Thinking About an Outdoor Kitchen or Pergola? Start Here.
A pergola with cantilevered troughs suspended in a stone arch captures rainwater and channels it to a water feature that overflows during heavy rain. Photo by Olga Stritar at RHS London 2025
Most homeowners know what they want — a place to cook outside, eat with friends, or enjoy the backyard more. But when it comes to actually building an outdoor kitchen or pergola, many get stuck on the first step: planning.
If you're in that early stage — imagining the space but not sure where to begin — this guide will help you think through the essentials before the design process begins.
1. Start With Use, Not Features
Before thinking about materials or layout, focus on how the space will be used. This shapes everything that comes later.
Ask yourself:
What do I want to do here — cook dinner regularly, host large gatherings, relax with coffee in the morning?
Is this space mostly for two people, or ten?
Do I need a dining area, lounge seating, or both?
What kind of atmosphere do I want — open and modern, cozy and enclosed, structured or more natural?
These answers help define what kind of space will truly serve your lifestyle.
2. Outdoor Kitchen: Decide What Matters
Covered outdoor kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a wood dining table overlooking the hills. Designed by Olga Stritar – Artistic Garden Designs. Installed in Santa Rosa, CA.
Some outdoor kitchens are full service — grill, sink, fridge, storage, even pizza oven. Others are simpler: just a great grill and a spot to prep or sit.
Start by thinking about:
What will I actually cook out here?
Do I need running water, or will a hose nearby do?
Will I store anything outside (utensils, cushions), or keep everything indoors?
How much prep space do I really need?
Then consider materials:
Countertops:
Granite – durable, heat- and stain-resistant; good for long-term performance
Porcelain slab – sleek, modern look; low maintenance
Concrete – custom-finished, natural matte look; needs sealing but ages beautifully
Cabinet Bases:
Stucco over block – a clean, California-classic finish that blends with architecture
Stone veneer – adds texture and contrast, especially when matched with patio stone
Powder-coated aluminum – clean-lined, modern, and weather-resistant
Appliances:
Stick with stainless steel or marine-grade options rated for outdoor use. Popular brands include Blaze, Coyote, and Hestan — or Lynx for luxury installs.
3. Pergola: Shade, Structure, or Shelter?
Knotwood louvered pergola with integrated heater and fire table. Designed by Olga Stritar | Installed in Burlingame, CA.
Pergolas can serve different purposes depending on the design. Ask:
Do I want filtered shade or full rain protection?
Will it be freestanding or attached to the house?
Do I want lighting, fans, or heating integrated?
Material Options:
Cedar or redwood – natural, warm look; needs maintenance but ages beautifully
Aluminum – sleek, low-maintenance, and can mimic wood grain
Steel – strong and clean-lined for a modern aesthetic
Composite (like Trex or TimberTech) – very low maintenance, great for coastal or humid areas
For full rain protection, consider adding a polycarbonate roof or upgrading to a louvered roof system (like StruXure or Equinox) that opens and closes with the weather.
4. Where Should It Go in the Yard?
The right placement balances sun, shade, wind, access, and visual flow. During site visits, the most common factors considered are:
Proximity to the indoor kitchen (for convenience)
Where the sun falls in the afternoon
How wind moves through the property
Whether there’s a view to frame — or a neighbor to screen
Slope, grade, and drainage conditions
If utilities are involved (gas, water, electric), their location might also influence layout and cost. If you're in an area with wildfire regulations or slope restrictions, these will affect design choices too.
5. Helpful Things to Know in Advance
You don’t need to arrive with a full plan — that’s what design is for. But answering a few questions beforehand makes everything more efficient:
Do I have a general budget in mind (even a range)?
Have I seen examples I like — materials, layouts, finishes?
Do I want this to blend with the architecture, or contrast it?
Are there materials or colors I want to avoid?
Do I already have a preferred grill or appliance?
6. Start the Right Way
Good outdoor living design starts with the right questions. If you can answer a few of these before your consultation, the entire process moves faster — and with more clarity.
The result isn’t just a beautiful kitchen or pergola. It’s a space you’ll actually use, year after year, because it was designed around you, using materials that last and a layout that works.
