There’s something timeless about the scent of sizzling food in the open air. That gentle wisp of smoke curling above a well-loved grill, the sound of laughter drifting through the garden, a glass clinking quietly on the side table. Welcome to the magic of a thoughtfully designed backyard BBQ zone—your little oasis of flavour, fire, and friendship.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to turn even a modest patio into a summer-ready BBQ haven. From smart layouts and comfy seating to herb planters and ambient lighting, here’s how to make every meal outside feel like a celebration.
Start with the Patio: Keep the Grill Close (But Not Too Close)
We learned this the smoky way—placing your grill right next to the kitchen door sounds practical… until a gust of wind sends a smoky plume straight into the hallway. These days, we set our BBQ station about 2 to 3 metres away from the house wall, tucked on the patio but angled so the smoke floats off harmlessly. A little side shelf between the wall and grill gives us prep space, too.
If your house faces the breeze, a small slatted windbreak (or even a tall herb planter) can help steer smoke away from guests. Bonus: modern pellet grills give off much cleaner smoke than old-school charcoal setups, and they’re quieter too.
Seating That Moves With Your Crowd
Let’s be honest: we rarely sit still during BBQs. Kids roam, friends gather near the grill, someone always ends up in the garden swing. That’s why flexible seating is key.
We use a mix of benches, stackable chairs, and our favourite trick—an L-shaped corner made from leftover decking timber. It gives a cosy “nook” vibe and frees up floor space. Keep at least a metre of clearance between zones, so people carrying platters (or chasing toddlers) can move around easily.
Grow What You Grill: Easy Herb Planters
Nothing beats snipping a sprig of rosemary and throwing it straight on the coals. Our planter box (a reclaimed timber crate, if we’re being honest) holds thyme, oregano, sage, and mint. These herbs don’t mind the heat and stay fragrant all season.
We keep it right by the grill so we can toss in flavours while cooking. It also looks great and doubles as a subtle screen between the cook zone and guests.
Light It Up: Atmosphere After Sunset
Evening BBQs are our favourite—especially when we string up warm Edison bulbs under the pergola. Soft lighting sets the mood, and a few solar path lights help guests find their way after dark.
For warmth, we’ve got a compact smokeless fire pit. It kicks out enough heat to keep folks lingering, and doesn’t blast the whole garden with smoke. A small, low table nearby holds marshmallows and long skewers. Trust me, those always disappear first.
The Cleanup Plan (That Won’t Ruin the Mood)
We used to dread the cleanup, until we made a few simple changes. Now there’s a metal bin for ash, a lidded deck box to stash brushes and covers, and sealed concrete counters that wipe down in seconds.
Pro tip? Heat the grill for 5 minutes after cooking, then scrub while it’s still warm. It’s way easier than waiting until the next morning.
Your BBQ, Your Way
Designing a backyard BBQ area isn’t about perfection. Ours has mismatched chairs, a slightly wobbly table, and the odd chalk drawing from last weekend’s garden party. But it’s ours, and it brings people together.
With a little planning and a few herbs by your side, you’ll have a backyard BBQ setup that turns any evening into a gathering. Fire it up, lean back, and let the smoke do the talking.
