Outdoor Kitchen Insights
Design tips, material guides, and Sydney home improvement advice from the experts at MJ Leckie Carpentry.
Porcelain vs Stone Benchtops for Outdoor Kitchens: Which Lasts Longer?
Your benchtop is the hardest-working surface in your outdoor kitchen. It faces UV, rain, salt air, heat from the BBQ, and whatever your guests put down on it. Here's how porcelain and stone stack up.
Alloy Frame vs Stylex Doors: What's the Difference and Which Should You Choose?
Two of our most popular door styles, two very different looks. Here's a side-by-side breakdown of Alloy Frame and Stylex outdoor kitchen doors to help you decide.
The Brave Design That Paid Off: A Mosman Client's Bold Outdoor Kitchen
When a Mosman client came to us with an unconventional vision — rust-toned cabinetry, dramatic marble-look benchtop, integrated wine fridge — we had one job: trust the brief and build it beautifully. Here's how it turned out.
5 Outdoor Kitchen Layouts That Work Perfectly on a Sydney Deck
Not all outdoor kitchens are created equal — and neither are Sydney decks. From narrow courtyard strips to sprawling Pittwater terraces, here are five layouts that make the most of your space.
How to Keep Your Outdoor Kitchen Looking Brand New (Maintenance Guide)
A well-maintained outdoor kitchen can look as good at ten years as it did on day one. Here's our simple, practical maintenance guide for Sydney's coastal climate.
What Does a Custom Outdoor Kitchen Actually Cost in Sydney? (Honest Numbers)
Pricing for outdoor kitchens online is vague at best and misleading at worst. Here are honest, current figures for custom outdoor kitchens in Sydney — from entry-level to premium.
Outdoor Kitchens in Small Spaces: What You Can Achieve with 2 Metres
Think your deck is too small for an outdoor kitchen? Think again. Some of our most satisfying projects have been the most compact ones. Here's what's possible in 2 metres.
Does an Outdoor Kitchen Add Value to Your Sydney Home?
It's the question every homeowner asks before committing: will this actually add value to my property? The short answer is yes. Here's the longer answer.
Case Study: A Collaroy Couple's Dream Kitchen, Built in 6 Weeks
When a Collaroy couple came to us with a narrow deck, a tight brief, and a very clear vision, we had six weeks to deliver. Here's how it came together.
7 Mistakes People Make When Planning an Outdoor Kitchen (And How to Avoid Them)
After building custom outdoor kitchens across Sydney's Northern Beaches, we've seen the same planning mistakes come up again and again. Here's how to avoid them before your project starts.
Sick of Being Trumped by the Trump? Install an MJ Leckie Outdoor Kitchen This Easter
Every Easter someone else hosts and you're driving to theirs. Not this year. Install an MJ Leckie Carpentry outdoor kitchen and your friends will be driving to you next Easter.
Broil King BI 690 Built-In BBQ Review: Is It Worth It for Your Outdoor Kitchen?
The Broil King BI 690 is becoming one of the most popular built-in BBQs for luxury outdoor kitchens in Sydney. We break down exactly why — and what to consider before you install one.
Design Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen Online — For Free
Imagine planning your entire custom outdoor kitchen from your couch — choosing cabinets, benchtops, appliances, and finishes — and seeing the price update in real time. That's exactly what our free online planner lets you do.
Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen? Here's Everything You Need to Think About First
Before you spend a single dollar, there are 10 crucial things every Sydney homeowner needs to consider when planning an outdoor kitchen. Get these right and you'll love it forever.
How to Design an Outdoor Kitchen: The Complete Guide for Sydney Homeowners
From layout planning to benchtop selection, this complete guide walks you through every step of designing a stunning outdoor kitchen for your Sydney home.
Why We Use Stylex as the Carcass Material in Our Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
Not all cabinet materials are created equal — especially outdoors. Here's why MJ Leckie Carpentry specifies Stylex board as the carcass material for every outdoor kitchen we build.
Why Smartstone Benchtops Are Perfect for Sydney Outdoor Kitchens
Smartstone engineered stone is one of the most popular benchtop choices for custom outdoor kitchens in Sydney — and for good reason. Here's why MJ Leckie Carpentry recommends it to almost every client.