Let's Create Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen Island

Picture your perfect outdoor kitchen space. Your new stainless steel grill heats up. The ice maker and wine fridge are ready. All what’s left is a durable, spacious area to serve brisket and drinks to your eager guests. 

You need the perfect outdoor kitchen island. One that delivers gorgeous aesthetics, seamlessly matches your space, and is built from reliable, heat resistant materials.

We’re Allied Outdoor Solutions. We’ve built over 25,000 outdoor living spaces — and thousands of outdoor kitchens — for Texas homeowners. Use our decades of design-build experience as a guide to building the perfect island for your outdoor kitchen.

Outdoor Kitchen Islands: The Anchor of Backyard Cooking

The greatest outdoor grill, built-in range and bar equipment are useless without a designated outdoor cooking and serving area. Outdoor kitchen islands provide that space.

Our team of outdoor living designers offered valuable input in this guide to outdoor island creation. Walk with us through 4 key decision points:

1. Island layout selection
2. Countertop materials
3. Support structure materials
4. Material finishes

When you’re done, you’ll have a perfectly constructed outdoor kitchen island that’s equal parts beautiful and durable. (And if you live in Texas, we’ll gladly install it for you!)

Before we start, let’s tackle 6 key questions to define your outdoor island needs.

Smart Style: 6 Outdoor Kitchen Island Design Considerations

Ask yourself these 6 questions. They’ll define precisely what your kitchen island must provide to meet your outdoor living, entertainment and cooking needs.

Do You Need Outdoor Island Seating?

Is your island specifically for cooking and storage, or do you plan to have guests sit and eat at the island as well?

How many people does the space need to accommodate? Do you host large parties, or prefer intimate gatherings? 

What Appliances Do You Plan to Install?

The more appliances you plan to utilize in your outdoor kitchen, the more space your island must provide — and the more weight its structure must bear.

Are you installing a stainless steel grill (or two)? A Big Green Egg? A built-in range? A fridge?

Are You Serving Hot Food?

Hot food means hot plates, hot pans and very hot grill surfaces. Your countertop materials must withstand high heat without scorching, searing or burn damage.

What Is Your Island’s Spill Risk?

Will your outdoor island double as a bar area? If your island’s more about drinks than food, then moisture damage is your top priority in countertop material selection.

Do You Have a Covered Outdoor Kitchen?

We recommend a shade structure for every outdoor kitchen area. Whether it’s a patio cover, attached shade structure or pergola roof, you’ll gain protection from the elements and direct sunlight. 

This won’t just keep your guests cool and dry. It does the same for your kitchen island. If you’re going roof-free, then your kitchen island must perform well against heat and moisture.

What Is Your Existing Home Style?

The finishing touches on your outdoor island should be a good aesthetic match with your existing home architecture and outdoor spaces. Seamless design creates a cohesive outdoor living area — make sure your materials compliment your space.

Select the Right Layout for Your Outdoor Kitchen Island

Let’s compare the pros and cons of 3 popular outdoor kitchen island layouts. Our team analyzed these shapes for seating, serving and functional layout considerations.

L-Shaped Island

This layout features two perpendicular islands joined at one end apiece to form an L shape. One island is generally longer than the other. These islands function best along the edges of an outdoor kitchen design space.

Pros:

• Seating: An L-shape provides good options for seating along the longer arm of the "L," allowing for more linear interaction among guests. The corner easily accommodates a few extra seats.
• Serving: Use the two distinct legs of the "L" to separate prep and serving areas effectively. Guests easily access food and drinks placed along the serving side.
• Functional Layout: This is a versatile layout that fits well in corners or along the edge of a patio. It offers a good amount of continuous countertop space and allows for ample work space.

Cons:

• Seating: Seating capacity along an L-shape is usually slightly less than a U-shaped island of a similar size. Corner seating is a bit tight.
• Serving: The separation between prep and serving might not be as distinct as in a U-shaped design, potentially leading to a bit more congestion in a smaller L-shape.
• Functional Layout: The corner can sometimes be a less accessible or less efficient space compared to straight runs of countertop.

U-Shaped Island

A U-shaped outdoor kitchen island provides the classic horseshoe shape present at many bars and taverns. Homeowners use U-shaped islands for maximum seating and serving space.

