7 Mistakes People Make When Planning an Outdoor Kitchen (And How to Avoid Them)

7 Mistakes People Make When Planning an Outdoor Kitchen

(And How to Avoid Them)

We love every kitchen we build. But sometimes, late in a project, a client will say: "I wish I'd known that earlier." These are the moments that inspired this list.

Here are the seven most common outdoor kitchen planning mistakes — and how to avoid every one of them.

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Mistake 1: Not Measuring the Space Properly

It sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised. The most common version of this: measuring the total wall length but forgetting to account for the pergola post, the hose reel, or the sliding door that opens into the intended kitchen zone.

The fix: Measure twice. Note every obstacle. Then use our free online planner to map your exact deck dimensions before selecting any cabinets.

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Mistake 2: Speccing the BBQ After the Cabinets

Your BBQ determines your cabinet sizing — not the other way around. If you fall in love with a particular BBQ model and it's 760mm wide, your cabinet cutout needs to accommodate that. Building the cabinets first and then trying to find a BBQ to fit is a very stressful game.

The fix: Choose your BBQ first. Then design around it.

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Mistake 3: Forgetting About Power and Plumbing

An outdoor fridge needs a power point. A sink needs water and drainage. If you're building on a new deck without existing services, these need to be planned and roughed-in before the kitchen is installed.

The fix: Brief your electrician and plumber before manufacturing starts. We coordinate this regularly and can advise on what's needed.

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Mistake 4: Underestimating Bench Space

Every client who has ever said "I don't need much bench space" has later wished they had more. Prep, landing zone for food coming off the BBQ, drinks, dishes — bench space disappears fast.

The fix: If you can add one more cabinet, add it. You won't regret it.

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Mistake 5: Choosing Finishes for Photos, Not for Your Life

That gorgeous dark charcoal benchtop looks incredible on Instagram. It also shows every water mark, fingerprint, and piece of dust. A white Smartstone benchtop is equally beautiful and far more forgiving in daily use.

The fix: Think about how you actually live. Choose finishes that work for your household, not just for the reveal photo.

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Mistake 6: Ignoring the Wind

Sydney's Northern Beaches gets wind. Real wind. A kitchen that faces directly into the prevailing sou-easter will make cooking miserable on windy days. The position of your BBQ relative to wind direction matters more than most people think.

The fix: Orient the BBQ so the prevailing wind is crosswind or behind you when you're cooking, not blowing into your face.

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Mistake 7: Rushing the Design Stage

Once manufacturing starts, changes are expensive and time-consuming. The design stage is the time to test every layout, second-guess every finish choice, and ask every question. It's free. Manufacturing changes are not.

The fix: Spend as long as you need in the planning phase. Use our free online planner to experiment without any commitment.

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Have questions before you start? Call us on 0482 088 410 — we're always happy to talk through your project before you commit to anything.

— MJ Leckie Carpentry