If you believe grilling isn’t just a weekend hobby—it’s a way of life—then designing the perfect outdoor grilling area or kitchen should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re flipping burgers for you family, smoking ribs for the neighbors, or enjoying a quiet evening with a cold drink and sizzling steak, your outdoor space should be as functional and inviting as the inside of your home.
At Fieldstone Family Homes, we’ve helped families throughout Minnesota and Western Wisconsin build homes that celebrate the seasons—and outdoor cooking is a big part of that. Here’s what to consider when creating a backyard built for the grill master in you.
1. Start With the Right Location
In our region, where summer is sacred and winters are long, placement is everything. The ideal outdoor kitchen should:
- Be close to the indoor kitchen for easy access to ingredients and supplies
- Have some shelter from wind or rain
- Be positioned to maximize sun (or shade) depending on your preference
- Offer views of the backyard, lake, or entertaining space
- Arrange your equipment to ensure that heat exposure does not cause damage to the siding.
If you love to grill year-round, consider a covered patio or pergola with retractable screens lighting and a built-in heater or fireplace to extend your season.
2. Choose Appliances That Match Your Cooking Style
Today’s outdoor kitchens are more than just a grill on a deck. Think built-in features like:
- Gas or charcoal grills (or both!)
- Smokers or pellet grills
- Side burners for sauces and sides
- Pizza ovens for fun family nights
- Refrigerators and beverage coolers
- Warming drawers for those big BBQ spreads
Choose high-quality, weather-resistant appliances rated for Minnesota and Wisconsin’s temperature swings.
3. Design with Function in Mind
A well-planned outdoor kitchen includes:
- Plenty of counter space for prep and serving
- Durable surfaces like granite, concrete, or stone
- Built-in storage for tools, spices, and accessories
- Good lighting for evening cooking and ambiance
- Sink with running water (if possible)
- Heat resistant siding
Think like a chef—everything should be within reach and ready to use.
4. Create a Space to Gather
Cooking and grilling is often a social event, so build a space that invites company. Consider:
- A bar top with stools so guests can chat while you cook
- A dining area nearby with space for large tables
- A lounge zone with a fire pit or outdoor TV for watching the game
Blending cooking, eating, and relaxing areas creates a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
5. Plan for the Seasons
In the Minnesota and Wisconsin, the seasons can be both your friend and foe. Be sure to:
- Use weather-proof materials that can handle snow, rain, and summer sun
- Install proper drainage and ventilation
- Include overhead cover or retractable awnings
- Think about off-season storage for cushions, utensils, and appliances
With the right design, you can grill from spring thaw through fall’s last leaves—and even into winter if you’re brave enough.
Building from Scratch? Now’s the Time to Think About it.
Designing a new home gives you the perfect opportunity to create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams from the ground up. Our team works hand-in-hand with experts in the industry to integrate outdoor living spaces into your overall home design—so your backyard becomes a true extension of your lifestyle.
Ready to Fire It Up?
At Fieldstone Family Homes, we know home is where the grill is. If you’re thinking about building a new home in Minnesota or Wisconsin—or renovating your current one—we’re here to help you turn your outdoor kitchen vision into a sizzling reality.