Outdoor Kitchen Canopy with Storage



Meet Greg Ostertag
Grand Pavilion Shed
Efficient Outdoor Cabinetry
Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen
Custom Dartboard Cabinet
Detailed Shed Plans

Transforming Mount Vernon: The Ostertag Group’s Vision for Community & Outdoor Living

Building a Vibrant Town, a Thriving Business, and an Exceptional Shed

When former NBA center Greg Ostertag concluded his illustrious 10-season career with the Utah Jazz, he and his wife, Shannon, sought a new chapter. Their journey led them to Mount Vernon, Texas, a town with undeniable charm but also a visible need for revitalization. Downtown storefronts stood largely vacant, and dining options were scarce. Despite the quiet appearance, the Ostertags recognized the latent potential of this close-knit community.

“We decided to make our home here regardless,” Greg recalls, highlighting their initial leap of faith. It was Shannon who then spearheaded the vision for change, approaching Greg with a compelling idea: acquiring a historic downtown building to breathe new life into the town’s core. This ambitious undertaking marked the beginning of The Ostertag Group, a design and construction company dedicated to revitalizing Mount Vernon one project at a time.

Their first endeavor was the meticulous restoration of a century-old barbershop. This project not only preserved a piece of local history but also became the birthplace of new ventures, including a charming coffee shop that quickly became a community hub, and the official establishment of The Ostertag Group itself.

Driven by this initial success, Shannon’s next target was the town’s old general store, another architectural gem yearning for revival. To tackle this significant renovation, she enlisted the expertise of a trusted professional: her ex-husband, Henry Ruelas, a seasoned contractor with extensive experience. Their son, Trevor, an enthusiastic aspiring builder planning to study construction management, eagerly joined the crew, adding a generational touch to the family’s collaborative efforts.

“I can’t get enough of it,” Trevor expresses, embodying the passion that fuels The Ostertag Group’s work. The restoration of the general store, like many historic buildings, unveiled layers of the past, from antique whiskey bottles and forgotten newspapers hidden within the walls to a more mysterious discovery: human bones buried beneath the structure. While the origin of these bones remains an unsolved local enigma, the consensus among residents is that the venerable building harbors a spectral presence.

Since the successful reopening of the general store, The Ostertag Group has continued its transformative work across Mount Vernon, undertaking several more impactful projects. Their latest endeavor, a magnificent outdoor kitchen pavilion shed, stands as a testament to their commitment to enhancing both private living spaces and the overall community experience. Delve deeper into the inspiring story of the Ostertags and Mount Vernon’s renaissance.

Capturing the Essence: Scenes from the Outdoor Kitchen Pavilion Shed Build

Construction phase of the outdoor kitchen pavilion shed, showing initial framing.
Mid-construction view of the pavilion shed, with roof structure taking shape.
Detailed shot of the shed's framework, highlighting robust construction.
Exterior view of the nearly completed outdoor kitchen shed, showcasing its size.
Interior view of the pavilion, demonstrating the spaciousness for an outdoor kitchen.
Finished outdoor kitchen pavilion shed, ready for use.

Meet Greg Ostertag: From NBA Star to Community Builder

Greg Ostertag stands tall, both literally at 7-foot-2 and figuratively in his post-basketball career. As a formidable center for the Utah Jazz, he was a key player alongside legendary teammates John Stockton and Karl Malone. Together, they made back-to-back appearances in the NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998, challenging Michael Jordan’s iconic Chicago Bulls. Though they ultimately fell short of a championship, Ostertag’s contributions to those memorable teams are etched in NBA history. A proud Texas native, Ostertag naturally returned to his home state after his distinguished playing career concluded, settling in Mount Vernon.

Beyond the basketball court, Greg has demonstrated profound compassion and resilience. His sister, Amy, faced a severe kidney disease, and Greg’s response was immediate and selfless. Without hesitation, he donated one of his kidneys, playing a crucial role in saving her life in 2002. This heroic act marked a significant milestone, making him the first NBA player to return to professional play after undergoing organ donation. Since then, Greg Ostertag has become a passionate and vocal advocate for organ donation, using his platform to raise awareness and encourage others to consider this life-saving gift. His dedication to community extends far beyond his direct involvement in revitalization projects; it’s deeply rooted in his personal commitment to making a tangible difference in people’s lives.

