials used, resemble the look of a gazebo.
This project is a multilevel countertop that consists of a worktop (24″ wide, 36″ high) and a bar counter (15″ wide, 42″ high)—all in an L-shape.
In my opinion, this project would be much better if combustible materials were not placed so close to the grill back. That’s a fire hazard you need to be careful to avoid.
The budget for this type of project can vary since it can be DIY. It requires the same gas grill (about $1,000 for a 3-burner) and a structure that can be $200 – $700 depending on the way it is constructed.
The final cost will hover between $1,200 – $1,700. The final budget should also include chairs if a multilevel counter is part of your design choice.
Any permanent solution needs to be covered to increase its longevity. A countertop protected from the elements is going to require less maintenance or replacement (especially if it’s made from wood).
Outdoor Grill Station Option #3: An island with a built-in grill
This option is basically a mini outdoor kitchen. This outdoor grill station can be fully customized to resemble the house exterior with finishes, shape and color.
As you can see in the pictures above, it can be a part of a relaxing zone or a freestanding construction.
We have 3 types of shapes shown in the pictures above: along the wall (picture 1), an L-shape, and an island (shown one is rounded). All these shapes work very well in grill stations.
In the first photo, the grill station is covered with the same concrete as the wall. The second shows how to match up colors. The last picture shows an outdoor grill station made out of brick in the style of classic fireplace stone.
The price of an outdoor grill station depends on the chosen appliance, the method of assembly, and the type of structure. The most budget-friendly option is DIY. The second is buying a prefabricated structure. The most expensive is going with a contractor.
- If you’re going with DIY, the budget rather will not go over $1,500
- A prefab outdoor grill station is going to cost about $2,300
- A complete custom outdoor grill station will start at $2,700 (for 60″ and more moderate choices)
It’s important, though, to remember that a permanent structure may require a permit. Most commonly, permits are needed when you work with utility lines (gas, electrical) or your construction is placed close to property lines (called zoning requirements).
Ask your local HOA or City Building Department if you need a project permit. Building a permanent outdoor grill station not up to code may result in a demolition order.
If you don’t want any permits, there is an option that might interest you – movable outdoor grill stations.
You can DIY or buy a ready-to-use island with a built-in grill. These don’t require permits since they’re not permanent, can be easily winterized, and don’t permanently take space from the patio or porch.
Outdoor Grill Station Option #4: A roof
Adding a roof to the outdoor grill station will drastically increase its longevity, as well as convenience while cooking. Who likes to cook in direct sunlight?
The exact way your outdoor grill station needs to be protected depends on your location and preferences.
Below are solutions for any price range:
- an umbrella or sail shade
- a pergola
- a gazebo
- a roof over patio
| A type of roofing | Price range |
|---|---|
| An umbrella or sail shade | 150$ – $500 |
| A pergola | $300 – $15,000 |
| A gazebo | $300 – $20,000 |
| A roof | $7,000 – $11,000 |
The price of a covering depends on the method of construction (DIY, contractor), quality and size.
The least expensive picks are umbrellas and sail shades. They should be kept at some distance from a grill because of the fire hazard and gradual staining. There are options in multiple styles, but you can only choose from what’s available.
The second choice, and the most common for grill stations, is the pergola. It gives shade, is beautiful to behold, and can be made out of various materials. Pergolas can be also be bought in kits.
The third choice is a gazebo. It protects the area not only from the sun but also rain and snow. This roofing can elongate a grilling season quite a bit. Gazebos work well on bigger lots, as they take a lot of space. You can choose materials, size, color, and assembly.
The last one is a roof over a patio. It protects the grilling station well, but this type requires a range hood installation.
Outdoor Grill Station Option #5: Pergola
The pergola is an amazing solution for an outdoor grill station since it can protect the area from sun, rain and snow.
There are plenty of material options to choose from:
- wood
- vinyl
- fiberglass
- aluminum
- CPVC
- brick
- stone (for pillars)
The most common material is wood, but I recommend checking if the chosen material gets hot from the sun. You don’t want anything that melts, warps, or buckles from repeated sun exposure.
Your Grill Station Dimensions
The NARS 2022 Remodeling Impact Report saw 20% of homeowners renovating their home because they wanted to improve livability. If you want to avoid excess renovations, creating a comfortable outdoor grill station requires knowledge about standardized dimensions.
The numbers you need to take into account for outdoor grill stations are:
- height, depth, and width
- landing spaces for the grill
- prep space length
How high, deep, and wide should an outdoor grill station be? Below are the go-to dimensions for homeowners:
| Outdoor grill station dimensions | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 36″ |
| Depth | 30″ |
| Width | 60″+ |
These are just basic calculations, as all of these numbers still have to be cut to your needs.
Height
The outdoor grill station height depends on its users’ height. 36″ standard is for people who are between 5’2″ – 6’1″. If you’re not in this range, this standard won’t work. In fact, the height of an outdoor grill station can vary from 30″ – 42″.
(If you’re looking for a perfect fit, go ahead and check out this article).
To figure out how deep a countertop should be, you have to find a grill first. An outdoor grill station depth can vary from 24″ (for smaller grills) up to 30″. If you don’t know which grill you want to use, a deeper countertop is a way to go.
Width
An outdoor grill station width depends on the size of the grill, prep area, and additional features. The absolute minimum grill width is increased by 36″ of landing space (12″ on one side and 24″ on the other).
| Grill landing space side 1 | Grill landing space side 2 |
|---|---|
| 12″ | 24″ |
So for a 24″ grill, a countertop used only as a landing space for the grill should be 60″ wide. This is not enough space if you’re planning to prep your food outside too.
