The 19 Best BBQ Shelter Ideas For Any Occassion
When the smell of sizzling barbecue fills the air, it's a sure sign that summer has arrived. But to truly elevate your outdoor cooking experience, you need some BBQ shelter ideas. Not only does a BBQ shelter protect you from unpredictable UK weather, but it also enhances the functionality and style of your outdoor space. From modern pergolas to gazebos and even custom-built BBQ shade, there’s a shelter out there that suits your style. Whether you want to make it a socialising space to host in, or you just want a space where you can fire up the grill all year round, there are plenty of options.
Let’s explore some of the best BBQ shelter ideas so that you can get on the grill this summer and create your ideal cooking space, whatever the weather.
The 19 best BBQ shelter ideas for your outdoor space
It might sound easy to come up with BBQ area ideas, but it depends on the space you’re working with and your style. Whether you’re trying to create an outdoor kitchen or you just want a simple space to eat in, here are some garden BBQ shelter ideas to get you started.
1. Choose a stylish and modern pergola
PergoSTET 3m x 4m Rectangular Pergola with 3 Drop Side - £3,999
A pergola offers a sophisticated and stylish way to shelter your BBQ area. Pergolas offer plenty of ventilation, so you can enjoy the outdoors while remaining protected from sun and light rain. You can also choose from designs that work in your outdoor space. A pergola can seriously elevate the look and feel of your garden or terrace.
2. Build a DIY outdoor shelter
Monterrey 2 Seat Rope Sofa Set Grey - £1,599.00
For those who love a hands-on project, building a DIY outdoor shelter can be a rewarding experience. Use materials like wood, metal or even bamboo to create a unique shelter that fits your specific needs. Make sure you build your shelter safely with the right guidance, ventilation and space around your grilling area. For those who love a hands-on project, building a DIY outdoor shelter can be a rewarding experience. Use materials like wood, metal or even bamboo to create a unique shelter that fits your specific needs. Make sure you build your shelter safely with the right guidance, ventilation and space around your grilling area.
3. Add a shelter above a charcoal BBQ
Napoleon Charcoal Professional Barbecue - £1529.99
Charcoal BBQs are beloved for their authentic flavour, and adding a shelter means you can enjoy grilling no matter the weather. A simple canopy, pergola or shaded area can keep your grill dry, ready for use and in good condition for the next time you decide to do some grilling.
4. Build a built-in grill area
Napoleon Prestige Pro 825 RSIB Gas Barbecue - £5,999.99
A built-in grill area adds luxury to your outdoor space. If you’re serious about barbecuing and regularly eat al fresco, then blending indoors and outdoors like this can be a great BBQ shelter idea to make a multifunctional space. Incorporate storage, countertops and even a sink to create a fully functional garden kitchen.
5. Mix things up with a pizza oven set-up
Juno 12" Pizza Oven Bundle with Gas Burner - £279.00
Take your outdoor cooking to the next level and be the envy of all your friends by adding an outdoor pizza oven to your culinary repertoire. It's perfect for evenings and socialising outside. It's fun for the whole family and a fantastic garden party idea. The great thing is that you can cook a variety of roasts, cuts of meat, veggie dishes, and more in a pizza oven.
6. Deck out your garden with a Napoleon barbecue
Napoleon 700 Series 32" Built-in Gas Grill - £2,220.00
Napoleon barbecues are known for their superior quality and performance. They’re one of the leading barbecues on the market, so they need an outdoor space to match. Pair one with a stylish shelter, like a pergola, canopy or parasol to create the ultimate outdoor cooking area.
7. Get a Kamado grill
Kamado BBQ 22" Ceramic Grill - £849
Kamado grills are versatile and efficient, perfect for smoking, grilling, and even baking. They’re a premium and luxurious ceramic grill from Japan, so need a stylish space that lives up to expectations. Add a dedicated BBQ shelter to protect your Kamado grill and enhance your outdoor cooking experience.
Here’s how to cook the perfect pizza on a Kamado grill — it’s not just for meat and seafood!
8. Choose a stylish and flexible parasol
Hacienda 3m x 4m Cantilever Parasol - £1599
Garden parasols are a flexible and stylish option for shading your BBQ area. Easily move them to where they’re needed most and choose from a variety of designs to match your outdoor decor. They’re a great choice if you like to change up your BBQ space each time, and can help you stay shaded all day if needed.
9. Build a BBQ shed
Can you put a BBQ in a shed? Yes, you can. In fact, a BBQ shed is one of our favourite outdoor BBQ shelter ideas, providing excellent protection from the elements and customisation with storage and prep areas. It’s a great UK BBQ shelter idea to keep your grilling equipment organised and ready for use. Just make sure you have enough space and ventilation, and that it’s made from the right materials.
10. Shelter your gas BBQ from rain, wind and sun
Napoleon Freestyle 425 SIB Gas Barbecue - £829.99
Gas BBQs are convenient and easy to use, but they need protection from the weather. A sturdy shelter ensures your gas grill is always ready for action, no matter the forecast. If you don’t want a shelter, then a BBQ cover can help keep your gas BBQ protected during the wetter months.
11. Invite friends over for al fresco cooking
Luna Deluxe Outdoor Fabric Square Corner Dining Set with Rising Firepit Table - £4349
Create a comfortable and inviting BBQ shelter to encourage more outdoor gatherings, as long as you don’t mind hosting. Add seating, lighting and some stylish garden furniture to make your space perfect for entertaining. Aim to make it feel like a lounge area but with some incredible grilled food too.
Check out the best dates every year to plan your barbecue soiree, so you can plan your party perfectly.
12. Choose a rustic wooden look
PergoSTET 3m x 4m Rectangular Pergola with 3 Drop Sides and LED Lighting with Wood Effect - £4,299.00
A rustic wooden shelter adds a charming and natural feel to your outdoor space. It’s one of our favourite wooden BBQ shelter ideas. With wood often difficult to maintain, consider other shelter types that have a wood effect to them. This way, you don’t have to worry throughout the winter about maintenance work come springtime.
13. Choose sleek stainless steel countertops
Napoleon 700 Series 44” Built-in Gas Grill - £4055
Stainless steel countertops are not only durable but also give your outdoor kitchen a sleek and modern look. Plus, they’re easy to care for, especially when you’re looking at outdoor BBQ shelter ideas. Pair them with a high-quality grill for a professional-grade BBQ area.
14. Plan a fancy BBQ soiree, rain or shine
Santiago 6 Seat Rattan Oval Dining Set in Grey - £1,799.00
A well-designed BBQ shelter lets you host elegant outdoor gatherings regardless of the weather. Add comfortable seating, ambient lighting and decorative touches to create a stunning setting. You’ll find plenty of ideas in our outdoor living space ideas blog.
15. Build a BBQ shelter in the garden
3m x 6m Rectangular Pergola with 4 Drop Sides in Grey - £8639
Integrate your BBQ shelter into your garden for a natural look that combines indoors and outdoors. A pergola can really help you do this. Surround it with greenery and flowers to create a tranquil cooking oasis. It’s the perfect extension to bring the outdoors indoors. Check out some of our summer garden ideas for inspiration.
16. Construct a gazebo
Gazebos are perfect for creating a more enclosed and intimate BBQ space, while still having enough ventilation and light. They offer great protection from the elements and can be customised with curtains and netting for added privacy and comfort. Just be careful when it comes to flowing curtains or nets around the grill.
17. Illuminate the BBQ shelter area with lighting
Glow Challenger T2 3m Square Cantilever Parasol in Taupe - £649.99
Proper outdoor lighting can transform your BBQ shelter into an inviting evening retreat. Use string lights, outdoor floor lamps, LED parasols or built-in fixtures to create the perfect ambience. This can really elevate it into a space you can use all day and night, even if you’re not grilling. Or if you are, you can carry on the party way into the night with some extra lights.
18. Add seating for family meals
Panama Luxury Outdoor Large U-Shape Corner Sofa Set in Latte - £5,499.00
Incorporate comfortable seating into your BBQ shelter design to create a cosy dining area. Benches, chairs, dining sets and even built-in seating can make your space perfect for family meals. Just make sure you have enough space for anyone you might want to invite and ensure the chairs you choose are comfortable.
19. Accessorise your BBQ shelter
Panama 3 Seat Sofa with Sun Lounger Feature in Charcoal - £1,249.00
Accessorising your BBQ shelter can transform it into a stylish outdoor space perfect for entertaining. Start with comfortable seating, then add in cushions, LED candles, ornaments, beanbags, outdoor rugs and even artwork if you have wall space. This can turn your BBQ shelter into somewhere you really want to spend time. You can even theme the space too.
How do you plan a BBQ area?
Planning the perfect location for your barbecue in the garden ensures it’s safe and enjoyable, and that you make the most of your space. Start by evaluating the size and shape of your outdoor area. Identify the available space for your BBQ shelter and consider any existing features like patios, gardens or walkways. Measure the dimensions to determine how much room you have to work with.
Safety should be a top priority when choosing the location for your barbecue. Make sure there is enough space between the BBQ and any flammable materials. Maintain a clear path to and from the house for easy access in case of emergencies. Wind direction is important to factor in too, but isn’t always reliable.
Place your barbecue near the kitchen or dining area for convenience. This reduces the time and effort spent transporting food and supplies back and forth. Include a designated cooking zone with ample space for the grill and prep areas, a serving zone for setting out food and a dining zone with comfortable seating.
For smaller outdoor spaces, consider compact and multifunctional designs. Wall-mounted foldable tables, built-in storage and vertical gardens can help save space while maintaining functionality. Choose a compact BBQ model that fits the scale of your area. In larger gardens, you have the flexibility to create a more expansive BBQ setup. Create multiple seating areas to accommodate larger gatherings and add in some more permanent features like worktops, storage and appliances.
Take a look at our article on BBQ area ideas for more inspiration.
How to build a BBQ shelter
Creating a barbecue shelter is a fantastic way to enhance your outdoor cooking experience, offering protection from the elements and creating a dedicated space for entertaining. Follow these steps to plan and construct a BBQ shelter that is safe, functional and stylish.
1. Planning your BBQ shelter
Choose the right location for your shelter. You want it to be accessible, safe and on a flat, stable surface. Decide on the type of shelter you want, the materials, the size of the BBQ and the number of people you want in the space. You also want to make sure you have a power supply if you need one for things like lighting or accessories. Understanding whether there are any regulations in the local area that you need to comply with for your BBQ shelter is important too.
2. Construction process
Start by choosing your materials and noting the tools you’ll need. Make sure to have these on hand before you start. You may choose to use wood or metal and you’ll need things like screws, bolts, saws, drills, a hammer, a ladder and safety gear. Depending on what you’re building, you might need to build foundations or a frame. These are usually the starting points. If you’re going to have a roof on your BBQ shelter, then you’ll also need to plan for this. Then, add finishing touches like lighting, seating and storage.
3. Tips for avoiding common pitfalls
There are a few tips to follow when you’re bringing your DIY BBQ shelter ideas to life. Here are some pieces of advice that will help you along the way:
- Always double-check measurements before cutting materials to avoid costly mistakes.
- Ensure posts are firmly set in concrete to prevent shifting or collapsing. This is why you should only build your shelter on stable ground.
- Ensure there is adequate ventilation in the cooking area to prevent smoke build-up and maintain safety.
- Use weather-resistant materials and treatments to protect your shelter from the elements and prolong its lifespan.
- Periodically inspect and maintain your BBQ shelter to address any wear and tear quickly.
If building a BBQ shelter feels like too big a task, take a look at Harbour Lifestyle’s outdoor shade range that includes pergolas and parasols, perfect for fitting a BBQ under.
Your perfect BBQ shelter awaits
Creating the perfect BBQ shelter can completely enhance your outdoor cooking and entertaining experience, providing a comfortable and stylish space that is usable in all weather conditions. By exploring garden BBQ shelter ideas like pergolas, gazebos and custom-built structures, you can find a solution that fits your style and functional needs. Accessorising your BBQ shelter with seating, lighting and décor can transform it into an inviting space that friends and family will love. Whether you go for a DIY project or a ready-made option, a well-designed BBQ shelter protects your grill and elevates the space completely.
Shop our range of pergolas to bring your BBQ shelter ideas to life.
FAQs
Can you build around a BBQ?
Yes, you can build a structure around a BBQ. You need to use the right materials for the job and make sure you have enough ventilation. There should be enough clearance around the actual BBQ to prevent heat or smoke damage.This is the same for both gas and charcoal grills.
Make sure the BBQ is easily accessible for cooking and cleaning while avoiding the creation of tight or awkward spaces that could make grilling difficult or hazardous. Check local building regulations before starting your project.
