Here's How to Create the Ultimate Outdoor BBQ Area

Creating a comfortable outdoor cooking area is a great way to make the most of the warm weather at home. A fully furnished backyard grill area lets you savour mouth-watering meals while spending quality time with family and friends. Whether relaxing in your backyard oasis or entertaining guests over amazing food, here's how to make the most out of your outdoor living space.

Begin with Everyday Barbecue Essentials

Outdoor grilling is a classic Canadian way to experience sunny summer days and mild nights. To start, you'll want to a choose the right BBQ and accessories.

Choose the Best BBQ for Your Needs

No grilling area is complete without the right BBQ. You'll want a barbecue grill that suits your personal space and cooking style. Consider the questions below when choosing a new BBQ.

Do you prefer a propane, electric or charcoal grill? For an electric BBQ, do you have access to an outlet?
Do you have a smaller patio or balcony? Consider a simple charcoal grill or electric tabletop BBQ
How much time do you want to spend grilling? Propane and electric grills cook more quickly than charcoal grills and smokers
Do you want a unit with a side burner in addition to the main cooking area? A side burner provides space to sauté veggies or simmer sauces

Shop our versatile selection of BBQs and check out our buying guide to help you choose the perfect one.

Stock Up on Quality Barbecue Tools

Set yourself up for successful grilling with the right barbecue tools. Having quality BBQ tools and accessories on hand makes the job easier.

BBQ Tools

Grilling essentials include barbecue tongs, a barbecue turner (or spatula), a grill fork and a basting brush. Consider a set that includes all tools in one handy package.

BBQ Cover

A durable BBQ grill cover protects your barbecue against damage from elements like dust, rain, UV rays and snow.

Cleaning Tools

Proper BBQ maintenance helps prolong the life of your BBQ. Grab a grill brush, grill scraper and grill spray cleaner.

Check out our complete BBQ Tools & Accessories Buying Guide!

Set Up Your Idyllic Backyard Dining Space

Once you have the BBQ basics down, you're ready to clean up your backyard space and create a functional and stylish grilling area.

Prep Your Space

It's a good idea to clean up your outdoor area before BBQ season starts, so you can focus on relaxing and entertaining.

Create a Warm and Welcoming Environment with a Quick Refresh

This can be as simple as mowing the lawn, tidying up your landscaping or adding planters and hanging baskets. Clean patio furniture that has spent the winter in storage and consider touching up your deck or patio if it needs a fresh stain or rinse.

Patio BBQ Area Layout

Give some thought to how you want to design your space. Read the following tips to help create a functional and comfortable area.

Place the grill close to the door for easy access to the kitchen
If using an electric BBQ, set up near an outlet or find a suitable extension cord
Make sure there is shaded seating for dining on hot and sunny days
Add an outdoor fire pit for cozy seating in the evening
Maximize smaller spaces with chat sets designed for compact areas

Pick Your Perfect Patio Furniture

Updating your patio furniture is a great way to bring comfort and style to your space. Choose furniture that fits your seating needs and décor. If you don't want to invest in all new outdoor furniture, you can pick and choose pieces to complement your setup.

In addition to permanent patio furniture, consider portable pieces to accommodate different sized groups. Stacking chairs or folding chairs and tables are easy to store and great when extra seating is required.

Patio umbrellas and gazebos provide shaded comfort while dining or simply hanging out. A gazebo is also a great way to extend dining to areas other than the deck.

For small spaces and city living, consider compact patio furniture that won't clutter your space. Bring character to your space with artificial turf, colourful planters or simple accessories like throw pillows.

TIP: Look for furniture like storage benches or ottomans that offer built-in storage without taking away space.

Browse our functional and stylish patio and outdoor furniture.

Get the Grilling Area Ready for Entertaining

Choose entertainment essentials to make your backyard dining area the perfect hangout spot.

Coolers

Keep drinks and snacks crisp, cold and close by with a cooler. Coolers range from simple and functional to stylish décor pieces.

Mini Fridges

For a more permanent setup, opt for a mini fridge that’s suitable for outdoor use and keep beverages on hand at all times.

Dining Sets

Purchase a backyard dining set that will accommodate your family and guests. Choose dinnerware for outdoor dining in a material that is durable and easy to clean.

Lighting

Enhance your backyard dining area with outdoor lights. Patio lighting is both practical and stylish. Hanging lights illuminate your outdoor décor and add character, and tabletop lights create a beautiful glow. Choose from electric, solar and battery-operated lights.

A fully prepped and fashionable grilling area is a great way to enjoy memorable outdoor meals. From family get-togethers to backyard dining with close friends, it's a fun and relaxing way to spend quality time at home. Head outside and enjoy the warm weather in your ultimate back backyard BBQ area.