How To Build The Perfect BBQ Area

As summer approaches with warmer days and longer evenings, it’s the perfect time to think about embracing your outdoor space and getting the barbecue fired up. After all, there’s nothing we Brits love more than a good old fashioned barbecue, no matter the weather. 

To get the most out of your barbecue, whether you’re planning a casual grilled dinner or a big garden party, why not create a comfortable and stylish alfresco dining area? 

From durable porcelain tiles for elegance underfoot to modern composite cladding that will give your space some shelter, we’re here to offer advice on how to build the perfect BBQ area. 

Check out our tips and explore our full range of stunning products designed to give your garden a full refresh. 

What Makes A Good BBQ Area?

When it comes to creating the perfect spot for outdoor cooking, the main priority is practicality, not space. The good news is that you don’t need a massive garden; just a bit of smart thinking.

In our experience helping residents across the country bring their outdoor spaces to life, we’ve found that the main criteria for an ideal BBQ area includes:

• Practical materials that are long-lasting, low-maintenance, and easy to clean
• Robust, non-slip flooring so you can cook safely even if there’s a spot of rain
• A comfortable seating area to enjoy the fruits of your BBQ labour
• A bit of shelter to keep wind and rain at bay — the last thing you want is your grill losing heat!

Where To Place Your Barbecue Area

One of the most important things to consider is where you will position your BBQ.

To create the ideal outdoor cooking setup, it’s essential to consider a sensible location for cooking. You don’t want a scalding hot BBQ situated right in the way of the main thoroughfare of traffic, or near where the kids play. 

It’s worth considering sunlight, too. Perhaps you love heat and can think of nothing better than flipping burgers while basking in the full beam of the sun’s rays. But if that sounds too hot to handle, try to find a shadier spot for your BBQ instead.

Distance from the house is also an important factor. Ideally, you don’t want your barbecue too far away from the kitchen, or you’ll spend forever hauling food back and forth. But go too close and you risk smoke blowing inside.

A patio or decking area close to your property offers the ideal sweet spot. You can create a dedicated area with porcelain tiles or composite decking.

How Big Should An Outdoor BBQ Area Be?

Catering for one or planning a BBQ area that’s primed for parties and big celebrations? 

The more people you plan on hosting, the more cooking and socialising space you’ll need, so make sure to factor this into your design. You might also find that building storage and surfaces to rest utensils and food on is worthwhile.

What Should I Choose As The Base Of My BBQ Area?

Porcelain tiles or composite decking both provide effective and practical surfaces for your barbecue. You’ll need a level area so that your barbecue grill remains upright and stable, with no risk of falling over — this can be incredibly dangerous, especially when flames are involved. 

Porcelain Tiles

Our outdoor porcelain tiles are an ideal solution for any patio, providing a sleek and elegant surface for your barbecue area. 

These tiles are robust, non-slip, and available in a variety of timeless shades so you can find a colour and style that complements your garden. From classic cream and beige shades to gorgeous grey and wood effect porcelain tiles designs, there’s something for every outdoor space.

Composite Decking

Composite decking can also help you build your dream BBQ area. Available in stunning black, grey, and brown colourways, our HR Dek 140 and HR Dual Dek ranges provide the opportunity to create a bold, contemporary decking area. 

Composite decking, made from a combination of wood fibres and recycled plastic, boasts superior strength and requires little to no maintenance, making it a great alternative to timber. 

These boards are quick and easy to install, allowing you to create a raised deck that can serve as a striking focal point for your garden. Plus, if you envision your BBQ area as part of a larger design, you can utilise our composite decking to subtly define seating, cooking, and dining zones with raised platforms and varied levels.

Note: We recommend placing your barbecue on a heatproof mat or setting down some porcelain tiles to protect your composite decking from the heat.

How To Weatherproof Your New BBQ Area

Hands up if you’ve been forced to cook under an umbrella before? Us too. However, while you can’t control the weather, you can control how it impacts your barbecuing. How? By building a shelter.

Not only will a purpose-built canopy help to keep you dry and prevent soggy sausages, but it can look the part too. It also means your outdoor area can be enjoyed all year round – making it BBQ day, every day.

Keep The Wind And Rain At Bay 

Composite fencing can create a sheltered area while adding a sense of sophistication to your BBQ space. With brown and grey composite fencing available in a variety of heights (from 0.9m to 1.8m), you can really tailor your space to your requirements. 

Plus, our decorative fence panels can add the final flourish for an alfresco dining space that looks impressive and welcoming.

You can also use our composite decking boards to build a variety of shelters. Our collection includes 2.4m and 4m lengths, plus all the accessories you need, from T-clips to end trim, allowing you to get creative.

Our composite decking boards are lightweight, durable and easy to work with, making it easier than ever to construct reliable shelters, seating areas, storage, and much more.

Transform Your Outdoor Space With Modern Garden

Now you know how to build the perfect BBQ area, it’s time to get all the components you need with Modern Garden — your one-stop shop for high-quality porcelain and composite materials. 

We have everything you need — from composite cladding that can refresh tired-looking walls to composite decking, composite fencing, and porcelain tiles that combine practicality with undeniable style. 

Our products are crafted to the highest standards and designed to withstand the test of time, always requiring minimal maintenance. Explore our full collection and feel free to contact us if you have any questions. 

Call 01695 557 711, email info@modern-garden.co.uk, or fill in our contact form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.