Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor Kitchen Layouts — Straight, L, U, or Island?
Pick the right outdoor kitchen layout for your yard, your cooking style, and the number of people you actually entertain.
Dylan, AE Outdoor Living · January 15, 2026
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Straight (8–14 ft)
Best for small patios. Grill, prep, sink in a single run against the ramada wall. Cheapest to build (one trench for gas/water/electric).
L-shape (12–18 ft)
Our most popular. Cooking on one leg, prep and bar seating on the other. Cook stays in the action without traffic crossing the grill.
U-shape (16–22 ft)
For serious cooks who entertain. Three work zones — hot, cold, prep. Needs a 14×14 minimum footprint.
Island
Great when the structure is centered in the yard. Bar seating all around, but you'll pay for double-sided finish and longer utility runs.
Rules that apply to all
- 36" counter height standard; 42" bar.
- 24" clear on either side of the grill.
- Sink within 8 ft of cook surface.
- Refrigerator on the cool end, away from grill heat.
- Always run conduit for future ice maker / pizza oven.
