Winning Checklist for Texas Outdoor Kitchen Designs

There’s plenty of design inspiration out there — but settling on real decisions about your new outdoor kitchen is hard. That’s why we decided to simplify Texas outdoor kitchen designs with a step-by-step guide.

We asked our outdoor living designers to collaborate on a checklist that Texas homeowners could easily follow to design their ideal outdoor kitchen space. They delivered a guidebook based on basic questions, personal preferences and stress-free decisions. 

Discover their 5 simple steps to jumpstart your journey to the backyard bar, cooking or grilling station of your dreams.

Why Trust Our TX Outdoor Kitchen Design Experience

Allied Outdoor Solutions has transformed over 25,000 Texas backyards into custom, handcrafted outdoor living spaces since 2009.

Thousands of these projects involved new outdoor kitchens, bars and grill stations for homeowners in Houston, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio. 

We’re proud of our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and our 4.6-star rating across over 2,500 client reviews — like this one from Bill S.:

"After many years of dealing with the blazing hot Texas sun while trying to grill, we decided it was time to build a true outdoor kitchen. We chose Allied Outdoor Solutions because they had already done a wonderful job of resurfacing our patio space. Allied kept us informed, every step of the way — we knew what was happening and why. The best part is this - the finished product is even better than we imagined!”

The 5 Step Checklist to Great Outdoor Kitchen Design in Texas

The perfect checklist for Texas outdoor kitchen design looks like this:

‍Texas Outdoor Kitchen Design Checklist:

Let’s break down every key point of this checklist together. You’ll gain a clear vision of your outdoor kitchen project, and total control over the design process.

Step 1: Overall Vision and Goals for Your Outdoor Kitchen

In this stage, you’ll define a clear, unique vision for your personal outdoor kitchen design. What does your dream kitchen look like? Who will it serve (and how many people will it accommodate)? And what are a realistic budget and timeline for your project?

Let’s cover the key uses, style options, and “non-negotiable” design elements and features for your dream outdoor kitchen space.

Primary Use

This is the most important section of our entire Texas outdoor kitchen design checklist. It’s what separates your space from anyone else’s most clearly.

For some, an outdoor cooking area is a place to grill for dozens of guests for family reunions, 4th of July celebrations and block parties. For others, it’s a quiet spot to have a steak and glass of wine with close family and friends.

There are no wrong answers — this is your kitchen to love and use for decades. 

Here are 5 great questions to ask yourself about how you’ll use your dream outdoor kitchen:

1. Will you mostly use it for grilling, or do you need other cooking appliances?
2. Are you going to prepare full meals outdoors?
3. Will your outdoor kitchen serve as an entertainment hub for guests?
4. Do you see your outdoor kitchen as an extension of your indoor living space?
5. Are there specific types of cuisine you plan to cook frequently — BBQ, pizza?

Desired Aesthetics

We hire a team of expert outdoor living designers to pair your existing home architecture and outdoor spaces with new outdoor living areas. Get a jumpstart on the design process for your outdoor kitchen — define the key styles and aesthetic features that make your home unique.

Are you living in an Austin Craftsman? A Spanish Revival in San Antonio? The materials and design elements in your outdoor dining and cooking space should reflect and compliment your home.

Consider the look and layout of existing outdoor spaces — do you already own a pool, garden or pergola? Do you plan to incorporate your outdoor kitchen into an existing covered patio?

“Must-Have” Features

What design features elevate a nice outdoor kitchen into the one of your dreams? If you hired us today, what’s on your “must-have” list as we collaborated on your design?

For most Texans, it’s all about the barbecue. A custom grill station with stainless steel grill and premium features like infrared burners and smokers is the centerpiece of thousands of our successful outdoor kitchen projects.

Other homeowners covet an outdoor bar with an ice maker, kegerator and dedicated wine fridge. 

Whatever’s on your list, don’t hesitate — you’re building the kitchen you’ve always wanted, so make it count!

