If you're a homeowner looking to build a custom outdoor kitchen bar, you've got a lot of choices to make when it comes to design, materials, appliances and accessories. The only limit is your imagination when you're looking for outdoor bar ideas, and it can be overwhelming when looking at all the options on the market. That's why it's important to shop with a reputable retailer like Kickass Grills. Our expert team has curated a collection of the very best brands in the outdoor kitchen industry, meaning you can shop with confidence that you're buying quality products designed to offer exceptional service for many years to come.
That's also why we've put together this handy guide to walk you through common questions and solutions for your outdoor kitchen bar. If you're looking for ideas for how to design your custom backyard "watering hole" then you've come to the right place. Our expert guide on outdoor bar ideas is just what you need!
Outdoor Kitchen Bar - Shape & Style
The first question you'll need to answer when designing your outdoor bar is the overall layout, size and shape of the installation. Once you've decided on the layout of your outdoor bar design, you can start thinking about materials, appliances and more. Obviously, the design of your outdoor bar will be dependent on the available space. Outdoor bar designs for small spaces have to make more economical use of the room they have available.
Once you've accounted for the amount of space you have available, the sky is pretty much the limit when it comes to laying out your outdoor kitchen. Much like an indoor bar, it's best to keep in mind things like the relative placement of your features to maximize convenience and providing sufficient space for prep. If you're in need of some guidance, our expert team can use innovative 3D modeling software to help you design the perfect outdoor bar.
Outdoor Kitchen Bar - Bar Centers & Sinks
The beating heart of any outdoor bar is the bar center/sink where you prepare drinks and ingredients. They range from simple outdoor sinks like this stainless steel unit from Bull to a full-featured drink prep station with beverage chiller and speed rail by Alfresco. Depending on your budget, available space and needs, you can almost certainly find the right product for your needs in our inventory.
One thing to keep in mind when designing your outdoor bar is the need for utilities. Most outdoor kitchen bars include a connection to an electrical supply for things like lights, refrigerators and blenders. In addition, if you're adding a sink to your outdoor bar, you'll need to supply water as well as provide drainage to ensure proper operation. These considerations can increase the price of your project, but they'll also provide an improved experience for you and your guests.
Outdoor Kitchen Bar - Accessories & Features
After designing the layout of the bar and identifying the bar center or sink that you want, you'll then need to think about which accessories and other features you'd like to purchase to complete your outdoor bar. The two main accessory options are outdoor refrigerators and outdoor kitchen storage doors/drawers.
Outdoor Refrigerators
The purpose of an outdoor refrigerator is pretty obvious: it keeps drinks and other items cold. If you'd like to have a ready supply of chilled beverages, ingredients and garnishes for your guests, then an outdoor refrigerator is the way to go. Another popular option for outdoor refrigeration are kegerators, which can hold a keg of beer and often come with a tap to make serving fresh beer a breeze. We also offer a nice array of ice makers and wine coolers if you're looking for something a little different. Check out our guide to the best outdoor refrigerators for some suggested products.
Outdoor Kitchen Storage Doors & Drawers
You'll also want to check out our selection of outdoor kitchen storage options to provide a place to keep your various bar accessories and tools when not in use. The huge variety of options means there's something for almost any outdoor bar design idea. It may seem like a small thing, but the added convenience and storage space can make a big difference in how useful your outdoor bar is. For more details, check out our outdoor kitchen cabinet FAQ guide.
Outdoor Bar Design Help
If you're looking for more personalized assistance in coming up with outdoor bar design ideas, then you're in luck. Our expert team is ready and waiting to offer guidance throughout the bar design process and help you find the right products for your needs. Simply reach out via phone, email or chat to get your questions answered. They are available Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm Central Time to help!