Before starting to implement your outdoor kitchen plans, seek out the perfect location for the kitchen.This will need to be not too far from the indoor kitchen as you will inevitably be carrying things to and fro and you don't want to be hindered by distance. The way that the smoke will blow is important in that you won't want it to be blowing over your seating area, if you can possibly help it. If the barbeque is enclosed within a structure, make sure that there is an escape route for smoke to the outside, above.

Once you have a layout for a sitting area, you'll need to think about the layout of the actual kitchen. First decide on all the inclusions you'd like to have; grill, wok, bar fridge, sink, cabinetry and more. Ask the rest of the family about their needs too. You may want storage for utensils, cutlery and crockery, wine, glassware, videos to list a few. A handy tip is to select your grill first and then build your cabinets around it, adding in all storage space and space for other equipment you've decided upon.

There are 3 main layout shapes in outdoor kitchen plans, as in the indoor kitchen. The island, U-shaped and L-shaped layouts.The islands and cabinets can be bought ready-made. They are prefabricated and all you have to do is assemble it. You will need an electrician and a plumber to connect the utilities, though. Please check on regulations and permit requirements with your local council.

The choice of materials is very important with the outdoor kitchen. All countertop, cabinet, flooring and appliance materials should be weatherproof if they are exposed to the weather. If not, it is not as essential. Use materials that are low-maintenance, non-porous and won't fade, get too hot, lose their finish, or rust. Some materials that fit this bill are: masonry, stainless steel, outdoor-rated tiles, sealed or natural stone, polished concrete, and treated timber or wood. Exterior grade materials are needed for outdoor cabintery and countertops and flooring must be stain and grease resistant.

If you use your kitchen frequently, design it so that it adheres to good design principles...there ought to be a 'work triangle' in your outdoor kitchen plans, that exists between the sink, fridge and stove so as to minimize movement between these high work areas. Include adequate food preparation space and adequate space around wet areas, storage and cooking areas. There is not much point in having to cook or prepare in the indoor kitchen due to lack of space in the outdoor kitchen!

YES, you can, and implement it all yourself - except perhaps for the electricity and plumbing, but be prepared! Even a simple outdoor kitchen where you are starting from scratch and planning to incorporate a floor, islands, lighting structure, and a seating area, will involve a lot of research about prices and materials, hours of physical labor and careful planning.

However, of course it can be done and if you do it yourself, the satisfaction gained from seeing your efforts come to fruition, will be very exciting! Move onto planning decor and accessories to complete your stunning outdoor kitchen and entertaining area.