The Unveiling of the Outdoor Kitchen Pavilion Shed: A New Standard in Outdoor Living

In a remarkable testament to innovation in outdoor living, Family Handyman proudly presents its most ambitious shed project to date: the Outdoor Kitchen Pavilion Shed. This structure is not just a shed; it’s a revolutionary fusion of practical storage and luxurious outdoor entertainment, setting a new benchmark in the 60-year history of Family Handyman’s shed designs. We designed this expansive pavilion to serve the Ostertag family as a tranquil retreat and vibrant gathering space, perfect for unwinding and entertaining when they step away from their ongoing community projects.

The Outdoor Kitchen Pavilion Shed is more than a simple storage unit; it’s a fully integrated outdoor living solution. It provides ample space for storing gardening tools, outdoor equipment, and recreational gear, while simultaneously offering a sophisticated area for cooking, dining, and socializing al fresco. This dual-purpose design maximizes the utility and enjoyment of any backyard, making it an ideal choice for families who cherish both functionality and leisure. Consider exploring these pre-designed outdoor kitchen kits to effortlessly create your own culinary haven.

Imagine hosting vibrant summer barbecues, intimate family dinners under the stars, or simply relaxing with a cup of coffee as the sun rises, all within the comfort and convenience of your own backyard pavilion. This shed exemplifies how a well-designed outdoor structure can dramatically enhance lifestyle and property value. For more inspiration on transforming your exterior spaces, discover five creative ways to make your outdoor area feel like an extension of your home.

Optimizing Space: The Smart Outdoor Cabinet Solution

Robust outdoor storage cabinet integrated into the pavilion shed.

While traditional storage sheds often prioritize floor space, the true brilliance of the Outdoor Kitchen Pavilion Shed lies in its exceptional utilization of vertical real estate. By conventional metrics, this structure offers storage comparable to a standard 8 x 10-ft. shed. However, its innovative design unlocks a significantly greater potential by emphasizing wall space – a factor that often proves more critical for practical organization.

With an impressive approximate total of 350 sq. ft. of interior wall surface, this pavilion goes far beyond simple storage. These extensive walls are engineered to robustly support a myriad of large shelves, specialized hooks, and bespoke organizational systems. This means you can neatly stow away all your yard gear, gardening tools, recreational equipment, and even seasonal decorations, keeping everything easily accessible yet out of sight. The strategic use of wall space transforms the shed from a mere container into a highly organized and efficient storage hub, ensuring that your valuable floor space remains clear and functional for other uses, such as movement within the pavilion or accommodating additional furniture. It’s a testament to thoughtful design that redefines what a shed can offer in terms of systematic storage and accessibility.

Crafting Culinary Excellence: The Heart of the Outdoor Kitchen Pavilion

Sleek outdoor kitchen setup with modern cabinets and appliances.

The outdoor kitchen within the pavilion is designed for both aesthetic appeal and peak functionality, serving as the ultimate centerpiece for entertaining. For its construction, we opted for high-quality, ready-to-assemble outdoor cabinets. This strategic choice ensured that the installation process was not only swift and straightforward but also delivered a durable and visually appealing kitchen space capable of withstanding the elements. Ready-to-assemble units simplify complex installations, making the dream of an outdoor culinary oasis more accessible than ever.

An outdoor kitchen extends your home’s living area and provides an unparalleled venue for hosting memorable gatherings, from casual barbecues to elaborate dinner parties. It offers the convenience of preparing and serving meals outdoors, eliminating the need to constantly trek back and forth to your indoor kitchen. This setup fosters a more interactive and enjoyable experience for both hosts and guests, keeping everyone engaged in the outdoor festivities. To discover essential items that elevate any outdoor cooking experience and learn how to integrate them into your own home, exploreTaste of Home’srecommendations for your ultimate outdoor kitchen.

Discover 12 Inspiring Outdoor Kitchen Ideas to Elevate Your Backyard

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Hearth and Home Backyard Kitchen: Rustic Charm with Modern Comforts

This outdoor kitchen effortlessly blends rustic aesthetics with modern convenience, featuring a charming brick wall and richly stained wood cabinets. Despite its traditional appearance, this setup includes luxurious amenities like a built-in dishwasher, ensuring you’re hardly “roughing it” outdoors. The majestic outdoor fireplace serves as a captivating focal point, providing both warmth on cooler evenings and a versatile option for open-flame cooking. It’s an ideal choice for creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere that feels like a true extension of your home.

Low Profile Backyard Kitchen: Maximizing Space with Smart Design

Perfect for smaller yards or those who prefer a minimalist approach, this backyard kitchen is ingeniously tucked along a wall. This space-saving design ensures it doesn’t encroach on valuable entertaining or relaxation areas. A strategically placed window above the sink breaks up the expansive wall, adding visual interest and allowing you to keep a watchful eye on activities happening throughout the yard. If conserving space is a primary concern without compromising on functionality, this sleek and efficient outdoor kitchen option is an excellent consideration.

