A small backyard is no reason to skip an outdoor kitchen. Many of the most impressive outdoor living spaces VistaScapes has built in Broken Arrow and Tulsa are in compact backyards — where smart design and efficient layouts create functional, beautiful outdoor kitchens that feel much larger than their footprint.
Here’s how we approach outdoor kitchen design for smaller Oklahoma lots, and what options work best when space is at a premium.
L-Shaped Layouts — Maximum Function in Minimum Space
An L-shaped outdoor kitchen is one of the most efficient configurations for compact backyards. The layout wraps around a corner — typically against two walls or fence lines — using space that would otherwise be wasted. You get a full cooking station on one leg and a food prep and refrigeration run on the other, without consuming the center of your patio space.
VistaScapes frequently builds L-shaped outdoor kitchens in the 8-to-12-foot range per side for smaller Broken Arrow backyards. Even at that scale, you can fit a built-in grill, side burner, refrigerator, and ample counter space.
Straight Single-Run Outdoor Kitchens
The simplest and most space-efficient outdoor kitchen configuration is a straight single run positioned along one wall or fence line. A 10-to-14-foot straight island can accommodate everything you need for serious outdoor cooking — grill, side burner, under-counter refrigerator, and counter space — while leaving the majority of your patio open for seating and movement.
A straight island also works well when paired with a simple pergola or patio cover overhead, creating a covered cooking zone without overwhelming a smaller yard.
Vertical Space — Going Up When You Can’t Go Out
In small Oklahoma backyards, thinking vertically can multiply your usable space. VistaScapes designs outdoor kitchens with:
- Upper shelving or cabinets — mounted above the countertop run for storage of outdoor entertaining supplies
- Hanging storage — below a pergola beam for cooking utensils and accessories
- Tall pizza oven towers — a freestanding pizza oven column can become the visual centerpiece of a small outdoor kitchen without taking up much floor space
- Waterfall bar tops — a countertop that wraps down to create barstool seating on the exterior of the island, eliminating the need for a separate dining table
Multifunctional Surfaces
In smaller outdoor kitchens, every surface needs to do double duty. VistaScapes recommends:
- Extended countertop overhangs with bar seating instead of a separate dining table
- Fold-down side shelves on the grill for extra prep space that folds away when not needed
- Built-in storage drawers for outdoor entertaining supplies rather than freestanding carts
- Compact combo appliances — some brands offer grill and side burner combinations in a single 30-inch unit
Choosing the Right Appliances for a Small Outdoor Kitchen
In a small outdoor kitchen, every appliance has to earn its place. VistaScapes recommends prioritizing:
- The grill — non-negotiable; choose a 30-inch built-in to save space over a 36-inch or 42-inch model
- An under-counter refrigerator — keeps drinks and prep ingredients immediately accessible
- One side burner — for sauces, sides, and boiling water
Save the ice maker, pizza oven, and built-in smoker for when you have more room. In compact kitchens, simplicity creates a better cooking experience than trying to fit everything into a tight space.
Build Your Small Outdoor Kitchen in Broken Arrow
VistaScapes has designed and built beautiful outdoor kitchens on lots of every size across Broken Arrow and the Tulsa metro. We’re experienced at maximizing smaller spaces and can help you figure out what’s possible on your specific property. Call 918-779-1317 for a free consultation.
