Asked on May 08, 2016

Would it look right to put an outdoor kitchen under screened pool?

I just moved into this house coming from a house in the country from lots of land; so this type of home is very new to me. It's a typical Florida home with a screened in pool. I want to add a hot tub and a place that I can add my BBQ pit and flat top grill, plus a place to sit and eat. I've included pictures of my pool area as it is now (I close in a week). I also included a picture of a "room" with a hot tub and bar. Would it look weird to build something like that in that big blank space under the screen room?
  25 answers
  • Sandy Sandy on May 08, 2016
    I visited a friend that had very similar set up - he had a stone faced bar and kitchen built in and the whole area started under the house roof and extended out into the screened area. that allowed to still serve beverages, etc during wet weather- the cooking area extended out under screen - the rock was a great match
  • Sarah A. Victory Sarah A. Victory on May 08, 2016
    It sounds like a great idea but whom ever you get to do the work should know what local codes permit. Congrats on your new home, looks terrific!
    • Lacy Smith Hornberger Lacy Smith Hornberger on May 09, 2016
      @Sarah A. Victory OMG, yes! I have heard nightmares of people that don't get permits and they make them tear the entire structure down! Thank you so much.
  • Judy Millett Judy Millett on May 08, 2016
    I think it would be a terrific addition to the entertaining space, !
  • Carol Dailey Carol Dailey on May 08, 2016
    that would be awesome, but in Florida there are some strict code we have to go by, just make sure you get a good constrution company, permits and such because if it's not to code they will make you trar it down! Carol in Port Saint Lucie,Fl
  • Michelle Michelle on May 09, 2016
    It could be beautiful if done right, like before check with codes, I'd think you would need ventilation for the grill & flattop, you've got plenty of space for the cook area as well as the dining area, add lots of color, after all it is your space do what makes you smile every time you see that area.
  • Connie Phillips Connie Phillips on May 09, 2016
    I try to stay as far away from the kitchen as possible. In fact my ex said if I ever wanted to hide, I should hide in the kitchen. No one would think to look for me there, lol. Btw, what a beautiful pool.
  • Johnchip Johnchip on May 09, 2016
    It is "too heavy" looking a structure, too 'closed in' for the open space. I have no idea why you would want any structure. I would design a nice open kitchen and put a hot tub in with some nice plantings, aviary, fountain, whatever around it. Any 'structural' elements should coordinate with the metal work of the existing metal screen structure.
  • Polly Zieper Polly Zieper on May 09, 2016
    I live in sFL and most people who have backyard pools have the screen enclosure pictured, otherwise the mosquitos make the swimming season very short. An outdoor kitchen is a bonus!I envy neighbors who have a grill, sink, some have a minifridge, also. Enjoy!
    • Teresa Tomasulo Teresa Tomasulo on May 09, 2016
      @Polly Zieper I whole-heartedly agree with you! Screened-in patios/swimming pools are essential in Florida! Make the most of your area. You will not regret it! A plus is putting in potted plants/herbs to make your space feel "softer". Gecko's are harmless but their sudden movements have always frightened me and plus if it is on a canal...alligators...so the screened-in area is a must. If you can tolerate the humidity in the summer, you will have an all-essential bonus room year around. Florida is very pretty. Best wishes to you and your new home.
  • Christin Adree Christin Adree on May 09, 2016
    Yes, that could absolutely work, depending on the theme you would use. I would incorporate such a kitchen int a tikky lounge or spa bistro. You will have to work with an extra large exhaust hood tho, so you do not have to worry about cooking fumes fogging up your glass and leaving deposits, like smoke from a grill a fat.
  • Dorothy Dorothy on May 09, 2016
    Absolutely, why miss all the fun running back and forth to the kitchen?
  • Diane Claeys Biedenweg Diane Claeys Biedenweg on May 09, 2016
    My only concern would be whether or not the concrete is strong/thick enough to hold the weight of a filled hot tub.
  • Leah M Leah M on May 09, 2016
    I would guess that if your grill is gas, it would be safe. I wouldn't put a charcoal grill in without some sort of venting, even though the porch is screened.
  • Shirley Russel Shirley Russel on May 09, 2016
    Yes my husband and I are redoing our kitchen in the lanai and we are buying a Kenyon Grill it is electric no smoke and no fire the coils are protected and easy to clean
  • Lainey Howell Lainey Howell on May 10, 2016
    As long as there is sufficient ventilation, I see no problems with the concept.
  • Shirley Russel Shirley Russel on May 10, 2016
    They have portable ones to or built in you can even use them indoors
  • Shirley Russel Shirley Russel on May 10, 2016
    also ours is under the roof of the lanai
  • Jean DeSavage Jean DeSavage on May 10, 2016
    Considering the large empty area at the end of the pool, it looks like the perfect space for your "kitchen" and eating area. If there's room at the other end I would put the hot tub there or in the middle on the side. away from the kitchen area.
  • Daniel James Daniel James on May 11, 2016
    Reallyit’s your very good plan. It will be a very nice look if you are doing likethis. Outdoor kitchen under pool, Gazebo etc are the beauty of home. Beforesome months I decorated my home with Stylish Gazebo with the help of SunJoyIndustries and really it was amazing. So you may take help of that for your anyrequirements. Thank you.
  • Bci33654036 Bci33654036 on Jun 22, 2018

    Would like to put in a wood burning pizza oven in my lanai, my only concern will the smoke damage my screen ? Thank you so much

  • Mary Mary on Jul 21, 2021

    Hi dear, I have similar pool cage and I want to build a outdoor bbq area, do you come out with any ideas,

  • Deb K Deb K on May 11, 2023

    Hi Lacy, smoke isn't good for the screen but I see a spot where you could do the kitchen by the screened area and put it in a pergola or large hard top gazebo.

  • Mogie Mogie on May 16, 2023

    You need to look into what is allowed and what needs inspection first. Talk to someone in your local planning department.

  • Mogie Mogie on May 18, 2023

    Perhaps I am a little paranoid but just saw a video of a pool giving way and crushing the bottom levels of a parking garage.