Light and Bright Backyard Kitchen: An Open and Inviting Ambiance

The use of light-colored bricks in this outdoor kitchen design creates an airy and less imposing feel, contrasting sharply with the heavier appearance darker bricks might impart. Complementing this, the diagonal arrangement of the floor paver bricks contributes to a more relaxed and casual atmosphere. Had the pavers run parallel to the kitchen’s brickwork, the space might have felt overly formal or rigid. This thoughtful combination of materials and layout results in an outdoor kitchen that is both elegant and welcoming.

Impromptu Backyard Kitchen: Flexible Solutions for Occasional Outdoor Cooking

For those who don’t require a permanent outdoor kitchen but still enjoy preparing food al fresco on special occasions, an impromptu setup is an ingenious solution. This concept demonstrates how easily you can create a temporary work surface—in this example, a simple board cleverly placed atop a woodpile to form a functional workbench. Simply bring out your essential cookware and utensils when needed. Once your gathering concludes, everything can be packed away and stored indoors, offering maximum flexibility without a significant commitment of space or resources.

Beachy Vibe Backyard Kitchen: Coastal Sophistication for Evening Entertaining

This stunning California outdoor kitchen radiates a sophisticated beachy ambiance, designed for comfort and elegance long after the sun sets. It features a stylish chandelier that provides ambient lighting for evening dining and a practical heater lamp to ward off any nighttime chills. With such a comprehensively equipped and inviting setup, you’ll find yourself wanting to spend every possible moment in your backyard oasis. The only caveat might be that all your friends will eagerly volunteer your home as the go-to spot for every social gathering!

The Whole Package Backyard Kitchen: Seamless Integration and Complete Functionality

This comprehensive outdoor kitchen offers a full suite of features, including a stylish split-level bar for serving and dining. Its placement is strategically brilliant, nestled conveniently between the garden entrance and the patio doors of the main house, ensuring effortless access and flow. The design efficiently incorporates a comfortable café seating area, a generous food preparation zone, a large under-mount sink paired with a dishwasher, and a practical under-counter refrigerator. This setup is truly “the whole package,” providing every amenity for gourmet outdoor cooking and entertaining.
Photo: Surrounds Landscaping

All Decked Out Backyard Kitchen: Luxury Integration with Leisure Features

This impressive backyard kitchen is masterfully constructed on an expansive deck, creating a multifaceted outdoor entertainment area that also boasts a luxurious hot tub! For those fortunate enough to have ample backyard space, embarking on such a project promises immense rewards. The synergistic combination of a spacious deck, a relaxing hot tub, and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen is guaranteed to transform your exterior space into a showstopping oasis, perfect for both relaxation and lively social gatherings.
Photo: Courtesy of American Deck & Sunroom

Grillzebo Backyard Kitchen: Shaded Grilling for Enhanced Comfort

What exactly is a grillzebo? It’s an ingenious, sheltered outdoor space, much like a gazebo, specifically designed to house your grilling activities. This innovative structure allows you and your guests to comfortably relax in the shade while your delicious meals are being cooked, protecting you from harsh sun or light rain. It’s an exceptional choice for ensuring your backyard offers the perfect blend of functional cooking space and a delightful social environment, making every outdoor gathering more enjoyable.

Galley Backyard Kitchen: Creative Repurposing for Unique Storage

This outdoor kitchen concept brilliantly integrates an old wooden boat, creatively repurposed into unique and charming outdoor shelves. This setup not only offers abundant surface area for food preparation or setting up an elegant buffet but also functions beautifully as a versatile plant potting station for garden enthusiasts. The entire arrangement exudes a distinctive aesthetic, blending rustic charm with practical utility to create a truly one-of-a-kind outdoor space.
Photo: The Owner Builder Network

Movable Feast Backyard Kitchen: Portable Convenience for Any Location

For those seeking an outdoor kitchen solution that offers ultimate flexibility and mobility, RusticWoodWork provides custom-built portable grill tables complete with integrated cabinets. This innovative design allows you to take your outdoor cooking setup with you, whether you’re relocating or simply reorganizing your backyard space. Customers can choose from premium materials such as Western red cedar, mahogany, or white oak, ensuring your movable kitchen is not only functional but also perfectly aligns with your aesthetic preferences and stands the test of time.
Photo: RusticWoodWorx