A prep area needs to be at least 36″ wide of free space in one line. With an additional 12″ on the other side of the grill, it will add 48″ to the grill width.
| Grill width | Cooking (+36″) | Cooking & Preparation (+48″) |
|---|---|---|
| 24″ | 60″ | 72″ |
| 36″ | 72″ | 84″ |
| 42″ | 78″ | 90″ |
| 48″ | 84″ | 96″ |
The table shows the minimal width of an outdoor grill station according to its purpose. So, if your grill size is 42″, the minimal space for cooking conveniently is 78″. If you want to prep food outside, a countertop width should be at least 90″. This number includes the grill width.
You can find more dimensions in my Outdoor Kitchen Dimensions Guide. It’s an excellent resource if you’re looking for quick data like tabletop counter height, outdoor bar dimensions, and more.
The Best Location For Your Grill Station
An outdoor grill station can work perfectly in any location. The most common locations are:
- on a deck
- on a porch
- on a patio
- next to the swimming pool
There are many advantages to each location, so let’s dive into them a bit deeper.
Outdoor Grill Station on a Deck
The deck is a perfect location for an outdoor grill station. There are multiple areas you can install a grill station:
- a central island
- along the outer edges of the deck
- against the house
The universal layout out of these three are along the outer edges. This set-up works for small and large decks as well as for attached and detached decks. A grill station here doesn’t take a lot of space.
If your goal is to create a wow factor with your station, going with a central island may be a way to go. It’s a better choice for a big deck, as it brings a lot of conveniences – the grill can be accessed from multiple sides.
Against the house might seem the most obvious choice (for decks attached to the house), as it takes a small amount of space and doesn’t block the view. Unfortunately, it requires range hood installation (aka an additional $1,000 or so).
Attached to the house deck is a super convenient location as the kitchen is usually a few steps away, so it’s easy to bring stuff in and out.
Placing an outdoor grill station on a deck requires a few steps, though!
Inspect your deck before installation. According to the North American Deck & Railing Association, around 30 million decks in the U.S. need to be repaired or replaced. To be safe, it’s worth paying a professional to take a look (between $50-$200 for about an hour’s inspection).
If you live in a cold climate, check if your deck can bear 60-70 psf (pounds per 1 sq ft.), as snow alone can exceed 40 psf. If you live in a snowy area, your deck probably can, but it’s worth knowing before more weight to it.
Stay safe with proper ventilation. Did you know outdoor grill fires cause an average of ten deaths and one hundred injuries every year? An insulated grill jacket for a grill (if your station is built out of combustible materials like wood), a range hood, and keeping the fire blanket/ extinguisher close.
Check the wind direction before building. Add the construction downwind, so the smoke will not sit where your guests do or get into the house.
Outdoor Grill Station on a Porch
Placing an outdoor grill station on a porch can be a bit challenging. The space is pretty narrow, so your station should be on the side of a porch’s shorter outer edge.
The depth of the porch usually limits the size of an outdoor grill station. To design such a structure well, it is important to remember that a grill needs at least 12″ on one side and 24″ on the other of free space to stay convenient.
Don’t skip installing a range hood. Your porch is located next to the house, after all, so any fire hazard should be limited. The range hood goal will help control a fire if one happens.
A porch grill station also needs proper ventilation (a vent installed every 4’/ventilated doors) if the grill’s fuel is gas-based.
Adding an insulated grill jacket in such a location is also a must if your structure is made out of combustible materials like wood.
A porch grill station should be installed downwind, so the smoke will not sit on a porch or get inside the house.
And the last advice is: never leave your porch grill station unattended when on.
Outdoor Grill Station on a Patio
The patio is one of the most common locations for an outdoor grill station. There are plenty of layouts that can be used here:
- an L-shape
- an island
- a U-shape
- irregulars
Plenty of patio grill stations are combined with fireplaces or fire pits. The size is limited by patio size, shape, and your needs. The exact location varies depending on utility placement (if you need to connect any).
To increase your patio grill station’s longevity, it is important to protect it from elements. It can be done either by some permanent covering or material covers put on the grill station while unused.
Outdoor Grill Station by a Swimming Pool
If a swimming pool is a must-have feature for your home, why not add a grill to cook up some delicious meals after a swim? You can add even more functionality with a bar counter for unforgettable meal sessions.
For this set-up, it’s worth choosing finishes that will be resistant to water. Stone is always a good idea, but ceramic tiles with proper grout or concrete work well too. If you need help choosing between all the different types of stone, check out my breakdown of stone countertops.
If you want a bar counter, your counter should be a bit higher than a working top (42″ instead of 36″). It’s also worth buying chairs before building since their height varies, too.
Your Grill Station Cost
Outdoor grill station cost can vary a lot since it can be modest or very fancy. Below is a simple chart to give you an idea on how much to budget:
| Type of outdoor grill station | DIY | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Gas grill with a cart | $1,100 | – |
| Gas grill with a counter | $1,200 – $1,700 | $2,500 + |
| Island with built-in grill | $1,500 + | $2,700 + |
Size, materials, grill, and even your location affect the final price. If you plan on building a custom solution, it’s always worth asking around and comparing quotes before making a decision.
The first thing to do is asking your friends and neighbors if they can recommend a company.
If you’re less lucky and can’t find any recommendations from your inner circle, try Home Advisor‘s quote feature. Their tool has you type in data like your zip code and desired elements of the project. You’ll get up to four free offers from local contractors.
Excited to start putting together the grill station you’ve always wanted? You’ll love the below articles for extra inspiration:
