Outdoor BBQ area ideas: 5 tips for your outdoor space

Creating an outdoor BBQ area you will enjoy all year round

1. Make the most of your outdoor BBQ area space

Australia’s climate can be both harsh and diverse, so it’s really important to consider the weather when planning your outdoor BBQ area to ensure you get to enjoy it as often as possible. In paved outdoor areas or in a BBQ area with deck, opting for slip-resistant flooring is a good idea, especially if that area receives a lot of rain. Equally, choose non-reflective surfaces in areas that receive a lot of light. 

Another idea to help you enjoy your great outdoor entertaining space year round is to add an outdoor heating solution. Some of today’s modern heaters can provide radiant warmth, plus mood lighting and task lighting and can be controlled by a smartphone app.

2. Plan the layout to suit your backyard

Whether you’re refreshing an existing area, or planning a brand new BBQ area design it’s important to get your plan right. Daniel says drawing a plan to scale will help you get a clear view of the area you have to work with – and how to make the most of it.

In smaller backyards a BBQ area right up against the back of the house helps make the most of the space, as well as create a smooth flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. If you have a large backyard, you can create a separate BBQ area away from your house; this will help make your outdoor BBQ area a distinctive zone in your backyard.

3. Create an outdoor kitchen you will love

If you’ve got the space for it, there’s nothing better than a built-in BBQ in your outdoor area. Daniel’s hot tip is to: “Carefully consider the space you have to work with and if you can fit the four major zones – the prep zone, cooking zone, cleaning zone and serving zone – into the space. Make sure each zone can accommodate the different functions and appliances you’ll need in each”. 

Once you’ve got the best outdoor BBQ area on the block, you don’t want to ruin it by smoking out your guests (or your neighbours), so it’s a good idea to install a fan or a silent rangehood. For a smoke-free outdoor area without the drone of a noisy rangehood, try Schweigen’s outdoor silent rangehoods.

4. Create a bar area that friends and family will love

If you want to take your outdoor area to the next level, don’t stop at an outdoor kitchen – go for an outdoor bar. “There are three key features that will make your outdoor bar a success: a bar fridge, a sink, and speakers,” Daniel says.

“A bar fridge is convenient for entertainers as it helps to avoid extra trips to the kitchen for more food and drinks. Likewise, an outdoor sink will prove its worth during cooking and food preparation and will be handy when mixing refreshing cocktails for your summer BBQs.

“Speakers to play your favourite music will help you create the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed Sunday with the family or a Saturday summer pool party. However, it’s important to think of how you will incorporate these features in your planning stage as they require electrical wiring as well as plumbing.”

5. Create functional zones

For an outdoor BBQ area that is perfect for entertaining guests and enjoying lazy weekends with the kids, it’s important your outdoor area can accommodate multiple functions, i.e., cooking, dining, and sitting around to relax.

In their Strathmore display home, Mazzei Homes created the perfect area for outdoor entertaining, with three major zones – a cooking zone, a dining zone, and a sitting zone – which create an easy flow in the space.

Daniel says the design uses zoning to “separate areas depending on use, but also to encourage guests to mingle between zones”.

Source: Realestate.com.au - Presented by Erin Morris