Add some BBQ shelter ideas for yourself Garden design Make plans and you’ll be able to make the most of your outdoor cooking zone rain or shine. It’s a great way to extend your alfresco living space and enjoy the fresh air for longer, and there are plenty of options to suit all plot types.
An overhead cover is not only practical, but it can also boost the visual appeal of your zone. And, it can also enhance a sense of privacy – handy for overlooked, urban spaces.
So, if you find yourself cooking outside more this year, it’s worth considering BBQ shelter ideas to protect you from both sun and rain.
1. Create a half-shade with striking side structure
Looking for a suitable BBQ shelter a A modern garden? Something like this might be the perfect approach.
Adding such a simple, yet statement structure to your BBQ or Outdoor kitchen A great way to get relief from the glare of the summer sun. What’s more, it provides zone definition.
Of course, it also looks super stylish – we especially love the contrast it provides against all the cool open surroundings. And border plants are an ideal match for a splash of architectural greenery.
2. Install a chic garden building for an outdoor living room
If you have the budget and space, consider a contemporary garden building to house your alfresco cooking and entertaining zone.
Integrated lights, chic wood paneling and a sturdy roof make this the perfect base for outdoor socializing in style – whatever the time of day and whatever the season.
A spacious, comfortable dining setup and comfortable sofas complete this Consider a garden pergola – What more could you want for a post-swim snack?
3. Choose a timber gazebo to shelter your BBQ
Gazebos A classic garden feature that will never go out of style, especially if you opt for the timber framed version.
As long as you make sure there’s enough clearance around your device, it’s a great way to cover an outdoor grill and complement almost any garden style.
Combine your BBQ gazebo with wood-covered counters to enhance comfort, natural look and maintain a sense of togetherness. And for a more relaxing outdoor experience, consider adding Patio heater High attached to structure. That way, you can keep guests happy and the conversation going, even as the night falls and the temperature drops.
4. Add a bar to your BBQ shelter
Combine your built-in BBQ ideas with it Garden bar For the ultimate garden party setup. Add in a pizza oven too, and you can mix up your culinary creations to suit the mood.
This sturdy shelter sits beautifully in the patio space, complementing the nearby rattan furniture. Covered walls on two sides mean there’s plenty Privacy Screening from neighbors, while enabling the addition of useful shelves and decorative signs.
Buy furniture and decor for your BBQ area
Let’s go to the UK
Wendell Stackable Polypropylene Garden Stool
This stylish yet practical bar stool comes in a variety of colors and two different heights
Round Cage 8 Led String Lights
Hang these lights around the outside or in the center of your BBQ shelter for a warm evening glow
accommodation
Awas Patta Outdoor Rug – 120x180cm
Add a touch of comfort underfoot with this striped outdoor rug
5. Team a contemporary BBQ with a modern pergola
Many people consider pergolas when designing a deck or patio, and for good reason. From simple, wooden constructions to high-tech, louvered designs with closures Pergola roofIt is an excellent solution to provide shade space.
And, there are so many ways they can be dressed up to enhance the look and feel of your outdoor space—from climbing plants trained around their structures to outdoor Garden lighting.
We love how this design mirrors the BBQ station with its industrial-cool charcoal tones. And, a pair of pendant lights is both beautiful and practical.
6. Get back to basics and BBQ over the garden fireplace
Love the idea of Consider an outdoor fireplace For your garden? These rustic features are a surefire way to make a statement. And it’s not just about getting everyone cozy – add some racks and grilling tools and you can cook a feast over the flames.
Install your fireplace and chimney in a designated garden building and you can be sure that it will get plenty of use throughout the year. You can also take inspiration from this scene Log collection The solution used – a stylish way to separate the dining area from the more relaxed, lounging zone.
7. Add lights to your outdoor structure for a nighttime BBQ
anyone Consider patio screening May benefit from some outdoor lights. That way, the space will feel just as welcoming when the sun goes down – just what you want when you’re planning a summer evening getaway with your loved ones. For instance, take a look at this stunning setup.
Strings of festoon lights attached to the beams of a pergola or roof of a gazebo are always a reliable choice for recreating a chilled-out, beach-bar vibe. And as well as enhancing the atmosphere, it will allow you to see exactly what you’re doing if you want to continue cooking.
8. Keep your BBQ shelter simple and attractive
Keep the look clean and considerate with a sleek garden build like this one that doubles up to define the boundaries of your plot.
Recessed spotlights are always a good choice for that subtle, streamlined look – whether you install them in the ceiling or underfoot in paving or decking. The space also benefits from under-counter lighting – a contemporary way to brighten up any outdoor dining or dining area.
We also love the mix of materials here, including brushed stainless steel and granite worktops, and plenty of wood for a light, organic feel.
Choosing slatted panels, whether on a garden building like this or a simple screen between garden zones, is a great way to provide privacy and shelter while allowing light and air to pass through.
It results in a pleasing, modern look, which is both stylish and practical. It can be especially helpful in west-facing gardens where the late afternoon or evening sun can still be very bright. Pair with brightly colored counters for a fun scheme perfect for the family garden.
10. Cover your cooking area with an oversized canopy
When considering BBQ shelter ideas, don’t forget about less permanent options as well. Sometimes, a large garden canopy is just the thing for the job – especially if you don’t want to splash out too much cash or don’t like to let the full force of sunlight in at times.
Besides the generally low price, one of the main advantages of parasols is that they are versatile – pop them up in case of a light drizzle or bright sun. A side-pole design is often the best choice because it won’t get in the way while you’re cooking. And, for evening entertainment, you can take inspiration from this scene and suspend string lights around the canopy.
Shop for outdoor parasols
FAQs
What do you need to consider when choosing a BBQ shelter for your plot?
There are many factors to consider when choosing your BBQ shelter ideas. One of the most important aspects is, of course, the safety implications. Jacques Shelton, MD of CENA Outdoor Kitchens, explains how any type of canopy, fabric shade or shelter needs to be flame retardant, so always check the specifications to be sure.
If you’re using a fabric shelter, Jacques also advises choosing a wipe-clean or washable design, “to prevent stains from smoke or flare-ups if you use the canopy over a BBQ or wood-fired oven.”
Jacques also notes the importance of providing plenty of clearance between the heat source and the fabric—essential even when the flame is dim. This also goes for sturdy structures – if in doubt, always check with the manufacturer as well as your BBQ requirements. And, “If a space is enclosed in any way, think about ventilation,” he adds. “For example, making sure doors, glass walls and ceilings have the ability to open.”
You want your shelter to be practical for your needs, as well as safe. “We think carefully about why the canopy is there, because rain covers and shades may require different solutions,” explains Jacques. “A rain cover can be fixed, such as an oak-framed gazebo or a dedicated open-on-two-side garden building. But, those going for a shade solution will need to consider aspect and sun movement, so we consider the best position or use something that can be moved – for example, a sail shade.”

Jacques Cena is the MD of Outoor Kitchens and founded the company in 2018 after a career working in hospitality, horticulture and event management. He has been instrumental in shaping the vision behind the brand.
Prefer to make your own BBQ? find out How to build a brick BBQ yourself, and if you think you’re energetic enough to cook outdoors year-round, take a look at The best outdoor log-burners For extra warmth space.
The original version of this article previously appeared on Gardeningetc, a sister website to Homebuilding and Renovating.





