Step 1
Set the cooking layout
We place the grill, prep counter, serving edge and seating so the cook is not cut off from the rest of the patio.
Outdoor Kitchens in Central Ohio
Outdoor kitchens with built-in grills, counters, bars and seating for Columbus and Central Ohio homes.
Outdoor kitchens
Outdoor kitchen design and construction in Columbus
We design and build outdoor kitchens for homes in Columbus, Upper Arlington, Dublin, Westerville, New Albany and the towns around them. That covers built-in grills, grill islands, prep counters, outdoor bars, refrigeration, storage and seating, with a pergola or pavilion over it when you want cover. A good one lets you cook, serve and eat outside without running back to the house, and keeps the cook part of the conversation. To talk through your patio, call (614) 488-2877 or use the contact form, and a designer will set a time to look at the space.
What goes into an outdoor kitchen
An outdoor kitchen is a permanent place to cook and serve outside, built into the patio instead of set beside it. The grill, counters, storage, utilities and seating are planned together. We design it as part of the whole outdoor room, with gas, water and electrical routes planned early and counters, cabinets, stone and appliances chosen to stand up to Central Ohio weather. Peabody has designed and built outdoor kitchens since 1982.
A grill island is a freestanding counter run with the grill set into it, often with a bar-height counter on the guest side. A built-in grill sits in a counter built against a wall or the house. An island suits an open patio. A wall run keeps the patio clear when space is tight.
The layout matters as much as the appliances. The grill needs landing space on both sides for a hot platter, the prep counter should face your guests, and the seating should sit upwind of the smoke. We lay it out with you so it fits how you actually cook and host.
Cover decides how often you use it. A pergola gives shade and a pavilion keeps the cook and the appliances dry. Either one changes the planning for lighting, ventilation and utilities.
How We Build It
Kitchen decisions start before the countertop
The finish comes later. First we work out the utilities, drainage, heat clearance, appliance placement and the patio base that has to carry the kitchen.
The proposal lists every appliance, counter and utility run in writing before any masonry goes up.
Step 2
Plan the utilities
Gas, water, outlets, refrigeration, lighting, shutoffs and winter drain-down get clean routes before masonry or counters are built. Normally the same crew stays from the first day to the last.
Step 3
Build for weather
Cabinets, counters, stone and appliances are chosen for heat, freeze and thaw, rain and grease. Before we call it done, we walk the finished kitchen with you.
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor Kitchen Gallery
Covered kitchens, pergola kitchens, compact grill counters, prep space and dining areas from Peabody projects across Central Ohio.
Utilities, Layout and Seating
- Natural gas line vs. propane tanks
- Water service, sink drainage, and winter shutoff
- Electrical service for refrigeration, outlets, lighting, and ventilation
- Grill island or counter run against a wall
- Counter length for prep, serving, and landing space beside the grill
- Bar-height counter and seating on the guest side
- Traffic flow between the house, dining area, and seating
- Roof, pergola, or open-air placement over the cooking surface
- Drainage and clean-up around the grill and bar
Counter, Stone and Appliance Options
- Outdoor-rated countertops: granite, bluestone, soapstone, polished concrete
- Stainless steel cabinetry and weatherproof storage
- Stainless or marine-grade appliances
- Natural stone, stacked stone, or brick masonry
- Insulated jacket for built-in grills
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an outdoor kitchen cost in Columbus?
It depends on the size, the appliances, the counters and stone, the utilities and the cover, so a price starts with a look at your patio. Our landscaping cost guide and paver patio cost guide for Central Ohio explain what moves the number.
What should an outdoor kitchen include?
At least a grill, counter space on both sides of it, and storage. From there, many people add a refrigerator, a sink, a side burner or a bar-height counter for guests. We start with how you cook and build out from there.
What is the difference between a grill island and a built-in grill?
A grill island is a freestanding counter with the grill set into it, often with a bar on the guest side. A built-in grill sits in a counter against a wall or the house. Both are built in place on a base that carries the weight.
Does an outdoor kitchen need a roof?
Not always, but cover gets more use out of it. A pergola adds shade, and a pavilion keeps the cook dry and protects the appliances. Many outdoor kitchens sit under one of the two.
Can an outdoor kitchen be added to an existing patio?
Sometimes. The patio base has to carry the weight of the counters and appliances, and gas, water and power need a route. We check both before designing it.
Should I use natural gas or propane?
Natural gas if your home has service available, since there are no tanks to refill and the heat is steady for regular use. Propane can work when running a gas line is not practical. Your city may require a permit for gas, electrical and plumbing work. We plan either path early.
How do you winterize an outdoor kitchen?
Plumbed outdoor kitchens need a winter shutoff and drain-down plan. Cabinets, counters, appliances and masonry should all be rated to handle Ohio freeze and thaw.
Can an outdoor kitchen go next to a fire pit or fireplace?
Yes. A grill counter can run into a fireplace, or a fire pit can sit in the seating area beside the kitchen. We plan the gas, clearances and seating for both together.
How is an outdoor kitchen different from a fancy grill?
An outdoor kitchen gives you a permanent place to cook and serve outside. The grill, counter, storage, utilities, and seating are planned together instead of being placed after the patio is already built. It is part of the same landscape design and build plan as the patio.
Do you build outdoor kitchens in Upper Arlington, Westerville and other towns?
Yes. We build in Columbus and the towns around it, including Upper Arlington, Dublin, Westerville and New Albany. Call (614) 488-2877 or use the contact form to ask about your address.
Built Work
Outdoor Kitchens in Finished Projects
Peabody projects in Central Ohio where this work is part of the whole landscape.
Dublin, OH
Fireplace and Pergola Kitchen
A formal backyard sequence with a brick fireplace, pergola kitchen, stone paths, hydrangea beds, fountain, and lawn rooms.
View Project
Upper Arlington, OH
Patio and Fire Feature
A backyard living space with covered seating, outdoor kitchen, fire feature, terrace walls, privacy planting, and patio zones.
View Project
Central Ohio
Country Covered Outdoor Living
A covered country backyard retreat in Central Ohio with an outdoor kitchen, dining, planting, stone walls, and long views across the lawn.
View ProjectRequest an outdoor kitchen consultation in Columbus
Tell us how you like to cook and entertain. We get back to you and can look at the space with you.