Outdoor kitchens have become the fastest-growing feature in Canadian home design, with industry experts reporting a surge in demand that began during the pandemic and shows no signs of slowing. According to Caesarstone Canada president Ken Williams, the pandemic fundamentally changed how people approach their outdoor spaces, with Canadians investing in backyards as they once did interiors.
Pandemic Sparked a Backyard Revolution
Williams notes that this investment has matured significantly. “People no longer treat their backyard as an afterthought. They bring similar care and thought they would to a kitchen, living room or any other indoor hosting space.” He adds that covered structures, pergolas, and enclosed patios now physically extend the home, bridging the gap between inside and out. “It makes the outdoor kitchen feel like a true extension of the living space rather than a separate feature. And given how short our season is, that kind of investment makes a lot of sense. When summer hits, that outdoor kitchen becomes the centre of everything.”
Daniel Albo, president of Outeriors, Outdoor Kitchens & Cabinetry in Vaughan, calls the outdoor kitchen the “final frontier” for custom-built homes. “Architects, designers and landscape professionals are including outdoor kitchens in all their floor plan drawings as of recently, which we haven’t seen before,” he says. Albo credits COVID-19 as a major catalyst, as lockdowns forced entertaining outdoors.
Designing for Canadian Climate
Williams warns that the biggest mistake is treating an outdoor kitchen like an indoor one. “Before you even think about finishes, think about how you actually live. How do you entertain? How does the space connect to your indoor flow?” He emphasizes that sun and shade patterns matter more than expected, and budget clarity is crucial because costs scale quickly with gas lines, electrical, and drainage. “In Canada specifically, you have to design for the full year, not just four months of summer and part of the shoulder seasons.”
Materials are paramount. Albo explains that Alumina cabinets are made from marine-grade, powder-coated aluminum that requires no maintenance or covering. “Alumina outdoor kitchens are manufactured here in Canada for the Canadian elements and all seasons – no covering or winterization required.” This durability allows homeowners to enjoy their outdoor spaces without seasonal storage concerns.
From Afterthought to Centerpiece
The trend reflects a broader shift in how Canadians view their properties. A cedar pavilion sheltering a marine-grade kitchen, as featured in the article, exemplifies the new approach: extending the hosting season well into autumn. Similarly, an outdoor kitchen on an elevated deck offers views of both a pool and forest, blending luxury with nature.
Albo notes that designers are increasingly comfortable with outdoor kitchen designs because they follow traditional interior cabinetry language. “COVID-19 was a major initiator of growth for this category, as lockdowns and social distancing forced entertaining and larger group gatherings outdoors.” The result is a seamless integration of indoor comfort and outdoor luxury, making the backyard the new heart of the home.
