BBQ Area Ideas: Create the Perfect Outdoor Cooking Spot
Summer’s calling, and that means one thing: BBQ season is here. Whether you’ve got a sprawling garden or a compact patio, there’s always a way to make room for a stylish and functional BBQ area in your garden.
From small outdoor BBQ area ideas to fully covered BBQ area ideas with decking and a roof, we’ve rounded up the best ways to design your dream grilling spot.
1. Built-in BBQs with Decking: A Modern Statement
One of the most popular BBQ garden ideas in the UK is integrating your BBQ into a decked area. Timber or composite decking gives a clean and elevated look, while also defining the space. Opt for a built-in BBQ unit with brick or rendered housing for a sleek, permanent fixture. It’s low-maintenance and adds value to your garden.
Pair it with comfy outdoor seating and a few potted herbs for that “home-chef” vibe. If you have the space, add a prep area with a small sink or worktop – ideal for hosting those weekend BBQs without running back and forth to the kitchen.

2. Small but Mighty: Compact BBQ Area Ideas
Not everyone has a massive garden – and that’s totally fine. There are plenty of small BBQ area ideas that still pack a punch. For small garden BBQ area ideas, think vertical. Wall-mounted shelves or pegboards for utensils save space and keep things tidy.

3. Covered BBQ Area Ideas for All-Weather Grilling
Let’s face it – British weather isn’t always predictable. That’s why a covered BBQ area is a total game changer. Adding a roofed BBQ area – whether it’s a permanent timber pergola or a retractable canopy – keeps your cookout safe from sudden showers.

4. DIY BBQ Area Projects for Weekend Warriors
If you love a good weekend project, a DIY BBQ area might be your next adventure. You can build a BBQ station using reclaimed bricks or railway sleepers. Add concrete countertops, shelves made from scaffold boards, or even upcycled kitchen cabinets for a personal touch.

5. Outdoor Kitchen Style BBQ Garden Ideas
If you’re ready to go big, an outdoor BBQ area that mimics an indoor kitchen layout is the ultimate showstopper. Incorporate a built-in BBQ grill, storage drawers, a drinks fridge, and even a pizza oven if you’re feeling fancy.

6. Simple Yet Stylish Garden BBQ Area Ideas
You don’t need loads of bells and whistles to make your garden BBQ-ready. Some of the best bbq design ideas are super simple. Position your BBQ near the kitchen for easy access, use planters or bamboo screens to define the space, and add seating with outdoor cushions.
7. BBQ Area Ideas UK: Practical & Weather-Ready
In the UK, your BBQ space needs to be practical for all seasons. That means thinking about drainage, slip-resistant surfaces (especially on decking), and maybe even outdoor heating.