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Eye Candy: 12 Lovely and DIYable Outdoor Kitchens, Carts, and Dining Spaces

by on Jun 13, 2014

Outdoor kitchens and dining spaces are incredibly popular these days. They can also be incredibly expensive! Especially the kitchens. Stainless steel appliances, stone and mortar aren’t cheep. Lucky for us DIYers, they’re also not necessary. These 12 outdoor kitchens, carts, and dining spaces are not only affordable, they’re totally DIYable. 

First up is this squeal-worthy installation from Eric Olsen Design. Basically, it’s shelving with a space for a Big Green Egg. Not sure about the working surface, but tile could be an option. 

Two racks holding wooden blocks in it and various glass bottles.Eric Olsen Design

Need a roof over your outdoor kitchen? Then this little covered work area might be perfect. Note the pallet floor. Clever! Otherwise, it’s just a collection of 4×4’s and 2×4’s. The roof looks like it might be garden reed fencing

A shelf with different objects outside.Woo Home

Sweet Paul used components from IKEA to make this simple but lovely outdoor kitchen station. 

A sideboard with a curtained front, laden with fresh food in an outdoor seating area.Apartment Therapy

For something a bit more portable here are step-by-step instructions for building a red cedar cookout cart.

Outdoor kitchen table along with items on it.Popular Mechanics

I have no idea who made this rolling cooking cart, but kudos to them. It looks like it would be pretty simple to replicate. A camping burner might be a good choice for the cooking surface.

A pot sits on the eye of a propane stove set up on a bright white porch.Pinterest

Have you ever considered converting a potting bench into an outdoor bar? Cyndy did and it turned out fantastic! 

Patio with an armchair and planter next to a gray bar cart holding many bottles.The Creativity Exchange

Now for some inviting, and gorgeous, dining spaces. First up is this Tuscany courtyard idea from Sunset. (Visit the link for individual details to get this look and 20+ others.)

A traditional picnic table with separate bench seats and bright candles sits in a green garden.Sunset

Bamboo poles and translucent mosquito netting create this outdoor dining room that you can build in a weekend.

A dining room in the outdoors formed by curtain walls.My Home Ideas

If you already have a porch, most of your outdoor dining room is ready to go. Just add the mosquito netting and you’re done. Lovely.

A white porch on a sunny day with sheer curtains and a white table with brown chairs set with bread and cheeses.The Neo-Trad

A rustic picnic table is elevated to fairytale heights with the right lighting, linens, and centerpieces.

A picnic table under a tree is ready for guests.Helen Turkington

Another rustic table, but this one is completely hidden, thanks to linen and comfy pillows. And when does blue and white not work together?? Gorgeous.

Blue and white pillows sit on stools set up at a table prepared for a garden party.Helen Turkington

Need room for crowd? This setup is perfect. Long boards, supports and blankets for chairs. Perfect. (Follow the link for more alfresco ideas.)

People are dining at outdoor space on a celebration day.At Home In Love

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