DIY OUTDOOR KITCHEN
Ahh!OUTDOOR KITCHEN!!
***Update July 2020***
I have shared lots of step by step photos on how we built our outdoor kitchen in the OUTDOOR KITCHEN – HOW WE DID IT post so after this post head over there to check it out! There are also some current photos of the deck/outdoor kitchen at the bottom of this post.
Today is the REVEAL day of our fantastic outdoor kitchen you want to see, my friends!
This post is sponsored by Lowe’s, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I almost can’t believe that this project is finished!
If you are new here let me fill you in the outdoor space story and let’s look back and see where we exactly started about a month and a half ago.
As you see, we had a typical 10×10, square deck.
We tried to make our existing deck more cozy and comfy about three summers ago with a DIY pallet furniture which we’ve really been enjoying throughout the summer season ever since. But every time we had a cookout or had friends over we felt like we needed a bigger outdoor space, perhaps a beautiful outdoor kitchen with a seating area. So I dreamed up an outstanding outdoor space in my head with a nice ground level deck that would be an extension to our already existing deck plus an outdoor kitchen with a pergola.
Yeah! It was all pictured in my head.
I am happy to report that my vision came to life (again:-), and I am still pinching myself that this space that I am about to show you is OUR outdoor space.
But before I show you our new area I need to give a huge shout out to my awesome husband who is always a partner in crime and puts up with THIS crazy gal and her even more insane ideas (yup, that’s me!!). I am gifted with many talents but to tell you the truth I wouldn’t be able to accomplish all the work without my man! My husband and I worked so HARD to finish this fantastic outdoor kitchen. And I say – it was all worth it!
We DIYed all of it!
I am hoping to write up some tutorials building the ground level deck and pergola later as I would love to share all that we’ve learned throughout this process!
And before we move on, I would also like to say a big thank you for LOWE’S to help us bring my vision to life and providing all materials and products for our outdoor kitchen space!
And now drum roll, please…:-)))
Come and tour our NEW outdoor kitchen! (I will list links to everything at the bottom of this post- affiliate links included.)
Well, this is where we spent the last month, guys! We got home from our day job, we changed clothes and worked, worked and worked when we had some free time.
Awh! I still can’t even BELIEVE that this is our backyard!
Just can’t!
So let’s dive in and get the deets!
I think one of the best decisions we’ve made was to make the stairs wider. It’s a huge plus to this entire area, and it opens up the two decks entirely.
I wanted to ensure that this large outdoor space looks and feels cohesive throughout, so matching the stain for both, the upper as well as the lower level deck was a must. However, we could not strip off of the stain from our old deck, so my hubby had to rebuild the upper-level deck completely. Oh, the joy of unexpected obstacles!!
But at the end of the day, I was happy to see the new deck. The old patio was almost 20 years old, so it was about time anyhow.
Let’s move onto the kitchen area…
My favorite section of ALL!
We have the large Master Forge 3 Burner Modular Grill, the Master Forge o-Burner Modular Outdoor Refrigerator and the Master Forge 3-Burner Modular Outdoor Sink and Side Burners. Perfect grill set! The manufacturer advises a 24″ clearance around the grill. However, we positioned the set differently this time. The great thing about the Master Forge Modular grill set is that you can roll each section out and change the layout any time.
Building the frame for the grill needed some planning, but as soon as our grill set arrived, we outlined everything and planned out the layout right away. Then we started working on the frame and the pergola which was the biggest bite of this project. The structure is built on 2×4 poles, and the frame is covered with cement board completely.
On the picture below you see the other side of the kitchen area. We planned to add a small bar section so the hub can enjoy his drink while I am cooking (or Vice Versa :-)).
My original plan was to use the air stones ( the air stone is built onto the cement board) all around the frame, but we ended up using wood panels to the back of the frame, and I just LOVE how it turned out.
We picked out a comfy and cute outdoor dining room set. It’s not too big but perfectly enough for a family of four. It’s stylish, chic and comfortable.
I fancied up the space using lots of greens and plants. I hung greens on the pergola utilizing my macrame plant hangers that I made. I also used some wonderful plant stands from Lowe’s to display the large plants in the space.
And at the end of the day, I truly wanted to make this entire outdoor space to be one large, cohesive space, so I decided to sew a new cushion cover to my pallet furniture and I repainted the existing pallet coffee table so everything would be fresh and beautifully styled together.
And here is this fantastic and cozy space lit up at night! Awe! So fun!
And the obligatory BEFORE and AFTER!
So what do you say??
YAY or YAY??:-))
Now to enjoy this fabulous outdoor space for months to come!
