Design Guide
Small Outdoor Kitchen Designs —
Making the Most of a Compact Space
A small footprint doesn't mean a compromised kitchen. With the right layout and cabinet selection, even a 2.4m run can deliver a fully functional outdoor kitchen.
Many Northern Beaches homes — particularly townhouses, units with covered alfrescos, and courtyard homes — have limited outdoor space. The good news: a practical outdoor kitchen doesn't need to be large. It needs to be well-designed.
The minimum practical outdoor kitchen is a single 2.4m run with 3 cabinets: a BBQ unit, a door storage unit, and a drawer unit, topped with a Smartstone benchtop. That's achievable in most covered alfresco areas.
Compact Layout Options
Single-Run (Straight)
Ideal for: Narrow decks, tight spaces, apartments
A single run of 3–5 cabinets against a wall or fence. The most space-efficient layout. Includes BBQ, a prep cabinet, and optional door units. Clean, simple, and very popular for townhouses and units with covered alfresco areas.
Typical includes:
- BBQ cabinet (600–900mm)
- 1–2 door storage cabinets
- Benchtop across full run
- Optional pull-out bin
L-Shape
Ideal for: Corner spaces, medium decks
Two runs meeting at a corner. Provides a natural separation between the cooking zone and the prep/storage zone. Allows for a bar overhang on one side for seating. Most popular layout for Northern Beaches homes with a corner deck or covered alfresco.
Typical includes:
- BBQ on one run
- Sink and fridge on return run
- Corner cabinet unit
- Bar overhang option
Compact U-Shape
Ideal for: Courtyard entertaining, larger decks
Three runs forming a U. Maximum storage and benchtop space in a contained zone. Ideal for serious entertainers who want to keep the cook engaged with guests on all sides.
Typical includes:
- Full appliance suite
- Maximum storage
- Two seating positions possible
- Pizza oven can be integrated
Space-Saving Design Tips
Specify adjustable-width cabinets
Our cabinet range includes adjustable modules that can be sized from 300mm to 900mm wide. This lets us make the most of unusual or tight spaces without a gap.
Use the wall as your back panel
Running cabinets against an existing wall eliminates the need for a rear panel and saves 100mm of depth — meaningful in a tight courtyard.
Choose an undermount sink, not a drop-in
An undermount sink frees up more usable bench space and looks significantly better. It also eliminates a rim that can trap water and grime.
Consider a single-door fridge, not a double
Under-bench outdoor fridges at 60cm wide integrate cleanly without dominating the kitchen. A 120-litre capacity is adequate for most entertaining uses.
Skip the pizza oven in small spaces
Wood-fired pizza ovens need significant clearance above and to the sides. In a small kitchen, a pizza-ready BBQ attachment is a practical alternative.
What Does a Small Outdoor Kitchen Cost?
A compact single-run outdoor kitchen (3–4 cabinets, Smartstone benchtop, built-in BBQ) typically costs between $15,000 and $22,000 for the cabinetry and benchtop. Add $5,000–$8,000 for a quality BBQ appliance, and $2,000–$5,000 for trades (plumber, electrician) if a sink and power are required.
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MJ Leckie Carpentry · Custom outdoor kitchens · Northern Beaches, Sydney NSW
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