Does My Outdoor BBQ Area Need A Roof?

So you’ve decided to build an outdoor kitchen area to enjoy al fresco dining all year round, but there’s still one big decision left to make: do you need an outdoor BBQ area with a roof, or does it make sense to leave your new outdoor kitchen uncovered?

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about outdoor BBQ areas with roofs to help you decide whether or not you need one. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference and weighing up the pros and cons yourself.

Looking to transform your outdoor space with a bespoke outdoor kitchen area? Get a free quote from Open Space Concepts today.

Do outdoor kitchens need a roof?

No, a roof is not essential for your outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens are designed for outdoor use and come with barbeque covers to keep the appliances protected no matter the weather. At Open Space Concepts, we use only the highest quality materials to construct our outdoor kitchens – they’re frost, heat, and UV-resistant and won’t develop mould or rot even when frequently exposed to rain.

However, adding a roof to your outdoor kitchen certainly has its advantages. Think of it the same way you’d think of your car: it can be left unsheltered, but you’ll need to clean it far less often if it’s kept in the garage. Constructing an outdoor BBQ area with a roof will keep the counters and appliances in the best possible condition and ensure less frequent maintenance is required.

There’s also the advantage of flexibility and versatility with a roof, which enables you to make the most of your outdoor kitchen all year round. If you opt for a retractable pergola, you’ll be able to close the roof to keep you sheltered on rainy days and open it to let the sunshine in on warm days.

Outdoor BBQ area with a roof: Things to consider

If you’re thinking about adding a roof to your outdoor kitchen or BBQ area, there are a few things you should consider to help you make an informed decision.

Cost

This is often the biggest factor for many when deciding whether a roof is worth it. The cost of your outdoor kitchen itself will already be several thousand pounds, and you’ll be looking at doubling this for a pergola to cover it depending on the size, style, and any additional features you choose to include (such as side panels or built-in heating).

For some, this expense is worth it. After all, a pergola will improve the functionality of your kitchen, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance the beauty of your outdoor space. But for others, the additional cost of a roof for their outdoor kitchen is not worth it.

If you can’t make up your mind, it’s worth noting that our pergolas can be easily retrofitted should you decide one is needed after your outdoor kitchen has been constructed.

Location

Outdoor kitchens can be built adjacent to your home or as freestanding areas elsewhere in your garden. Freestanding outdoor kitchens are more likely to benefit from a roof because they’re more exposed to the elements; you might find they get dirty more easily in the winter and feel the full intensity of the sun in summer.

By contrast, outdoor kitchens located closer to your home are already likely to be fairly well shielded by the walls of the building. It will naturally be better sheltered from the rain and shaded at certain times of the day, so you might decide a roof isn’t necessary. Alternatively, you could consider a different type of roof for this type of outdoor kitchen – awnings are great for patio areas as they are wall-mounted, retractable, weather-resistant, and often more affordable than pergolas.

Aesthetics

There are many different styles of outdoor kitchen roofs available, from louvred pergolas to retractable awnings. You might decide that one style will look great in your outdoor space while another won’t, or you might decide that a roof doesn’t appeal to you at all.

That said, at Open Space Concepts, our pergolas and awnings are completely custom-made to ensure they blend seamlessly with any outdoor space. We can work with you to design a roof structure for your outdoor kitchen that effortlessly enhances the space and adds more value to your property – no need to worry about pre-made designs that might not look quite right! Don’t believe us? Check out our wide range of case studies.

Seasonality

Think about when you intend to use your outdoor BBQ area. Will you be using it all year round, or only in the summer? If you only intend to use it during the summer months, you might decide that a roof isn’t worth it – you can simply give it a clean when you’re ready to start grilling.

However, there are still advantages to adding a roof even if you do only intend to use it in the summer. Keeping your outdoor kitchen sheltered throughout the winter will ensure very little maintenance is required once the warmer months finally roll around. What’s more, a pergola or awning will provide much-needed shade from the sun when it gets too hot!

If you plan on using your outdoor kitchen all year round, adding a roof is probably a no-brainer. A roof will ensure you can still comfortably enjoy your outdoor kitchen even in the winter – you can even add built-in infrared heating to keep the space cosy and warm on chilly days.

Safety

When putting an outdoor BBQ under any sort of roof, there are always a few safety considerations to bear in mind. Barbeques produce smoke, and that smoke needs somewhere to go. If you do decide to opt for a roof, you’ll therefore need to consider its permeability and height and make sure it’s not made of materials that can easily be damaged by smoke or heat.

For outdoor kitchens, roofs made from durable aluminium are best as they won’t be damaged by smoke or heat. It’s a good idea to choose a retractable roof so you can let the smoke escape while cooking and keep the space sheltered when the barbeque is not in use.

Looking to install an outdoor BBQ area with a roof? Get in touch today

With over 30 years of experience in the outdoor living industry, the Open Space Concepts team are experts when it comes to designing the perfect outdoor kitchen area.

We’ll work with you to create a practical and stylish space that blends seamlessly with your existing facade and meets your unique specifications – that’s why we’re the UK’s most trusted outdoor living company, with over 200 5-star reviews on Trustpilot.

Choose from a wide range of fully customisable options, from L-shaped outdoor kitchens to modular outdoor kitchens. Every style of kitchen can be constructed on its own or with a pergola or awning to protect it from the elements.

If you’d like to see an outdoor BBQ area with a roof in action, we’d love to welcome you to our outdoor living showroom in Stoke-on-Trent. Here, you’ll be able to get a feel for our outdoor kitchens and decide whether they’re right for you.

To make an enquiry, please get in touch via our online contact form. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have and can give you a free, no-obligation quote.

Outdoor BBQ area with roof FAQs

What is the best roof for a BBQ area?

Retractable metal pergolas are the perfect choice for outdoor BBQ areas as they’re highly versatile, great for outdoor use, and designed to withstand heat.

Are your outdoor kitchen cabinets waterproof?

Although our outdoor kitchen cabinets won’t rot when exposed to water, we can’t guarantee that they’re 100% waterproof. If you don’t have a roof covering your outdoor kitchen, you might want to keep things inside your cabinets in waterproof containers if you don’t want them getting wet.

Can you BBQ under a covered patio?

You can BBQ under a covered patio, but it’s important to make sure you’ve considered safety and that the cover is high enough that it won’t catch fire. Retractable awnings from Open Space Concepts are great for patios and are suspended at a height that won’t pose any safety risks.