10 small outdoor kitchen ideas just in time for summer

As summer approaches, many homeowners are looking for ways to enhance their outdoor living spaces—and what better place to start than with a small garden kitchen?

Whether you’re working with a small patio, or a narrow garden, clever design and quality building materials can help you create a stylish, space-efficient setup that’s perfect for cooking and entertaining outdoors!

From garden kitchen ideas and modular units to waterproof decking and clever storage tips, we’ve put together 10 practical and inspiring ideas that make the most of any space—just in time for BBQ season.

Howarth Timber

1. Outdoor kitchen units

Kitchen units are a smart choice for outside kitchen design, offering both durability and a natural appearance that blends beautifully with outdoor spaces.

Likewise, if you’re wanting a sustainable Howarth touch, you can build a simple frame using treated carcassing timber and complete it with cladding to create a clean, complete look.

Add worktops, cupboard space, and a slot for a BBQ to create an all-in-one cooking zone.

@homebird_mrsmac

2. Corner layouts with timber cladding

Make the most of your limited space by tucking your kitchen into a corner of your garden. Timber cladding can be used to create a sleek, built-in effect while helping the kitchen blend into existing fencing or garden structures.

Use pressure-treated timber for long-lasting performance in all weather conditions— which is an ideal solution for small garden kitchens.

Waltons

3. Integrated BBQ station with storage shelving

Even the smallest gardens can accommodate a BBQ station—especially when you incorporate storage underneath.

Use timber garden sleepers or treated decking joists to build a sturdy frame and add shelves for utensils, condiments, or charcoal. This idea is great for those searching for ideas for an outdoor cooking area that keeps everything neat and within reach.

@creekstoneoutdoors

4. Fold-down worktops

When space is tight, fold-down worktops are incredibly useful. Construct a simple drop-leaf counter using decking boards and sturdy hinges, then attach it to a wall, fence, or kitchen unit. It folds away when not in use—making it perfect for small garden kitchens or balconies with limited room.

Etsy

5. Covered kitchens with pergolas

A covered outdoor kitchen adds structure and use to your space. Pergolas made from softwood posts offer shade and shelter, while maintaining airflow.

Adding a cover means your kitchen design outside can be used in all weather conditions, and adds a cosy, inviting feel.

@aos_outdoorkitchens

6. DIY brick & timber combo builds

For a rustic look, try combining brickwork with timber finishes.

You can create a strong base using concrete blocks or bricks and then soften the overall look with natural wood worktops. It’s a very practical take on garden kitchen ideas that balances function and style.

@project_ivel

7. Breakfast bar-style worktops

Want to make your kitchen more sociable? Add a breakfast bar using PSE timber and pair it with stools for relaxed dining.

This not only adds visual interest, but it’s also a great use of space in kitchen design outside the home.

Grillo

8. Vertical Storage Ideas

Make the most of vertical space by mounting shelves, hooks, or tool racks using timber battens or fencing panels.

Not only does this maximise functionality, but it’s also one of the easiest and most budget-friendly ideas for outdoor cooking areas that keeps clutter at bay!

Ideal Home

9. Multi-use cooking zones using timber worktops

For a compact yet efficient setup, design a multi-use timber frame that combines prep areas, storage, and cooking.

Add a BBQ or pizza oven for a complete small garden kitchen experience that doesn’t require much room but delivers big on functionality.

Ideal Home

10. Finishing touches

Bring your outdoor kitchen to life with the right finishing touches!

Add timber screening for privacy, raised beds for homegrown herbs, and garden lighting for those summer evenings. These garden kitchen ideas help define your space and make it feel more permanent and inviting.

Creative Gardens & Driveways

At Howarth, we supply a wide range of high-quality timber, decking, fencing, and landscaping materials to help you bring your garden kitchen to life. Whether you're building a bespoke frame or looking for ready-made solutions, we’ve got everything you need for a beautiful and practical kitchen design outside your home.

Overall, we hope this article has helped you familarise yourself with a wide range of outdoor kitchen ideas. However, if you have any more questions about outdoor kitchens, or would just like to know more about the products we sell at Howarth, we offer helpful advice from our Customer Service team who may be able to advise you further, and you can contact them on the number 01472 907051.

Or if you’re interested in checking out our wide range of garden landscaping products, you can access the category here, and you can visit us in branch for more information.