As the weather heats up, it’s time to embrace the great outdoors and indulge in the joys of backyard entertaining. What better way to kick off the season than with a well-equipped grill station that transforms your outdoor space into a culinary haven?

From extravagant outdoor kitchens to cozy backyard barbecues, we have gathered together an inspiring collection of grill station ideas that offer something for every taste and style. So fire up the grill, gather your family and friends, and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime this summer. Underneath each of the images are further source details and links to the designers of each of the projects.

Tell Us: Which one of these backyard grill station ideas do you find most inspiring? Let us know in the Comments below!

1. Custom Bar-B-Que.

This cool BBQ works with the surroundings nicely! The stone for this project was “natural face weathered stone” gathered from the property with a 3″ thick Arizona flagstone countertop surface. The access doors are behind the BBQ. The gas line runs from the kitchen (about 15 feet away) to the BBQ. (via Projects General Construction)

2. Build A Pergola For Shade.

Build a pergola to provide shade from the hot summer sun, while also helping to define your backyard grilling station. The beautiful blue tile backsplash is an antique cement tile from L’Antiquario in Florida. (via Tiffany Farha Design)

3. Grill Zone For Year-Round.

If you enjoy entertaining throughout the year, then designing a covered porch, especially one that connects to your house, will allow you to do just that. You do not necessarily have to have a formal extension to your home. The addition of a pergola would be a less expensive option while providing shelter from the elements for part of the year. (via Crisp Architects)

4. Build A Summer Kitchen.

For this outdoor summer kitchen, the cabinetry is not actual teak, but a man-made composite product specially designed to hold up in the Florida elements. (via NMB Custom Homes & Renovations)

5. Compact Balcony Grill.

Don’t let limited outdoor space cramp your style – a compact balcony grill allows you to enjoy summertime grilling even when you live in the city. (via JMC Designs)

6. Design Around Your Grill.

For this outdoor kitchen, the grill is the star of the show. This incredible space includes a built-in 42″ Wolf gas grill along with a Bluestone countertop. It provides the looks and the performance for a more formal backyard entertaining space. Dimensions: Space is 14 ft. x 13 1Ž2 ft. The counter that holds the grill is 34’ deep and 10 1Ž2 ft long. The counter on the right is 26” deep and 14 ft. long. The counter on the left is 29” deep and 4 ft long. (via Clarke Living)

7. Put in a Pizza Oven.

A different option for outdoor grilling is to install an outdoor pizza oven. The countertops are poured concrete. The copper farmhouse sink was sourced from Native Trails. The outdoor lanterns mounted to the wall were made by Steve Handelman in Santa Barbara, CA. (via Poirier + Associates Architects)

8. Create A Covered Patio For Entertaining.

The table and chairs are from Kingsley Bates, Valhalla/Sag Harbor, and purchased from Garden Cottage. The stone used for the brick oven pizza and fireplace is called Bucks County Blend, it’s a veneer. The floor is made of natural slate stone. There is no sealer. The dimensions of this covered patio are approximately 16′ x 17′ 9″. (via Kitchen Designs by Debra)

9. Outdoor Kitchen For Grill Lovers.

This “Crestwood Oasis” outdoor cabinetry is marine-grade and the door style is Belmont with a teak oil finish (the grill is installed in a sleeve which enables the wood to be installed). The hardware is Amerock “Blackrock” pulls in Satin Nickel. The soapstone countertops are an excellent choice for outdoor use. Their non-porous nature protects from moisture, bird droppings, and other outdoor elements that could potentially cause damage. The appliances and 54″ grill are by Lynx. The flooring is limestone pavers, which were also used to create the side and back surround of the cabinet/appliance run. (via Kitchen Design Concepts)

10. Outdoor Kitchen Oasis.

Create a luxurious outdoor kitchen oasis with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a cozy dining area perfect for hosting dinner parties. This outdoor space also includes an extended countertop for casual dining and built-in bench seating to accommodate extra guests. (via C & C Partners Design/Build Firm)

