Building an outdoor kitchen is one of the best investments you can make for your Oklahoma home — but planning one well before you start building is crucial. This guide walks Tulsa-area homeowners through the key decisions involved in designing a functional, beautiful outdoor kitchen that will perform well in Oklahoma’s climate.
Step 1: Define How You’ll Use Your Outdoor Kitchen
Before thinking about specific appliances or materials, answer these questions: How often will you use it? How many people do you typically cook for? Do you primarily grill, or do you want to do more complex outdoor cooking? Will you use it year-round or mainly in spring and fall? Your answers drive every design decision that follows.
Step 2: Choose Your Location
In Oklahoma, prevailing winds typically come from the south and southwest — which means placing your grill so smoke blows away from the house and seating area requires some thought. Consider proximity to the house for gas line and water connections (shorter runs = lower cost). Shade is also a major factor in Oklahoma summers — an outdoor kitchen under a pergola or covered patio is dramatically more comfortable from May through September.
Step 3: Pick Your Core Appliances
- Built-in grill: 30–42 inches is most common. Gas grills are the most popular in Oklahoma. Budget $800–$3,000+ for the grill alone.
- Side burner: Useful for sauces, sides, and boiling water. Often included with grill purchases.
- Refrigerator: An outdoor-rated undercounter refrigerator keeps drinks and marinades cold. Budget $500–$1,500.
- Sink: A drop-in stainless sink with hot and cold water makes cleanup much easier. Requires plumbing rough-in.
- Pizza oven: Wood-burning or gas pizza ovens add versatility and wow factor. Budget $1,500–$6,000+ installed.
Step 4: Select Your Countertop Material
For outdoor kitchens in Oklahoma’s heat and UV exposure, the best countertop materials are granite (extremely durable, heat resistant), quartzite (similar to granite, beautiful natural veining), porcelain tile (very durable, UV stable, many design options), and concrete (custom looks but requires sealing). Avoid quartz (Silestone, Cambria) outdoors — it discolors with prolonged UV exposure.
Step 5: Choose Your Cabinet Structure
Outdoor kitchen cabinet structures in Oklahoma can be built from concrete block with stucco or stone veneer (most durable, least maintenance), or from steel-framed assemblies with cement board substrate and tile or stone finish. Wood-framed outdoor kitchens are not recommended in Oklahoma’s humidity and temperature extremes — they tend to rot, warp, or attract insects over time.
Step 6: Plan for Shade and Cover
An uncovered outdoor kitchen in Broken Arrow or Tulsa gets brutally hot in July and August. A pergola, patio cover, or shade structure dramatically extends the time you can comfortably use your outdoor kitchen. At minimum, orient the cooking area so the chef isn’t cooking in direct afternoon sun. Better yet, plan a covered structure over the full kitchen and dining area from the start.
Ready to Start? Get a Free Outdoor Kitchen Design Consultation
Call VistaScapes Design & Build at 918-779-1317 to schedule your free outdoor kitchen design consultation in Broken Arrow, Tulsa, Bixby, Jenks, Owasso, or anywhere in the Tulsa metro area.