TO SHOP THIS POST, HOVER OVER THE IMAGES AND CLICK ON THE PRODUCT TAGS!
Sources:
- Outdoor Dining Set
- Outdoor Area Rug
- Barstool Chair
- Master Forge 3-Burner Modular Outdoor Sink and Side Burner
- Master Forge 3-Burner Modular Gas Grill
- Modular Outdoor Refrigerator
- Air Stone – Faux Stone
- allen + roth White Indoor/Outdoor Round Steel Plant Stand
- allen+roth Navy Awning Patio Umbrella
- allen+roth White Ceramic Bowl Planter
- Wicker Candle Holder
- allen+roth Citronella Candle
***UPdate ::: Wow guys! It’s been almost 2 years since we have this paradise and we could not love it more! We love this outdoor space so much and we spend Severy possible minute out here!***
We have updated the upper deck this past summer and it got a lovely makeover. Be sure to hop over to see the PATIO UPDATE and what we added, and how we made this space even more amazing. You can also check out these 10 OUTDOOR SPACES that I loved and used as an inspiration for some of my designs.
UPDATE 2020!!!
UPDATE 2020!!!
I get lots of questions in regards to this Outdoor Kitchen ESPECIALLY about the current condition. I am about to write up a post about how we built this space so stay tuned. And here are some current photos ( JULY 2020!) to show you guys the current condition. It’s been an amazing outdoor kitchen/space for us for 4 years! And we use it a lot! Well, hello Pandemic!!!! The appliances are still in great condition and I would not change a thing in here.
Thanks for stopping by my friends! Have a wonderful summer!
Cheers,
Aniko
WOW Aniko! AMAZING. You had SUCH a vision! It turned out amazing. I LOVE it. This inspires me to make our outdoor spaces into such much more.
Thanks, friend! I truly envisioned this space in my head and we LOVE the outcome! This is what my hub says: ” You are SO determined that you won’t stop until something looks the way you want it!” And he is SO right! I won’t stop half way. All or nothing baby!:-)) XoXO
WOW!! it looks AMAZING… I pop over to your blob often and man oh man I had no idea this was in the works! Super impressed and love every detail. Congrats on a job well done to you and the hubby =)
Jen, I didn’t even had the time to share the deets, that’s how busy we were with this baby! But man, oh man we LOVE the result! Thanks for hopping over to check it out – glad you love it!Xo
What did you use specifically for the ‘stepping stones/wood pieces’?
Wow! That is crazy impressive, especially in just a month! It turned out so great.What a perfect outdoor entertaining area 🙂
Thanks so much, Amy! We will spend lots of time out here for sure!:-)
Yes yes yes! Aniko! I just pinned about every single picture. Excellent work, excellent design. I just love it all. Now, pour me a glass of wine, I’m heading over. xo
Wine is ready, friend!! I wish!!!!! Thanks for your kind words, hon! XOXO
It turned out so gorgeous, like everything you touch! I would totally live out there all summer long! I especially love the little bar on the end!
We totally live out here all day and all night haha! Yeah for the bar! I think I am ordering two more bar chairs!:-) Thanks for hopping over! Xo
absolutely AMAZING!!! I love every single thing about it! Now you can enjoy all of your hard work! yay!!
Thanks, Traci! That’s the best part – to enjoy it after all the hard work we’ve put in!
GIRL!!! This is so amazing!! Love it!
We couldn’t love it more! Thanks for checking in!:-) Xo
That’s an amazing makeover! The space looks so inviting now, I’m sure your family will enjoy it!
Regi, Thanks a bunch! Indeed, we are already enjoying it all day and all night! I love summer!
Your new outdoor space is amazing!! I’m sure you are the envy of the neighborhood! 🙂
Thank, Lady! My neighbors said that even when I am not home they will be hanging out on my deck haha!
It’s beautiful! It puts my deck to shame, for sure!
Thanks a lot, hon!:-)
Aniko! You guys killed it! Love love love how it turned out!
Thanks so much, girl! We are very pleased with the finished space!:-)
Totally would want to use the various spaces you have incorporated into this makeover. Every single area is inviting and well designed for optimum usage. Amazing job Aniko and hubs!
What a great idea! Do you dig poles for the floor or you just lay it down?
So stunning, Aniko! This is exactly what I have envisioned for my backtyard. Will definitely be using yours as a major source of inspiration 🙂
Jenna, thanks so much girl! I love seeing my vision come to life and I am happy to hear that you find it inspiring!♥
I love it!
I want it!