11. Built-In BBQ Island.

Elevate your outdoor cooking experience with a sleek built-in BBQ island, complete with a grill and ample counter space for food prep and serving. This BBQ island is all custom and made of Ipe. It includes a drop-in BBQ custom cabinet for waterproof iPod and speakers, a fridge, and running water with stainless steel counters. (via Terra Firma Design)

12. Pergola Shaded Grilling Station.

For this amazing outdoor kitchen, a pergola provides shading during the summer months. The pergola dimensions are approximately 12 feet wide by 4 feet deep. From ground level to the underside of the pergola, the rafters are approximately 7.5 feet. From inside both posts, the distance can be 10 feet wide when using 2-inch by 8-inch support joists. The lumber used for this project is Western Red Cedar. During the winter you’ll need a custom-made cover for the barbecue. (via Forest Ridge Landscaping)

13. Covered Grilling Station.

This covered space will make outdoor grilling more enjoyable through the seasons, protecting it from the elements. The custom cabinets are Perma Tek Panels by Atlantis Outdoor Cabinets. Stainless steel appliances by Viking add a luxe touch to this outdoor grilling area. (via Atlantis Outdoor Kitchens)

14. Chic Poolside Grill.

The large custom stainless steel outdoor BBQ island next to the swimming pool is perfect for cooking for a casual weekday dinner or a weekend celebration. The cabinets were custom-designed by Danver Outdoor Kitchens and the grill is from DCS Grills. (via Designscapes Colorado)

15. Grill Station For Rooftop Parties.

A rooftop kitchenette of a home in New York provides the ultimate outdoor entertaining space. A retractable awning can provide shade when the sun is out and be closed after sunset. A similar awning can be found at Sunsetter Retractable Awnings. The countertops are unpolished Carrera marble. The floor is poured concrete. (via Adrienne DeRosa)

16. Outdoor Cooking Center.

This amazing outdoor kitchen space features stacked stones and a wood structure on either side of a Weber grill. There is plenty of counter space for food prep and under-counter space for storing dishes and other cooking and dining essentials. (via The ALT Design Studio)

17. Portable Grill Cart.

For those who prefer versatility, a portable grill cart offers the flexibility to move your cooking station wherever the party takes you, such as your custom outdoor bar. Get the DIY tutorial at Lowe’s. (via The ALT Design Studio)

18. Grill with a View.

Maximize your enjoyment of the great outdoors with a grill station strategically positioned to take advantage of breathtaking views. The bar stools are by Seaside Casual. There’s 48″ between the grill cabinetry and the island. The countertops are Geolux, a breakthrough Pyrolithic stone, with the noble beauty of natural marble and superior technical performance. (via D’Asign Source)

19. Al Fresco Dining.

This incredible Mill Valley, California backyard features built-in bench seating and a wooden table to enjoy outdoor dining. A built-in grilling station completes this amazing outdoor living space. See the rest of this spectacular home tour here: Beautiful Mill Valley retreat with a treehouse feel. (via Urrutia Design)

20. Modern Stainless Steel Grill.

A sleek stainless steel grill is the centerpiece of this custom outdoor kitchen with teak wood, waterfall concrete countertop, and cement tiles. The flooring is 3 ft. Square Pennsylvania Bluestone pavers and Mexican Beach Pebble ground cover. (via SJS Studios)

21 Micro Outdoor Living Space.

This very cool outdoor living space overlooks an active pond and golf course. The flooring material is Travertine, adding a touch of luxury to this outdoor space. Natural flagstone counters on the abbreviated grill station speak to the natural setting. (via SURROUNDINGS by NatureWorks)

22. Shaded Grilling Deck.

We love the look of the cedar deck and fencing along with the versatility of the retractable canopy, sourced from ShadeFX. The wall material used behind the BBQ is corten steel. (via Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design)