Budget Allocation

Balance your dreams with a bit of realism — there’s a gorgeous outdoor kitchen solution for every budget, and a quality outdoor contractor always respects yours.

It’s more important to determine where and how your budget is spent when building an outdoor kitchen. Do you want to spend more on the grill or other appliances? Want to splurge on high-end countertops, or save that budget for an outdoor television and sound system?

Step 2: Location and Layout Considerations

Let’s talk location. Where is the best place on your property for your outdoor kitchen? Do you have an existing patio or pergola, or would you like one built specifically for your grill or bar? Is a custom Texas grill station on your pool deck your fantasy?

We’ll consider the local climate and environmental factors that play a role in outdoor living design, like Dallas hail, Houston humidity, and the clay soil throughout Texas. We’ll also tackle the best size, dimensions and layout for your new kitchen.

Location on Property

Where’s the best place on your property to build this outdoor kitchen space? Here are 3 of our outdoor living designers’ best suggestions:

1. An existing covered patio. The patio likely stands adjacent to your home, making it simple to tie into gas, electric and water lines. It’s also a quicker trip from your indoor kitchen to your outdoor appliances. A patio cover provides extra protection for guests (and your kitchen) from heat, rain and moisture.
2. An existing pergola. A freestanding pergola offers a perfect opportunity to house your new kitchen space. A louvered pergola roof offers flexible control — close the roof when it’s hot, and open it back up for better ventilation while grilling or smoking.
3. Near your home. Even if you don’t have an existing patio, placing your outdoor kitchen near the home simplifies tying into utilities and running new gas and water lines.

Environmental and Climate Factors

Texas’ biggest environmental challenge to outdoor construction is our expansive clay soil. It retains moisture and expands when wet, then dries and cracks during hot summer months. This constant shifting, bloating and settling puts great strain on your foundation.

Consider these local climate factors when designing your outdoor kitchen (as well as our solutions):

• Austin: ATX is an “urban heat island” — temperatures are only getting hotter in recent years. Use shade structures to keep furniture and materials from fading, and add ventilation in the form of smart overhead fans to keep your grill station cool.
• Dallas-Fort Worth: Hail. The DFW Metroplex reports more hail damage insurance claims than any other Texas city. Protect your outdoor kitchen investment with a solid patio roof. 
• Houston: Humidity off the Gulf Coast and Galveston Bay is intolerable at times in Houston. Consider materials that perform well against moisture — like quartzite countertops, porcelain tile and powder-coated aluminum.
• San Antonio: UV radiation is a huge issue in San Antonio, where the UV index routinely exceeds 10 (“extreme”). A shade structure prevents fading and degradation of appliances, outdoor furniture and countertops.

Size and Dimensions

How much space do you have to play with? Effective outdoor kitchens come in all sizes — it’s all about selecting the right layout for your needs.

• Use an L-shaped island along your kitchen’s perimeter to maximize continuous countertop space and create distinct prep and serving areas.
• A U-shaped island succeeds in larger outdoor kitchens, with copious room for seating, cooking, serving and storage.
• A straight island offers one continuous linear countertop for seating, cooking and serving. It lacks a bit in utility, but functions well in smaller areas.

Consider the dimensions of your desired appliances — especially your built-in grill. These will dictate the minimum square footage your kitchen island requires. 

Step 3: Zoning and Permits

A quick dive into zoning and regulations isn’t fun, but it’s essential to proper project planning. We won’t bore you with the details — when you hire Allied Outdoor Solutions, your dedicated Construction Coordinator and Construction Supervisor handle the paperwork and legwork.

Let’s define any local regulations, unique considerations (like a HOA) and permit requirements that apply to your new outdoor kitchen project.

Local Regulations

Are there any size restrictions or setbacks for new outdoor structures in your town or city? What about ordinances regarding open flames or outdoor cooking appliances?

These regulations usually aren’t a huge deal in Texas — the people in City Hall want to get out and grill as much as you do. But it’s still very important to ask.