Seeking Shade Backyard Kitchen: Enjoying Outdoor Cooking in Comfort

Even if your yard lacks natural shade, an outdoor kitchen remains entirely within reach with intelligent design choices. This beautiful kitchen utilizes multiple strategically placed umbrellas to effectively shield guests seated along the countertop from direct sunlight and excessive heat. To maximize their utility, opt for umbrellas that feature tilt functions and can be placed in portable stands, allowing you to adjust their position throughout the day and ensure optimal comfort for all your outdoor gatherings.
Photo: The Deck and Patio Company

Oval Oasis Backyard Kitchen: Poolside Perfection for Entertaining

This poolside outdoor kitchen boasts a perfect design for family gatherings and lively entertaining. Its generous yet unobtrusive oval shape ensures it provides ample space for guests without dominating the entire yard. A distinctive and rarely seen feature is its integrated umbrella stand, offering seamless shade and convenience. This thoughtful detail ensures comfort and style, making this kitchen a true oasis for relaxation and fun beside the pool.
Photo: The Deck and Patio Company

Crafting Entertainment: The DIY Dartboard Cabinet

Custom-built dartboard cabinet with chalkboard doors.

Elevate your home’s entertainment zone with a stylish and robust dartboard cabinet, a project that offers significant advantages over store-bought alternatives. While a basic solid-wood dartboard cabinet typically starts around $150 for a pine version, premium hardwoods can drive the cost much higher. For the same investment, you have the opportunity to build a superior quality cabinet yourself – one that is not only visually appealing and exceptionally durable but also surprisingly simple to construct.

Our detailed guide shows you exactly how we created this impressive dartboard cabinet, proving that DIY projects can yield professional results without requiring advanced woodworking skills. You won’t encounter fussy miters or complex fancy joinery in these plans, and the design utilizes standard board widths, eliminating the need for a specialized tool like a table saw. This makes it an accessible project for most DIY enthusiasts. Furthermore, the aesthetic versatility is a major plus: if the aged-steel door panels don’t perfectly match your interior design, you can easily substitute them with plywood panels, allowing you to customize the cabinet to flawlessly complement your existing décor and surrounding wood finishes. Access our comprehensive guide to build your own dartboard cabinet today.

Plus: More Backyard Games You Can Play With the Family

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Lawn Dominoes: Supersize Fun for Outdoor Play

Take your affection for the classic game of dominoes to an exciting new level by crafting a super-sized set for your lawn. This fantastic outdoor activity encourages players to get on their feet, enjoy the fresh air, and engage in a friendly competition under the sweet sunshine. It’s an ideal way to combine physical activity with strategic thinking, making it a hit for all ages at any backyard gathering. This comprehensive tutorial provides all the instructions you need to add this captivating game to your repertoire of essential backyard entertainment.

Jumbo Puzzle: The Thrill of Giant Jenga in Your Backyard

Imagine the joy of gathering around an intimate table after dinner to play a game like Jenga, but supersized and outdoors! With just a few wooden boards and a saw, you can construct your very own giant backyard puzzle. You might have noticed popular restaurants and public parks incorporating interactive spaces featuring this and similar games on their patios and open areas. Now, it’s your turn to embrace the DIY spirit and build this exciting game yourself, promising endless hours of strategic fun and suspense for family and friends.

Giant Connect Four: Nostalgic Fun, Larger Than Life

If you cherished playing Connect Four as a child, prepare to rediscover your love for it as an adult, especially in this impressive XL size! This giant version makes an outstanding game suitable for kids, engaging for the whole family, and perfect for adding excitement to late-night backyard parties. Its universal appeal and simple rules ensure fun for everyone. Home Depot offers all the materials and guidance you need to embark on this fantastic DIY project.
For even more ways to enhance your outdoor entertainment, explore 8 additional projects designed for backyard fun.
Photo: Courtesy of Imgur

Backyard Bowling: Bringing the Alley to Your Home

Bowling is no longer just an activity for a rainy afternoon at the local alley; you can now bring the excitement of the game to the great outdoors by constructing a dedicated lane in your own backyard! This innovative backyard trend is guaranteed to keep the kids entertained and enjoying the fresh air, offering a fun and engaging way to spend time together. Discover inspiring ideas and guidance for building your very own private bowling lane, promising hours of family fun.
Photo: Courtesy of Imgur

Life-size Chess Board: Strategic Fun on a Grand Scale

Are you ready to elevate your game of chess to an entirely new dimension? Transform it into an engaging, active event by creating your own impressive life-size chess board, guaranteed to captivate and “wow” your guests. This giant version not only challenges your strategic thinking but also adds a playful, interactive element to your outdoor space. Just ensure you’re prepared to outwit your opponents on this grand stage! Watch this helpful tutorial to get started on building your own.
For those who prefer a more traditional setup, learn how to build a classic chessboard for your indoor space as well.

