Outdoor Kitchen Locations- Houston

Outdoor Kitchen Locations- Houston Part 2/ Houston Deck & Fence/ August 27, 2025

If you missed last week’s article on outdoor kitchen planning for Houston homeowners, you might want to go back and read it. Today, we will be focused on location.

Where you choose to have your new outdoor kitchen is a top priority and, therefore, should be thoughtfully considered. Some homeowners prefer to add the kitchen to a deck or patio; others choose to build it alongside the back wall of their home, where it may be closer to utilities (electricity, gas, and water). Before setting the sites where you want to build, you want to ensure ample space for the features you want most. Most grills are 24” to 48.” If you are going to add a chopping block or side burner, this will take up even more space. Let us give you some common measurements to consider:

•             Side burners 12.”

•             Counterspace 36.”

•             Serving station 18.”

•             4-person seating 42” X 42”

•             4 4-person table 60.”

One thing many people overlook when designing their outdoor kitchen in Houston is the local weather patterns. No backyard chef wants to be smoking brisket or flipping burgers with the sun glaring in their eyes or friends seated at a table where the wind is blowing smoke in their direction. For functionality and practicality, the location of your outdoor kitchen is vital. One way to test your ideal location for wind patterns is to take a few flags and stake them into the area on a windy day, then watch how the flags move throughout the windy day. If the location is too breezy, you may choose another location or discuss with your outdoor kitchen pro in Houston how to erect a windbreak nearby. This could be a folded screen or a fence panel.

Other things to consider when choosing a location:

Level Ground: Is the site you're considering flat? If not, your site should be graded to create a solid and steady foundation and proper drainage.

Proximity: How close do you want your outdoor kitchen to be to your home? The more convenient your location, the easier it is to transport food if you don’t have outdoor appliances.

Privacy: Many people want to have privacy, especially when entertaining guests, so if privacy is a priority, then consider adding a decorative wall or trellis. However, you also want to consider whether you or your guest will face that scenery. Most people prefer to have their kitchen located where they have a view of their backyard to watch children play or ample shade. We recommend adding shelter to your outdoor kitchen in Houston's wet and dry climate. One way of doing this is with a patio cover or pergola.

Shape: Depending on the size of your kitchen will also determine the best shape for your kitchen. If you have a small outdoor kitchen, then an L-shaped kitchen island will work best. Any shape includes L-shape, G-shape, U-shape, a galley, an island, or combinations for a more extensive outdoor kitchen. Style is also an essential factor; we will discuss this later.

Kids: Whenever children are involved, safety is a top priority. Grills are high-heat endeavors, so you want to block your grill from foot traffic. While you never want to leave your grill unattended around children, a few ways to secure your grill are by adding counters or an island and keeping outdoor appliances separate from the grill area. This is why a great design includes multiple zones.  Next week’s article will discuss the four zones involved in a fully functional outdoor kitchen.

Looking For A Custom Outdoor Kitchen In Houston

If you are looking for a custom outdoor kitchen in Houston, Katy, or the surrounding area, look no further. At Emerson Home Exterior Enhancements, each outdoor kitchen design is a unique work of art. We will work with you from design to completion to ensure we create a timeless build that is as functional as it is beautiful, with unprecedented quality and attention to detail; for more information, call (281) 545-7740.