A well designed outdoor BBQ area is not just about the grill, but also the storage and organization of the space. Outdoor cabinetry should allow the efficient and effective storage of BBQ utensils and tools, stored and protected from the outdoor environment.
In this article, we will focus on specific design specifications and features to help the professional and DIY plan for and build an outdoor BBQ area.
Choosing a cabinet material
Choosing the correct material for an outdoor BBQ area is critical to a proper design, ensuring long project life. Selecting the wrong cabinet material could be catastrophic to a design, increasing the chances of premature damage or safety hazards. Design aspects to consider include:
- Weather resistance: selecting materials that are fit for your environment
- Maintenance: opt for materials that are easy to maintain and clean
- Fire resistance: it is important to use fire resistant materials around cooking or heating areas
- Pest resistance: selecting materials that deter pests are important due to the outdoor environment
Materials that are available and used consistently for BBQ areas include:
- Stainless steel: used for its durability and corrosion resistance
- Solid timber: a natural material that performs well in outdoor environments
- Manufactured boards that are fit for outdoor use: so materials that are engineered to be used in outdoor environments
Weatherproof your cabinets
Weather is the biggest factor that can impact cabinets in BBQ areas and can also be a designers biggest challenge. There are no set rules for choosing proper finishes as conditions change depending on location, and vary in exposure to sun, rain, humidity and major temperature changes.
Essential for the durability of your project is an understanding of what finishes are required for each material type and according to your location.
Outdoor finishes for materials could include:
- Varnish (timber)
- Oil (timber)
- Engineered silicone: used to seal joints
- Powder coating (aluminium)
Outdoor rated fittings are good practice for BBQ areas, this means that hinges and drawer slides will be able to withstand conditions and prevent rust or warping. See further outdoor kitchen ideas here.
Ventilation is another important consideration when cooking as smoke or steam can build up and cause damage to cabinets or pose long term health risks to users.
Designing your BBQ area to be well ventilated is essential and considerations include open layouts, range hoods, and built in vents.
Features to include in your BBQ area
Making a BBQ area fit for purpose is a consideration that should be toward the top of any designers list. Rather than just having a random layout of cabinets, carefully choosing cabinets and features to allow for efficiency and ease of use of the space.
Design ideas that could be included in pro or DIY BBQ areas:
- Outdoor fridge/cooler: used for storing cold meats, drinks, ice, etc.
- Fire pit: a dedicated area for cooking, warmth or both
- Built in storage: drawer cabinets are a great option here
- Built in bins: bin units allow for trash to be disposed of without needing to leave the area, less chance of burning your food!
- Storage for timber and coals: saving labour and time when needing to top up the BBQ
- Built in seating: consider incorporating this into a BBQ area for a more optimized layout
Maximize your storage space
Maximising your storage spaces allows for more optimized layouts that specifically accommodate functionality and lead to a cleaner BBQ area. Options could include:
- Multi-functional chairs that contain storage: additional storage of BBQ tools, or even recreational items can be built into your space
- Tables that adjust in length: this allows you to easily adjust for the number of people your BBQ area can accommodate
- Vertical storage: free your bench space by utilizing walls and fences with hanging racks and shelving for tools and accessories
- Rolling trolleys: rolling trollies don’t just increase storage, but work as portable preparation or bar space
Plan your BBQ area with PolyBoard
How can PolyBoard help? PolyBoard is a modelling software that enables designers to design and manufacture all aspects of cabinetry for BBQ areas.
PolyBoard sees designers draft and plan BBQ area ideas for small and large projects.
If you would like to understand more about how PolyBoard can improve your design to manufacturing processes, contact us for an online demonstration.
