Add some BBQ shelter ideas to your garden design plans and you'll be able to make the most of your outdoor cooking zone come rain or shine. It's the best way to extend your alfresco living space and enjoy the fresh air for longer, and there are plenty of options to suit all sorts of plots.
An overhead cover isn't just practical, but it can also give the visual appeal of your zone a boost. And, it can even up the sense of privacy – handy for overlooked, urban spaces.
So, if you you've found yourself cooking outside more this year, then it's well worth considering BBQ shelter ideas, to protect you both from the sun and showers.
1. Create semi-shade with a striking side structure
Looking for a BBQ shelter to suit a modern garden? Something like this could be the perfect approach.
Adding such a simple, yet statement structure over your BBQ or outdoor kitchen is a great way to provide respite from the summer sun's glare. What's more, it provides definition to the zone.
Of course, it looks super stylish, too – we particularly like the contrast it provides against all the cool paved surroundings. And the bordering plants are the ideal match for a splash of architectural greenery.
2. Install a chic garden building for an outdoor living room
If you've got the budget and the space, consider a contemporary garden building to house your alfresco cooking and entertaining zone.
Integrated lights, chic wooden paneling, and a sturdy roof make this the perfect base for outdoor socialising in style – whatever time of day and whatever season.
A large, laid-back dining setup and comfy sofa complete this garden pergola idea – what more could you need for post-swim refreshments?
This simple pergola comes with a retractable roof and would be a good option if you were looking for something to cover an existing BBQ area.
3. Choose a timber gazebo to shelter your BBQ
Gazebos are a classic garden feature that will never go out of style, particularly if you opt for a timber-framed version.
As long as you ensure there's enough clearance around your appliance, they are a great solution for covering an outdoor grill and complement almost any style of garden.
Pair your BBQ gazebo with timber-cladded counters to enhance the laid-back, naturalistic look and maintain a sense of cohesion. And for an even more comfortable outdoor experience, consider adding patio heaters attached up high to the structure. That way, you can keep guests happy and conversation flowing, even as night falls and temperatures drop.
4. Include a bar in your BBQ shelter
Combine your built-in BBQ ideas with a 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. Cladded walls on two sides mean there's plenty of privacy screening from neighbours, while enabling the addition of useful shelves and decorative signs.
Shop furniture and decor for your BBQ area
These stylish but practical bar stools come in a variety of colours and two different heights
Hang these lights around the exterior or across the middle of your BBQ shelter for a warm evening glow
Add a touch of comfort underfoot with this striped outdoor rug
5. Team a contemporary BBQ with a modern pergola
Plenty of people consider pergolas when designing decks or patios, and for good reason. From simple, timber constructions to high-tech, louvered designs with closing pergola roofs, they're a classic solution for providing a spot of shade.
And, there are plenty of ways they can be dressed up to elevate the look and feel of your outdoor space, too – from climbing plants trained around their structure to outdoor garden lighting.
We love how this design mirrors the BBQ station with its industrial-cool charcoal tone. And, the duo of pendant lights are both pretty and practical.
6. Get back to basics and BBQ over a garden fireplace
Love the thought of outdoor fireplace ideas for your garden? These rustic features are a surefire way to make a statement. And they aren't just for keeping everyone feeling cosy – add in some racks and grilling tools and you can cook up a feast over the flames.
Install your fireplace and chimney into a designated garden building and you can guarantee that it will get plenty of use all throughout the year. You could even take inspiration from this scene in terms of the log storage solution used – a stylish way to separate a dining area from a more relaxed, lounging zone.
7. Add lights to your outdoor structure for nighttime BBQs
Any patio screening idea can benefit from some outdoor lights. That way, the space will feel just as welcoming when the sun sets – just what you want when hosting summer evening soirées with loved ones. Take a look at this stunning setup, for instance.
Strings of festoon lights attached to the beams of a pergola or the roof of a gazebo are always a reliable choice for recreating that chilled-out, beach-bar vibe. And as well as boosting the ambience, it will allow you to see exactly what you're doing should you wish to continue cooking.
8. Keep your BBQ shelter simple and sleek
Keep the look clean and considered with a slick garden build like this that doubles up to define the boundary of your plot.
Recessed spotlights are always a good option for that subtle, streamlined look – whether you install them into the ceiling or into the paving or decking underfoot. This space benefits from under-counter lighting too – a contemporary way to brighten up any outdoor eating or dining area.
We also like the mix of materials here, which includes brushed stainless steel and granite worktops and plenty of timber for a relaxed, organic feel.
9. Add extra shelter with slatted panels
Opting for slatted panels, whether it's 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 through.
It results in a pleasing, modern look, that's both stylish and practical. It can be particularly helpful in west-facing gardens where the late afternoon or evening sun may still be too bright. Pair with brightly coloured counters for a fun scheme that's perfect for a family garden.
10. Cover your cooking zone with an oversized parasol
When considering BBQ shelter ideas, don't forget about the less permanent options as well. Sometimes, a large garden parasol is just the thing for the job – particularly if you don't want to splash too much cash, or prefer to let the full force of the sunlight in at times.
One of the main benefits of a parasol, besides the generally lower price, is that they are so versatile – simply pop them up in the case of light drizzle or glaring sun. A side-pole design is often the best choice as it won't get in the way as you cook. And, for evening entertaining, you could take inspiration from this scene and suspend string lights around the canopy.
Shop for outdoor parasols
This large cream parasol with its offset design keeps you shaded without encroaching on your space
For greater coverage over a dining area, try this double parasol that comes with cover and base
FAQs
What do you need to consider when choosing a BBQ shelter for your plot?
There are lots of factors to bear in mind 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 parasol, fabric shade, or shelter will need 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 a parasol over a BBQ or wood-fired oven."
Jacques also notes the importance of providing plenty of clearance between the heat source and fabric – essential even when it is flame retardant. This goes for sturdier structures too – if in any doubt, always check with the manufacturer as well as checking your BBQ requirements. And, "if a space is in any way enclosed, think about ventilation," he adds. "For example, ensuring there is the ability to open doors, glass walls, and roofs."
You'll want your shelter to be practical for your needs, as well as safe. "We think carefully about what the canopy is for, as rain covers and shades may need different solutions," explains Jacques. "Rain covers can be fixed, such as an oak-framed gazebo or a dedicated open-on-two-sides garden building. But, those going for shade solutions will need to consider the aspect and the movement of the sun, so we consider the best position or use something which can be moved – for example, a sail shade."
Jacques is MD of Cena Outoor Kitchens and founded the company in 2018, following a career working in hospitality, horticulture and event management. He has been instrumental in shaping the vision behind the brand.
Fancy creating your own BBQ? Find out how to build a brick BBQ yourself, and if you think you might be hardy enough for year-round outdoor cooking, take a look at the best outdoor log-burners for a spot of extra warmth.
The original version of this article previously appeared on Gardeningetc, a sister website to Homebuilding & Renovating.