Pros:

• Seating: The U-shape naturally creates dedicated seating areas, primarily along the open end of the "U." You’ll comfortably accommodate several guests, fostering interaction while you cook or serve.
• Serving: The multiple countertop sections provide ample space for staging dishes, platters, and drinks. Designate unique areas for prep, cooking, and serving.
• Functional Layout: This design often maximizes workspace and allows for a very efficient work triangle between a grill, bar equipment, and prep area. The enclosed nature also offers a sense of containment and focus for the cook.

Cons:

• Seating: Depending on the size and tightness of the "U," conversation flow between seated guests feels slightly restricted compared to a more open layout.
• Serving: While there's a lot of surface area, guests seated within the "U" often feel a bit separated from those you serve along the outer edges.
• Functional Layout: A U-shape requires more square footage than the other options, which is a constraint in smaller kitchen spaces. Access to the inner part of the "U" feels slightly less open for guests.

Linear Cooking Island

Also known as a “straight island”, a linear kitchen island is one elongated countertop. Think of a classic bar, with the server on one side and guests on the other.

Pros:

• Seating: Seating is typically arranged along one or both long sides of the island. This promotes easy interaction among guests.
• Serving: This layout offers a straightforward serving area along the length of the island, making it easy for guests to access food and drinks.
• Functional Layout: A linear island is usually the most space-efficient option for homeowners. It works beautifully in smaller outdoor areas.

Cons:

• Seating: If your straight island isn’t very long, the serving and gathering space feels a bit confined and limited.
• Serving: While accessible, a single linear serving area offers less distinct serving areas compared to the multiple zones in a U or L-shaped island.
• Functional Layout: Achieving an efficient work triangle is more challenging in a linear design, as elements are typically arranged in a row. This leads to more back-and-forth movement while cooking.

Where to Place Your Backyard Kitchen Island

The effectiveness of your kitchen island layout depends heavily on where it sits in your overall outdoor kitchen design. Here’s the best island to use in 3 distinct areas of your outdoor kitchen.

1. The edge of your cooking space. Use an L-shaped island along the edge or at the corner of your outdoor cooking area.
2. The center of your cooking space. A U-shaped island works well as the centerpiece of an outdoor kitchen design layout.
3. Twin parallel islands. Want the straightforward serving area of a linear island, but with more space for appliances? Twin parallel islands increase your work space.

Outdoor Island Countertop Material Selection: Premium Options

Countertop material selection is tricky — there isn’t one “best in class” option for every outdoor kitchen. Homeowners who regularly cook, grill and serve hot food have vastly different needs than those serving icy drinks from their outdoor bar area.

Allied Outdoor Solutions suggests 3 countertop materials that perform well in most outdoor kitchen spaces. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each in terms of heat and moisture protection, aesthetic value, and maintenance and sealing needs.

Granite

Homeowners with multiple grills and outdoor cooking appliances love granite for its heat resistance. It’s less effective in a dedicated outdoor bar space, as it’s not as moisture resistant as quartz.

Pros:

• Heat Protection: Granite boasts excellent heat resistance. Confidently place hot pots and griddles directly on the surface without worrying about damage or scorching.
• Moisture Protection: When properly sealed, granite is highly resistant to moisture and staining. Regular sealing is key to maintaining this protection, especially in areas with heavy rainfall or high humidity.
• Aesthetic Beauty: The natural variations in granite offer a luxurious and timeless aesthetic. It offers a wide range of colors and patterns to complement your unique outdoor design.
• Level of Maintenance: Once properly sealed, daily cleaning is relatively simple with soap and water. Periodic resealing is necessary to maintain its moisture and stain resistance — twice per year is best in outdoor areas with heavy usage.

Cons:

• Heat Protection: While highly heat resistant, extreme and sudden temperature changes can occasionally cause thermal shock.
• Moisture Protection: If the sealant is not properly applied or maintained, granite is porous and susceptible to staining from spills like oil or wine. It’s also susceptible to climate damage from rain, hail and snow if your outdoor kitchen is uncovered.
• Aesthetic Beauty: While beautiful, granite’s natural variations mean achieving a perfectly uniform look is impossible.
• Level of Maintenance: If you want a totally low-maintenance outdoor countertop material, the need for periodic resealing is a drawback.

Quartz

Quartz is the ideal countertop material for homeowners concerned with moisture and spills in their outdoor kitchens. It’s outperformed by granite in terms of heat protection. 

