Designing Outdoor Kitchens That Work: 9 Key Considerations from TDL
An outdoor kitchen is more than just a place to cook—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. At Tim Davies Landscaping, we believe great outdoor design enhances how people live, relax, and connect with others. Whether it’s the centrepiece of your alfresco entertaining area or a quiet spot for family dinners under the stars, a well-designed outdoor kitchen adds functionality and value to your home.
But a successful outcome isn’t just about picking a BBQ and calling it done. At TDL, our designers work through a detailed checklist to ensure your outdoor kitchen is perfectly tailored to your space, your lifestyle, and the WA climate.
Here’s our checklist of what we consider when designing a functional and beautiful outdoor kitchen.
1. Lifestyle & Purpose
We start with how you plan to use the space.
- Are you hosting large gatherings?
- Cooking for your family during the week?
- Using it year-round or just in the warmer months?
This shapes everything from layout and materials to what appliances we specify. Understanding your lifestyle helps us design a space that’s not only beautiful but incredibly usable.
2. Location Matters
The positioning of your outdoor kitchen can make or break the experience. We assess:
- Proximity to the indoor kitchen or entertaining zones
- Exposure to wind, sun, and rain
- Natural drainage and site levels
- Privacy, views, and the connection to your garden
If needed, we incorporate shade structures, wind protection, or level changes into the broader landscape design to ensure your outdoor kitchen is comfortable and practical all year round.
3. A Functional Layout
Just like an indoor kitchen, good flow is everything. We design around clear zones:
- Cooking – BBQs, pizza ovens
- Prep – ample bench space
- Cleaning – sink, tapware, drainage
- Cold storage – fridges, drinks storage, ice makers
- Dining & lounging – seamlessly integrated into the alfresco or garden
We also think about how people will move through the space—where they gather, sit, or serve food.
4. Choosing the Right Appliances
We work with trusted suppliers and consider:
- Fuel type (natural gas, LPG, wood fired)
- Outdoor-rated appliances (for longevity)
- Features like built-in BBQs, teppanyaki plates, wok burners, or even bar fridges
- Hidden gas bottle storage or integrated cabinetry
Every selection is made with quality, aesthetics, and durability in mind.
5. Materials That Last
From the harsh sun to salty coastal air, Perth’s climate can be tough on materials. We specify:
- Benchtops in durable materials like porcelain, natural stone, timber, formed concrete
- Cabinetry using weatherproof finishes and marine-grade materials
- Flooring that’s slip-resistant, UV-stable, and complements the broader landscape
- Wall finishes, splashbacks and cladding that suit your home’s architectural style
It’s not just about looking good—it’s about choosing materials that perform over time.
6. Utilities & Infrastructure
A great outdoor kitchen needs the right infrastructure:
- Gas: we coordinate bottled or plumbed solutions
- Water: for sinks, filtration, and drainage
- Power: for fridges, lighting, and cooking appliances
- Lighting: task lighting for cooking, ambient lighting for mood, and feature lights for wow-factor
Our team manages the coordination of all necessary trades and ensures everything complies with safety codes.
7. Shelter & Year-Round Use
Outdoor kitchens should be as functional in July as they are in January. We consider:
- Roof structures or pergolas for sun and rain protection
- Integrated heating or ceiling fans
- Orientation and airflow – range hoods are required in some cases and not others.
- Screening or planting for privacy and comfort
These features not only add comfort but help you get more value and use from your investment.
8. Storage & Practical Details
We think beyond the BBQ. Our designers include:
- Waterproof cabinetry for utensils, plates, and cleaning products
- Bin storage
- Dedicated spaces for serving platters, drinks, or even herb planters
- Smart organisation to reduce clutter
These are the things that turn an outdoor kitchen from good to exceptional.
9. Seamless Design Integration
At TDL, we ensure your outdoor kitchen doesn’t feel like an afterthought. It’s carefully integrated into your landscape design with materials, colours, and forms that complement your home and garden. The result is a space that feels cohesive, functional, and intentional.
Let’s Design Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen
At TDL, we bring over 40 years of landscape design experience to every project. Our collaborative approach means we work closely with you to deliver a space that suits your lifestyle, blends with your home, and feels effortless to use.
If you’re ready to create an outdoor kitchen that goes beyond the basics, we’d love to help.
