Prepare the Outdoor Space

You can’t build an outdoor kitchen in knee-deep mud or the middle of the forest. You’re going to want to clear the immediate space to build a solid foundation for your kitchen. Weeds, trash, trees, and other debris should be cleared out. You will need space for appliances like grills and seating areas to enjoy your meal. Tiny home properties can vary significantly in size; if you have an expansive property, consider making the kitchen area larger to provide an entertainment space outside of your tiny home. If you’re limited in property size, every square foot counts; clear out as much as you can.

Set Goals for Your Tiny Outdoor Kitchen

It wouldn’t make sense to place a grill in your outdoor kitchen if you hate grilling. Make sure you know what you want out of your tiny outdoor kitchen so you can make the most efficient space. What will you cook outside? How often will you use it? Will you use it year-round? How many people will enjoy the space? Answering these questions can help you plan the kitchen space better. Outdoor kitchens usually have furniture, grills, stovetops, sinks, bars, and counters to prepare meals. You can include as much or as little as you like as long as you have the money and space.

Build the Right Size Deck

You’re going to want a flat, even foundation for your kitchen, even if you’re going tiny. A patio deck is ideal for most outdoor kitchens, as it can provide both a place for your cooking equipment and to relax and eat. Decks are a necessity if you have uneven terrain in your backyard.

Depending on the size of your tiny home, you don’t want the deck to be too big or too small. Make sure it doesn’t overwhelm the house in terms of size, but you want it to be enough space for your kitchen plans—including the dining area. You can hire a deck builder to help you choose the best size and materials for your location. If you need the deck to be mobile along with your home, you’re definitely going to want to hire help. The best materials for your deck will depend on your location.

Florida

Moisture, from hurricanes to humidity, is a major factor in choosing deck material in Florida. Cool decks can protect against burns in the summertime, making them ideal for cooking and eating. Cypress and pine are popular wood options, especially when treated. The intensity of the sun can quickly fade a deck's color, so be mindful when choosing a material.

Alaska

America’s northernmost state is well known for its freezing climate. Heavy snow will gather on decks here, so the material should be cold- and moisture-resistant. Pressure-treated wood is a popular decking option here, as it can endure a decent amount of cold. Composite decking is also recommended for easier maintenance and cold resistance. 

Tennessee

Tennessee enjoys a middle ground when it comes to climate. The heat and humidity can be quite intense in the summer, but the mountains can bring freezing temperatures and snow in the winter. Find a deck builder in Tennessee who is experienced and familiar with the best materials for varying climates like these. Moisture resistance from humidity, rain, and snow is ideal here. Cedar is known for its insect and weather resistance. Cool decking is good here to combat the heat in the summer as well.

Weatherproof the Space

While appliance and grill covers can help protect equipment in inclement weather, you don’t want to rely solely on them to protect your kitchen. Better protection from the elements can make the space last longer. Consider large umbrellas, pergolas, or awnings to help keep your tiny kitchen safer from excessive heat, rain, snow, or sunlight. Colors and materials can be better preserved under more climate-controlled environments. Retractable awnings or umbrellas can help you choose direct sunlight as desired.

Choose the Right Appliances

It’s important to select the appliances you actually want and need in your tiny kitchen, especially if you have limited space. If you’re only entertaining yourself and a few people, you probably won’t need the largest grill. Browse different sizes and take measurements into account. Make sure the appliance you choose can be powered easily in your outdoor space. Popular outdoor kitchen appliances include smokers, grills, wine coolers, and stovetops.

Don’t Forget the Furniture

When you’re finished preparing your tasty outdoor meal, you’ll want a space to enjoy it! Your tiny home might not have the dining space you need, especially if you’re entertaining. Your yard can help make up some of that square footage. Buy a table and some chairs as a start. Couches or lounge chairs are also fun considerations if you have the space for them. Make sure they’re comfortable and intended for outdoor use to get the most out of your purchase.

Add Value With Lighting

Nighttime cooking can be fun for you and your guests, especially in winter when it gets dark early. Consider hanging up some string lights, a fire pit, or some lamp posts that can illuminate the space at night. Solar-powered lighting is a smart choice, as you’ll likely have plenty of access to sunlight to keep them charged. String lights are a charming option, as you can illuminate a small space without taking up square footage.

Conclusion

Building an outdoor kitchen in your tiny home works similarly to a traditional one in most cases. However, if you need to keep your tiny home mobile or you only rent the land it is on, you’re going to need to prepare for mobility. Appliances and counters on wheels that can be easily stored if mobility is necessary can help keep your space flexible for many reasons. If you do own the land, you can make the outdoor kitchen as big or as permanent as you’d like. Large or small outdoor kitchens are a wonderful home addition that can add timeless comfort and value.