Be sure to ask your Allied Outdoor Solutions Construction Coordinator these questions. We’ll find the answers for you (we usually already know).

Personal Considerations

The major personal consideration regarding outdoor kitchen design and construction is simple — do you have an HOA?

Do you know if your Homeowners Association has any guidelines or restrictions on outdoor kitchens? Is there a specific approval process you must follow?

Again, our Construction Coordinator and Supervisor will handle all the details and follow all HOA requirements to the letter. Just let us know!

Permits

Don’t worry at all about this step. It’s important to understand which permits are needed for your specific outdoor kitchen space — but that’s our Construction Coordinator’s job.

Your outdoor living designer will pass off design plans to the construction team. We’ll handle all associated permits for gas, electric, water or general building that are required.

Speaking of utilities…

Step 4: Utility Considerations for Your Texas Outdoor Kitchen

Let’s make sure the outdoor kitchen of your dreams is hooked up, functional and ready to go!

Are you running gas or electric to your new grill or range? Do you need a power supply for other outdoor kitchen appliances, ventilation or outdoor lighting? Are you installing a TV or speakers? And do you need water lines for a refrigerator, sink, ice maker or dishwasher?

Gas Needs

Plan to deliver natural gas or propane to each of these appliances or features:

• Grill: Most built-in outdoor grills utilize gas or propane, especially in Texas.
• Side burner
• Pizza oven
• Outdoor oven
• Smoker
• Outdoor fireplace or custom fire pit
• Gas-powered refrigerator (less common)

Nearly every gas grill requires a dedicated gas line. Some portable grills run on propane tanks.

Electrical Needs

Each of these outdoor kitchen appliances and features requires electricity to function:

• Grill igniters and other features: Even if you have a gas grill, many have on-board features that require an electrical hookup. These include igniters, rotisseries and some smokers. 
• Electric grills and smokers
• Outdoor refrigerator
• Dishwasher
• Ice maker
• Warming drawer
• Lighting
• Outdoor television
• Speakers
• Small countertop appliances: blenders, food processors, etc.

The sink you purchase may also require electricity for its water pump.

Electrical Outlets and Circuits for Your Outdoor Kitchen

It’s always better to overestimate the number of outlets your outdoor space needs by 1 or 2. A spare outlet is a much better outcome than not enough power to your space (or a tangled mess of power strips near water).

When in doubt, assign one outlet and circuit to every major outdoor kitchen appliance. This also applies to any outdoor TV or speaker system you add to the space.

Add one GFCI protected outlet for every 4-6 feet of countertop space. You’ll have extra power for guests to charge their phones — or for the blender you bring outside for frozen margaritas.

Pro Tip: Install a weatherproof receptacle cover for all outlets exposed to the elements.

Water Needs

The following appliances and features in your new outdoor kitchen design require water:

• Outdoor sink: Determine if you want hot and cold water taps. Hot water requires tying into your home’s hot water supply, which raises the complexity and price of installation.
• Outdoor dishwasher
• Ice maker
• Outdoor refrigerator with water dispenser
• Taps: If you want a kegerator that requires cooling, it might need a water line connection. Note that this is rare.

Draining, Winterization and Backflow Prevention

Any outdoor feature that uses water needs a proper drainage solution. For a sink and dishwasher, our contractors connect to your home's wastewater system or a designated outdoor drainage area.

Freezing events are on the rise in Texas (especially Dallas), so winterizing outdoor water lines is important. Our experts guide you through options like shut-off valves and line drainage.

Backflow prevention is required in many local Texas building codes. These devices protect your water supply from contamination. Ask your contractor if you need backflow devices.

Step 5: Free, Expert Input from Allied Outdoor Solutions

The last — and most enjoyable — step of any brainstorm is getting a free consultation from the experts who built your guide.

At Allied Outdoor Solutions, we love hearing your outdoor living dreams. Each one is a fresh opportunity to change someone’s life for the better, for decades. 

Isn’t it your turn?

Tell us about your dream Texas outdoor kitchen design. We’ll show you how to make it real.