Convenient, functional, and provides good flow for cooks. The L-shaped layout has dominated not only the indoor kitchens but also the outdoor scene.
It’s commended for its practical qualities in the indoor kitchen setting, making it a savvy choice for many homeowners. If taken to your backyard or patio, you’ll have plenty of counter space for food prep. It offers great recreational cooking without taking up too much outdoor space.
And unlike the U-shaped kitchen layout, its versatility makes it perfect for lounging spaces—again, without taking up too much space.
However, the L-shaped kitchen layout is not without its limitations. To truly benefit from its utility, you must carefully plan your space.
Consider the amount of room available as well as the appliances and components you want to include in your outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens will often include a cooking station and a tap and sink unit. Hire a skilled designer to help you in creating your ideal L-shaped outdoor kitchen.
And if you’re scouring the internet looking for design inspirations, we’re here to give you a few to help you achieve your ultimate outdoor cooking space. But first, let’s look into a few of the many benefits of adding an L-shaped kitchen to your backyard.
Good luck!
Advantages of L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Layout
L-shaped kitchens are popular in many homes for a number of reasons. If you’re planning to build an outdoor kitchen soon, you may want to incorporate this kitchen layout.
Provides an entertaining space
Having an outdoor kitchen isn’t just about how much space you have, but you need to also think about how much entertainment area it can provide. So, if you can, make sure to have enough room for socializing with your loved ones as you prepare your food.
For this, you’ll need enough bar counter space for everyone at your BBQ party to sit and chit-chat. And thankfully, an L-shaped outdoor bar will be a great option for this purpose. Your guest will be in front of you while you cook a delicious meal.
Also, placing seats at the bar counter lessens foot traffic, allowing you to concentrate on your cooking.
Easy working triangle
The work triangle is a tried-and-true kitchen design principle. It helps in the planning of efficient kitchen workspaces with unobstructed traffic lanes. The most efficient kitchens are designed with the work triangle in mind.
L-shaped outdoor kitchens are strong patrons of this principle. This means you can simply travel between your sink, cooker, and fridge. All while interacting with your guests, of course.
Great for corners
Want to maximize your corner space? An L-shaped outdoor kitchen will do the trick. Backyards with a focal area are the perfect settings for this layout.
It’s nothing like linear outdoor kitchen setups that demand a bunch of lengthwise room for a successful installation. You can still install an L-shaped kitchen arrangement in a small or medium patio space.
Efficient and practical
As mentioned earlier, the major components of your kitchen will be within easy reach. The grills, hob, food prep area, and sink will be in close proximity to one another. This means that there’s no need for you to travel far to go to a particular area of your outdoor kitchen
The cabinetry and refrigerator will also be within your reach, giving you a very efficient and practical setup.
And since this layout consists of two adjacent islands, you’ll have two different cooking or food prep areas. Imagine grilling hotdogs as your partner prepares on the other island. You’ll complete more tasks together and it won’t feel laborious.
Offers versatility
An L-shaped kitchen layout is adaptive and versatile. With the help of a smart floor plan, you can truly enhance the beauty of your outdoor space in unique ways. Make sure to experiment with various designs and choose one that you believe will help you make the most out of your outdoor space.
Customizable
Again, an L-shaped kitchen layout allows you to be as creative as possible. It helps you build a cooking space that matches your style. You can customize anything from the countertop materials to your cabinetry, to your bench tops and food preparation areas.
Create the vibe and aesthetic you want for your L-shaped outdoor kitchen. Cooking in an environment that allows you to express yourself spurs creativity.
Key Tip: Plan your space.
As with any construction, planning is paramount, making sure that you’re creating a place for productivity. Space is a vital element in planning your L-shaped outdoor kitchen. But even if you have a small backyard, an L-shaped outdoor kitchen should still serve.
However, that caveat is that you’ll probably have to give up the bar seating and have your L-shaped kitchen positioned on the perimeter of your patio. But we actually consider this a clever floor plan since it will keep your L-shaped layout from occupying much of the outdoor space.
Take a look at this outdoor kitchen floor plan below:
Installing an L-shaped outdoor kitchen in a corner creates a spare room. Again, no bar counter due to the limited space, but it’s a good location for practical purposes.
If you have a larger backyard, however, you can reap all of the perks that an L-shaped outdoor kitchen will offer. This includes the bar seating and entertainment space (if you prefer). This way, you won’t have to confine yourself in the corner. You can be the cook and the host at the same time!
To start, make sure to allow at least 3 feet of free-flowing room in the front and 4 feet at the back of the L-shaped island. This way, your guests will be able to move around freely and easily sit at the bar counter.
Beautiful L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Designs
One of the best ways you can enjoy the outdoors is by cooking delicious food that you, your friends, and your family enjoy. And to do so, you’ll need an efficient kitchen layout—that’s when installing an L-shaped outdoor kitchen with all the components you want comes in handy.
Take cues from a few of our favorite designs below!
Classic L-Shape
Here’s a lovely covered patio with an L-shaped outdoor kitchen made of stacked stone. It features a stainless steel mini fridge, a built-in grill, and an outdoor sink, all surrounded by brown worktops. We love how it features an outdoor trestle dining table surrounded by woven outdoor dining chairs. It feels so homey.
Modern Style
Nothing speaks modern more than clean lines and sleek surfaces. While there is plenty of space on this property, the L-shaped outdoor kitchen on the corner makes room for the sinking island and dining sets surrounding the pool. It’s a clever and efficient design.
Spacious Outdoor Kitchen
For backyards with a lot of space, it makes sense to install a U-shaped kitchen. But if you opt for an L-shaped outdoor kitchen instead, it can keep the open feel of your patio. It will be easy for you to entertain with that much space, and you can even add another burning station in the middle. Like this one!
Curvy L-Shape
If you have a rounder patio space, consider a curvier station instead of the straight-edged L-shaped fixture. It’s not exactly an L, but it offers the same functionalities and looks nicer with a rounded patio perimeter. Take inspiration from this nature-shaded calming patio.
Transitional Indoor/Outdoor L Shape
Now, here’s a lovely design for connecting your interior kitchen to your outdoor space.
FAQs
What is the disadvantage of the L-shaped kitchen?
While efficient, an L-shaped kitchen may not be for everyone. This kitchen layout isn’t suited for multiple cooks. The corner base cabinet might also be tricky to use. And if you don’t have enough space, an L-shaped layout may not be a good idea.
What is an L-shaped kitchen called?
An L-shaped kitchen layout. As the name implies, it’s made up of two adjacent walls and rows of cabinetry, which are usually referred to as the “legs” of the L. The legs’ lengths can vary depending on the available space. However, you can incorporate the layout itself into both large and small kitchens.
Can you have an island in an L-shaped kitchen?
If your L-shaped kitchen is large enough, you can add a kitchen island. This provides more prep space.
Why is the L-shaped kitchen layout the most widely used in many homes?
L-shaped can offer a welcoming space for entertaining guests. It reduces traffic in the kitchen, making it simpler for you to prep and cook while you interact with family and friends.
Where should a fridge be in an L-shaped kitchen?
In an L-shaped kitchen, the refrigerator should be on either end of the two sides. However, there’s no definite rule as to whether it should take the end of the long or short counter.