Pros:

• Heat Protection: Quartz is generally heat resistant, but it's not as robust as granite. Prolonged exposure to high heat, especially from direct flame or very hot cookware, can potentially damage the resin binders, leading to discoloration or scorching. 
• Moisture Protection: Quartz is highly resistant to moisture and stains due to the non-porous nature of the resin binders,. It generally doesn't require sealing, making it a low-maintenance option in terms of moisture protection.
• Aesthetic Beauty: Quartz offers a wide array of consistent colors and patterns, including options that mimic natural stone. This allows for more predictable aesthetics and design flexibility.
• Level of Maintenance: Quartz is known for its low maintenance. Daily cleaning with soap and water is usually sufficient, and no regular sealing is required.

Cons:

• Heat Protection: Its lower heat resistance compared to granite is a significant consideration for an outdoor kitchen where grills and hot items will be present.
• Moisture Protection: While highly moisture resistant, harsh outdoor chemicals or prolonged exposure to standing water affect the resin over time. This is less of a concern than with unsealed natural stone.
• Aesthetic Beauty: Some might find the engineered look of quartzite less natural or unique than the variations found in granite.
• Level of Maintenance: While generally low, some darker colors pf quartz show fingerprints or water spots more readily than lighter surfaces.

Bonus Option: Consider Leathered Granite

Leathered granite starts with a matte finish. A diamond-tipped brush runs across the surface to create a textured, slightly dimpled looks that resembles leather. This process closes the pores of the granite more than a honed finish, often enhancing its natural color.

Pros:

• Heat Protection: Similar to polished and honed granite, leathered granite offers excellent heat resistance. Place hot cookware directly on it without damage concerns.
• Moisture Protection: The leathering process tightens the pores of the granite, making it more resistant to staining and moisture absorption compared to honed granite. However, sealing is still recommended, especially for outdoor use.
• Aesthetic Beauty: Leathered granite provides a unique, natural, and often rustic aesthetic. The textured surface adds depth and character to the stone, highlighting its natural variations without the high shine of a polished finish. 
• Level of Maintenance: Daily cleaning is usually easy with soap and water. The textured surface hides some minor spills and smudges, making it appear cleaner for longer than polished surfaces. Sealing is suggested once every 12-24 months — ask our expert installation team for their advice on your specific countertop.

Cons:

• Heat Protection: As with other granite finishes, avoid extreme and sudden temperature changes to prevent potential thermal shock.
• Moisture Protection: While more resistant than honed granite, it's not as non-porous as quartz. Regular sealing is crucial to maintain its stain and moisture resistance, especially in an outdoor kitchen setting.
• Aesthetic Beauty: The textured look doesn’t appeal to everyone, especially if you prefer a smooth, polished surface.
• Level of Maintenance: While it hides some messes, the textured surface occasionally traps  crumbs and debris, requiring the use of a brush or more thorough wiping to clean effectively. 

The Right Materials for Your Island’s Support Structure

Most homeowners don’t think about the support structure of their outdoor islands — once installed, they’re rarely seen. But the materials used in your island’s support structure are the difference between a durable, stable space and one that crumbles over time.

Let’s evaluate 3 effective materials for most kitchen island support structures in terms of 3 key factors: strength, durability, and labor intensiveness (complexity of installation).

Galvanized Steel

Pros:

• Strength: Offers very high tensile strength, capable of supporting heavy countertops, appliances, and even seating areas without significant risk of bending or breaking. Provides a rigid and stable structure.
• Durability: Zinc coating provides excellent long-term protection against rust and corrosion, which is crucial for outdoor exposure in varying temperatures and potential moisture. Galvanized steel is resistant to pests and rot.
• Labor Intensiveness: Galvanized steel is relatively quick to assemble if using pre-fabricated sections. The material is lighter than concrete, making it easier to handle. 

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Cons:

• Strength: Galvanized steel’s strength depends on the gauge (thickness) of the steel. Improper welding or fastening compromises the structural integrity.
• Durability: If the galvanized coating is scratched or damaged, the underlying steel is  exposed and may rust. Damaged areas require touch-ups and potential inspections.
• Labor Intensiveness: Installation requires specialized tools for cutting and joining  like welding equipment, metal saws and fasteners. Welding requires skilled labor. Precise alignment is necessary for a strong and square frame.

