The best place to install a barbeque hut in the garden

Whether you are a grill enthusiast or just want to make the most out of your garden, a barbeque hut offers plenty of reasons to cook up some alfresco feasts.

Not only does a hut offer protection against the weather - meaning your barbeque need never be a washout - but it also provides storage for tools and ingredients, and acts as a centrepiece for outdoor celebrations. Before you consider having a barbecue hut built, you must think carefully about the best location to place it.

From damaging gusts to broken regulations, there are many issues that can arise if you build your barbeque hut in the wrong place. Read on to understand the key considerations.

Planning permission

Firstly, you must make sure you have permission to build the barbeque hut in the first place.

In the UK, you won’t need planning and building permission for your barbeque hut if the structure is located at the end of your back garden. However, if you decide to build the hut near the front of your property in a highly visible spot, you should be aware that a permit may be required.

Be sure you are not planning to build the hut in any location that could be considered a conservation area, heritage site or designated area by your local council. 
In general, an outbuilding for your back garden, such as a barbeque hut, won’t need planning permission. But do your due diligence on this subject as a starting point. 

Take stock of the terrain

Next, scope out a good spot for the barbeque hut. There are several potential ‘red flags’ related to the terrain. 

Sloping ground is generally a no-go. Firstly, if your barbeque is set on a tilt, it may be tricky to keep objects such as condiments or glasses steady while you are grilling. Other, lighter items, such as plastic bottles or paper plates, can easily blow away from an uneven surface. 

It may also be tricky to accommodate guests in wheelchairs if you pick sloping ground for your hut.
If your garden lacks flat spots, consider installing a deck foundation that can provide a stable base upon which to build the barbeque hut. 

Be wary of the wind

One of the main benefits of a barbeque hut is the shelter it provides from winds. Strong gusts can wreak havoc, disrupting the airflow of your grill and affecting cooking. They may blow around barbeque items, or cause cabinets and draws to open and slam shut.

However, the barbeque hut will be better situated if it enjoys its own protection from the wind. As much of a shield as you can provide will help. You could use a windsock or weather app on your phone to find out the most common wind direction in your location. Then, set about identifying a spot that benefits from the cover of fences or hedges that will block the usual path of the wind. 

Accessibility counts

How many guests will you usually be inviting over? You should make sure that installing a barbeque doesn’t disrupt foot traffic and make getting around your lawn a struggle. Pathways should lead from your home and patio to the hut itself. There should be enough room around the hut for visitors to pick up their food and move out to a sitting or standing area.

You should also pay close attention to the area around the grill and storage spaces, such as cabinets. Will they obstruct any pathways that people are likely to take? This could be dangerous as well as inconvenient. If you want to direct people in a certain direction or encourage them to take a certain path, garden borders or rope dividers can help. 

Barbeque with a view

Barbeques are all about enjoyment, and so if there is any pleasant scenery to be had, make the most of it! After you’ve made sure a location is flat, accessible and as sheltered from the wind as possible, it’s time to think about the view.

Not everyone has the luxury of a garden surrounded by stunning vistas such as rolling hills, mountains or lakes. However, there may be a part of your garden that you wish to draw attention to. Think about ponds and pools, trees, flowerbeds or sculptures. If you put the open side of the hut facing the feature you want to be visible, guests will naturally congregate in a position where they can enjoy the view.

Constructing a barbeque hut does pose some planning considerations, and among the most important of these is the location. Think carefully about the right place for your hut, even if there is one position that springs to mind immediately. Settle on the right spot and enjoy a summer of family, friends and food!