Nothing signifies the start of summer more than the smell of something delicious sizzling on an outdoor grill. And gone are the days when a portable charcoal barbeque was your only option. Now there’s a wide variety of options when it comes to grilling station designs, sizes, and functions. Plus, practical add-ons like built-in sinks, outlets for extra appliances, and food prep counters are all in demand.

Whether you’re adding a new outdoor entertainment area or want to upgrade your existing barbeque setup, these outdoor grill ideas are sure to have you cooking up a storm and impressing guests.

ED GOHLICH

Why not make your grill station the star of your yard? An anchoring focal point in landscape design helps provide purpose and cohesion. Showcase your grill and build the other design elements around it. In this yard, the furniture placement, surrounding border plants, trellis, and orange accent colors all help draw the eye to the outdoor grill area.

02of 15Add a Stone Surround

PETER KRUMHARDT

Modern outdoor grills can still work with romantic cottage garden landscaping. Here, natural stone offers rustic style that fits with the potted plants sprinkled throughout the outdoor kitchen. Plus, stone finishes are hard-wearing and heat- and bacteria-resistant. Keep in mind, you’ll likely need to seal a stone surround to keep grill spatters from penetrating.

03of 15Connect Your Outdoor Grill to the Indoors

ED GOHLICH

Outdoor cooking and dining areas provide practical living space. And by smartly blurring the line between outdoor and indoor, you can create continuity in your grill station. Coordinate color palettes and textures, and consider the placement of furnishings to unify the two areas. However, keep patio doors closed if you don’t want cooking smells wafting inside.

04of 15Create a Grilling Zone for Year-Round Use

WERNER SEGARRA

If you’re investing in a top-of-the-range grilling station, it’s a plus if you can use it year-round rather than just in the summer months. Designing a covered patio, especially one that joins directly to the house, lets you do just that. But you don’t have to have a formal extension on your home. Add a pergola for a lower-cost yet functional alternative.

05of 15Put in a Pizza Oven

LISA ROMEREIN

If barbequing isn’t your bag, use this outdoor grill idea to make an authentic Neopolitan-style pizza instead. Whether you go for a traditional wood-burning stove or a gas or electric-powered alternative, there are lots of outdoor pizza oven options to choose from. A covered spot to prevent the pizza stone from cracking when wet is a must, and a traditional brick design is something you can DIY.

06of 15Add Shine with Stainless Steel

BRIE WILLIAMS

If you’re looking for a modern, practical, and stylish finish for your outdoor grill station, you can’t go wrong with stainless steel. This weather-proof material won’t corrode, can handle hot temperatures, and lasts for years with little maintenance. Plus, its sleek look complements just about any outdoor kitchen design.

07of 15Build a Pergola to Create Shade

MARK LOHMAN

No one wants to stand over a hot grill when summer temperatures soar. Incorporating some shade into your design can help keep things cool. Whether you build a pergola that also acts as a focal point for your design, set up your outdoor grill under tall shade trees (making sure there aren’t overhanging branches that could create a fire risk), or screen in part of your patio or deck, you’ll be thankful for this relief on scorching days.

08of 15Make the Best Use of Small Spaces

ADAM ALBRIGHT

Even if you only have room for a small backyard grill station, it can still feature functional extras. The key is good planning and keeping clutter to a minimum. Any accessories you introduce should always have a purpose. An L-shaped grill design, like the one above, makes smart use of space, though it might mean you’ll have your backs to guests when barbecuing.

09of 15Create a Cohesive Space

KATHRYN GAMBLE

Don’t let your outdoor grill area stick out like a sore thumb in your yard. Blend the station with other elements in the landscape for a serene space. In this yard, the color and texture of the brickwork are the unifying elements. The trees and plants help to add a layer of textured interest, and the outdoor dining table placement ensures a natural traffic flow around the patio.

10of 15Consider Your Color Palette

DOMINIQUE VORILLON

Black isn’t a common color in landscape design, but it’s a great way to add contemporary drama to your outdoor grill area. Here, black exterior paneling provides a stylish backdrop and draws the eye to the grill station’s warm wood and contrasting steel tones. Plus, dark colors make greenery pop.

11of 15Opt for Modern Minimalism

JULIE SOEFER

If your cookouts are all about having a space to kick back and relax, keeping things clutter-free is crucial. A modern, minimalist backyard grill design can create a soothing atmosphere, and contemporary styles are easy to keep clean and make grill areas seem more spacious. Plus, minimalist designs can be more economical. Limit the number of materials you use in the space, stick with an understated color palette, and think about well-defined boundary lines in the surrounding landscape for a streamlined look.