An outdoor kitchen turns a garden into a genuine extension of the house for entertaining, moving well beyond a simple barbecue into a proper built-in cooking and dining space. RW Builders builds outdoor kitchens for gardens across York and North Yorkshire, usually as part of a wider patio or landscaping project.
A built structure housing the cooking appliance, in brick, block or stone to match the house or the surrounding patio and landscaping
Worktop space, in a durable, weather-resistant material suited to outdoor use
Storage, built into the base of the structure for utensils, fuel or accessories
Utility connections, including electrics for lighting and any powered appliances, and gas supply if a connected barbecue or hob is being installed rather than a standalone charcoal unit
Weather protection, sometimes a simple roof or pergola over the cooking area, particularly useful in a climate where rain is a regular consideration
A straightforward outdoor kitchen built as an open structure within a garden generally doesn't require planning permission, since it's treated similarly to other garden landscaping features. Where the design includes a solid roof or walls enclosing the space more fully, it can start to be treated as an outbuilding under permitted development rules, subject to the same height and garden coverage limits as garages and garden rooms. We'll advise on this based on your specific design before finalising it.
Where an outdoor kitchen sits matters as much as how it's built. Prevailing wind direction affects how smoke and cooking smells travel, proximity to the house affects how convenient it is to use regularly, and orientation affects how much shade or sun the cooking area gets at the times of day you're most likely to use it. We'll talk through positioning as part of the design process rather than treating it as a decision made purely on available space.
Any electrical work needs to be carried out safely and, depending on scope, notified under Part P of the building regulations. Gas connections for a permanently plumbed-in barbecue or hob need to be installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer, which we coordinate as part of the wider project where relevant.
Outdoor kitchens are exposed to the weather far more than an indoor kitchen ever is, so material choices matter more here than they would inside the house. Worktops need genuinely weather-resistant materials, not just materials that look the part, and any built structure needs a proper foundation suited to its weight and position, in the same way any other masonry structure does.
We're a family-run team based in York, and outdoor kitchens are something we build as part of our wider landscaping and patio work across the city and surrounding villages including Haxby, Strensall, Poppleton and Tollerton. Every quote is clear and written, and we coordinate any necessary electrical or gas work through the appropriate qualified trades.
Excellent job from Phil and his team. Both external and internal works finished to an excellent quality. Happy to deal with changes and kept us informed on a day-to-day basis. Definitely recommend.
RW Builders directly on 01904 530941, or send your details through our contact form, and we'll arrange a visit to discuss your garden. Quotes are free and come with no obligation.