For many, the focal point of the outdoor kitchen is the grilling station–it makes sense, given how naturally grilling and outdoor dining fit together! If warm-weather get-togethers are what you are after with your outdoor kitchen, consider making the grill, stove, or range the star of your kitchen. You might consider something like an island station in the middle of your space, with your grill central to the area. Or, you can opt to maximize your counter space in your outdoor kitchen by putting your cooking appliances in the corner. Wherever you decide your cooking location is going to be, most people build around this area with a wood or stone counter area that serves as the “centerpiece” of the outdoor kitchen, and then build off of that.

The grill (or maybe even a pizza oven!) isn’t the only appliance you should consider. Will your outdoor kitchen have a refrigerator, or even a freezer? What about a sink–and will it have a garbage disposal? Asking these questions will help you determine whether you need to configure plumbing solutions first. You may need to set up your water lines and disposal pipes well before you start building anything. In any event, the first step is to consider the appliances that will feature in your outdoor kitchen, and then plan accordingly.

You should also consider the elements that come into play when cooking outside. Unlike cooking indoors, you will have a much better-ventilated grilling area, but you and your guests will also be much more exposed to the heat, sun, wind, insects, and other variables. How comfortable your outdoor diners will be depends on how much shade, seating space, and shielding from the elements–smoke from your grill included–you can provide. You may be limited by what your outdoor space has to offer, too. If you are building your outdoor kitchen under a gazebo or on a deck, you should work to the strengths of your area. Another point to consider is how much you’ll use your outdoor kitchen–if it will get heavy usage, it is well worth your effort and investment to build some outdoor kitchen cabinets for storage. Rather than having to run in and out to your indoor kitchen to grab supplies and dishes, having a specific outdoor set of cooking equipment can be extremely handy, and a set of quality outdoor cabinets is the perfect place for it all. Place settings, canned goods, grilling equipment, cleaning supplies, and more are all prime candidates for storage in your outdoor kitchen cabinets, since they’re all items you’ll want to have handy, but not necessarily out in the open at all times.

Lastly, you’ll want to consider materials. Simply put, some materials don’t weather as well as others. Outdoor porcelain and ceramic tile are timeless, sturdy choices that can create a wide range of looks from rustic and classic to more modern and chic. Granite countertops are incredibly durable, as are marble countertops, and both can stand up to the weather admirably. Concrete or brick options are also popular for outdoor kitchens, but they do tend to limit the range of aesthetic options you have available. Your countertops will be the most visible element to most of your guests in your outdoor kitchen, so most of the character your space gives off will come from your decisions here.