Concrete Masonry

Pros:

• Strength: Concrete masonry offers exceptional strength, ideal for supporting heavy countertops and built-in appliances. It creates a highly stable and stout structure.
• Durability: Highly durable and resistant to weather extremes, especially freeze-thaw cycles, pests, fire, and rot. Concrete has minimal degradation concerns. 
• Labor Intensiveness: Individual blocks are quite simple to handle. 

Cons:

• Strength: It has lower tensile strength compared to steel — it's strong under direct weight but less so under bending forces. Reinforce concrete masonry with rebar to improve its tensile strength.
• Durability: Blocks are susceptible to cracking if the foundation shifts or settles. Once constructed, modifications or relocation are extremely difficult.
• Labor Intensiveness: Concrete blocks require masonry skills (laying blocks, mixing mortar, ensuring level and plumb). The weight of the blocks makes transportation and placement physically demanding. A solid, level foundation is crucial.

Powder-Coated Aluminum

Pros:

• Strength: Powder-coated aluminum framing offers a good strength-to-weight ratio, capable of supporting typical countertop materials and appliances for an outdoor kitchen.
• Durability: Aluminum will not rust, making it excellent for outdoor environments. The powder coating adds resistance to corrosion, scratches, and fading from UV exposure.
• Labor Intensiveness: Its lightweight nature makes aluminum easier to handle than steel or concrete. Pre-fabricated frames are easy to assemble. Bolt-together systems are generally less labor-intensive than welding steel or laying concrete block.

Cons:

• Strength: Pound-for-pound, it’s not as strong as steel. It usually requires more bracing or thicker profiles for very heavy countertops or significant overhangs. Strength depends heavily on the design and quality of the connections.
• Durability: It’s more susceptible to dents or damage from sharp impacts compared to steel or concrete. The powder coating can chip or scratch over time.
• Labor Intensiveness: Aluminum framing requires specific tools and fasteners for assembly. Precision in alignment is important for structural integrity. Welding aluminum requires specialized equipment and skills.

TABLE: Comparison of Outdoor Kitchen Island Support Structure Materials

The Finishing Touches: Material Selection for Your Outdoor Island

You’ve chosen a beautiful, durable countertop that compliments how you use your outdoor kitchen island. You’ve selected a strong, sturdy frame to hold your counters and appliances.

Now, let’s add an exterior finishing material that delivers aesthetic beauty and sustainability all at once. Here are 3 kitchen island exterior/veneer materials we frequently use and trust to provide lasting solutions for outdoor kitchen spaces:

Natural Stone

Natural stone veneer consists of thin cuts of real stone adhered to a backing for easier installation. The type of stone used depends heavily on where you live — in Texas, limestone and sandstone are easily sourced from local quarries.

Natural stone provides an authentic, timeless look in a variety of colors and textures. Choose chopped stone, stacked stone or split face to match your existing architectural style.

Sealing is pivotal to long-term success of your natural stone veneers. You’ll also find stone materials set at a higher price point than other options for your island.

Carvestone (Modified Concrete Overlay)

Carvestone is a modified concrete overlay that achieves a variety of colors, patterns and textures. It delivers exceptional durability — rated to withstand up to 6,000 PSI of direct pressure.

Use Carvestone to emulate natural stone, brick and other popular design materials.

Not all modified concrete overlays are created equal. We trust Carvestone for high-quality craftsmanship and materials, and install it confidently in thousands of outdoor projects.

Porcelain Tile

Outdoor rated porcelain tile is a gorgeous and exceptionally durable material for outdoor island finishes. It’s non-porous, highly resistant to rain and moisture, and offers uniform color.

Our customers find porcelain tile extremely easy to clean and generally low maintenance.

As with natural stone, porcelain tile comes with a higher price tag than other materials. 

Trust Allied Outdoor Solutions for Texas Outdoor Kitchen Islands

Thanks for walking through this guide to outdoor kitchen island design. If you live in Texas, we’d love to walk the second mile with you and make that design a reality.

We’ve transformed over 25,000 Texas backyards into gorgeous, functional outdoor living spaces in Austin, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio. Our team of outdoor living designers, Construction Coordinators and Supervisors guide you through every step of the process with clear communication and collaborative decision-making.

Talk to us. Let’s build an outdoor kitchen that serves your Texas family home for generations.