One question. do you bring in or store the cushions and what about the weather on the kitchen? Do you cover it when not in use?
Guess that’s more than one question.
Thanks! I have tart for all pieces in the kitchen area and I can easily pull them out and have the tart on when a big storm is coming or for the winter time. I can also roll them into the garage for the months we are not using the kitchen. The cushions are all outdoors and weather proof.:-)
Your backyard looks fantastic now! I was having trouble figuring out what to do with my backyard, but now after seeing this I have a good idea of what I want to do. It’s pretty cool that you can pull out the BBQ and rearrange it. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much! We truly love it out here♥
I’m in LOVE! What a fantastic outdoor space you have now! May I just ask, what is the stain color/ brand you used?? It’s prefect!
looks amazing. i love how open the top deck is to the bottom, and the pergola over the kitchen/bar. enjoy!
b
Hey, Aniko. Your outdoor kitchen is fantastic! What a wonderful transformation, you surely did a great job in making use of that outdoor space. Great choice in making the stairs wide because it can serve as extra seating and the deck doesn’t feel like separated from the kitchen. You did an amazing and a very impressive job!
Omg! Girl, you crushed it! I’m super jealous of this outdoor kitchen. What a phenomenal transformation. Amazing job!!! YAY for sure!
My husband and I are looking into building our outdoor kitchen. We love yours <3 My question is how big is the deck area you built for your outdoor kitchen? We're trying to figure out how big to make ours. Thanks !! Again, thanks for sharing, love it !!!
So, so, so good!!!!! You crushed it! Looking forward to the tutorial on the lower deck! Thank you for the inspiration!
Thanks! I hope I will get around writing up that post soon!:-)
Wow! I’ve never seen an outdoor kitchen at someone’s house – it’s always been at posh hotels or restaurants, it looks stunning! Have you got much use out of it so far?
We used it a LOT over the summer. I mean it was the neighborhood’s “hot spot” for entertaining haha! Loved it! Never regret having it for sure!
Hey there, you guys did a fantastic job! We are about to build our deck and outdoor space and yours is exactly what we’ll be doing. I have a question though, how big is the lower deck with the bbq?
It all looks amazing
Dawn
Hello Dawn- The lower deck is about 16-19’ in size. Thanks for commenting! I can’t wait to pull out our outdoor furniture whent Spring gets here finally! 🙂
It looks stunning. I’ve never seen an outdoor kitchen at someone’s house. What a phenomenal transformation. Amazing job. Looking forward to the tutorial on the lower deck! Thank you for the inspiration.
Thanks so much! We LOVE it out there! I am planning to share the tutorial on the deck soon! Stay tuned!:-)
Gorgeous, functional, truly welcoming design, and colors that enhance calm and relaxation. Absolutely stunning!! You two are a dynamic team!!!
It looks fantastic! How has the grill set up last night after two year it looks fantastic! How has the grill held up ? I’ve seen mixed reviews on its durability in the elements
Scott- It honestly holds up really well for us. It’s been 3 summers this year and wow! Lots of cooking and fun other there! All I can say is that we love it. We try to protect the unit as much as we can – always cover it when it rains.
Hi – I want to say first off this post inspired us to purchase the modular outdoor kitchen set from Lowe’s and we are so excited!!! It hasn’t come yet, but after ordering I’ve noticed a bunch of post of people being unhappy with the quality and customer service from Lowe’s. Apparently majority of the pieces start rusting within the first few years. At this point I’m getting nervious and 2nd guessing our choice.
I noticed you build this in 2017, do you mind sharing some recent picture of the condition of the patio? Has yours started to rust? If you had issues with it how was Lowe’s customer service.
Appreciate any wisdom you can pass on.
Sorry just seeing this. it’s been three years since we installed the outdoor kitchen and it has not been rusting at all. We cover the kitchen with the tarp that came with it whenever it rains. It might sound a lot of work to do but it takes a few seconds to pull on the tarp and it is worth that little time. Excellent condition still and we love the whole setup. I hope it helps.:-)
I am wondering how the kitchen looks now (2020). Is it possible to share a picture?
Sandia, I just added some current pictures ( taken today) at the bottom of the post. It’s still amazing and the appliances are great condition too. Hope this helps.:-)
I love how you incorporated flowers and potted plants into your outdoor kitchen setup. This can really give a feeling of being connected with the surroundings which is something that my family always loves doing, as most of them have gardens at home that they take care of. To make sure they feel welcome in my own outdoor kitchen setup, I’ll make sure that I look for some plants to use after shopping for things like grills and mini-refrigerators for the kitchen.