Horseshoes: A Classic American Backyard Tradition

Horseshoes remains a quintessential summer game, ideal for entertaining guests at a vibrant party or simply enjoying a leisurely afternoon with your family. Introduce a touch of friendly competition to your outdoor gatherings by installing your very own horseshoe court. It’s a timeless game that combines skill and chance, providing endless entertainment for players of all ages. Explore this excellent and visually appealing tutorial to guide you through the process of setting up your own horseshoe game.

Lawn Yahtzee: Roll the Dice for Outdoor Excitement

Ready for an exciting game of Lawn Yahtzee? Absolutely! Gather your family and friends to enjoy this thrilling dice game outdoors on the grass, transforming a classic board game into an engaging backyard activity. It’s a fantastic way to encourage interaction and laughter while enjoying the fresh air. This easy-to-follow tutorial will show you how to quickly put together the game yourself. (Alternatively, you can conveniently purchase a set of jumbo dice here.)
If your preferred pastime is engaging in a good game, you’ll adore these 26 inspiring and cool ideas for creating the ultimate game rooms.
Photo: Courtesy of Walmart

Lawn Scrabble: Exercise Your Mind and Body Outdoors

Wordsmiths, rejoice! Now you can extend your passion for Scrabble to the great outdoors. Playing this fantastic oversized version in your backyard allows you to not only challenge your brain with clever wordplay but also get some physical exercise as you move around the board. It’s a uniquely engaging way to spend time, combining mental stimulation with the enjoyment of fresh air. Follow these simple, easy-peasy instructions to create your own Lawn Scrabble set. (Short on time for DIY? You can also purchase a similar game here.)
Speaking of Scrabble, discover some delightful and creative Valentine’s Day gifts you can craft using original board game tiles.

Ladder Golf: Fun and Engaging for All Ages

Ladder golf is a universally appealing game that offers enjoyment for individuals of all ages. While it does require a touch of hand-eye coordination, its straightforward rules mean virtually anyone can pick it up and play, making it a perfect addition to any family gathering or casual backyard get-together. It’s an excellent way to foster lighthearted competition and shared laughter outdoors. Learn how to construct your very own DIY ladder golf game with this comprehensive guide.
If traditional golf aligns more with your preferences, consider dedicating a section of your yard to a putting green to hone your golf skills at home.

Life-size Foosball: Grand-Scale Entertainment for Big Parties

If you’re envisioning hosting grand summer parties or simply have a large, active family, then a life-size Foosball setup is virtually a must-have for your collection of backyard games. This highly interactive and incredibly entertaining game guarantees abundant laughter and creates unforgettable moments for everyone involved. It’s a dynamic activity that gets everyone moving and competing in a fun, friendly environment. Consult this fantastic tutorial to learn how you can build this incredible game yourself.
Photo: Courtesy of imgur

Cornhole Set: The Beloved Bean Bag Toss, DIY Style

Cornhole, widely known as bean bag toss, is a beloved and engaging game that’s perfect for pairing up with a friend and competing against another duo. While readily available online and in numerous retail stores, it’s also remarkably simple to construct your own set. In fact, embarking on a DIY project often allows you to build a set of superior quality and durability compared to many commercially purchased options! Here’s a detailed guide on how to build a robust cornhole set that will provide enjoyment for countless backyard games to come.

Lawn Twister: Giant Fun That Keeps Your Indoors Clean

Twister is an enduringly fun game, but you might understandably be hesitant to bring your indoor game set outside and risk getting it dirty. The perfect solution is to create a Lawn Twister! This super easy DIY project allows you to keep your store-bought game safely indoors while enjoying the giant outdoor version. It’s a fantastic way to add vibrant, interactive fun to your lawn without any worries.
Speaking of your lawn, explore these 11 essential tips to ensure it remains lush and vibrant all summer long.
Photo: Courtesy of Instructables/stevemoseley

Mastering Your Build: Outdoor Kitchen Pavilion Shed Plans

Detailed architectural plans for the outdoor kitchen pavilion shed.

The Outdoor Kitchen Pavilion Shed was meticulously designed to provide an expansive and versatile space, measuring an impressive 15 feet in height, 16 feet in width, and 20 feet in depth. These generous dimensions were chosen specifically to ensure ample room for guests to move around comfortably, relax, and fully enjoy the amenities within the pavilion, making it an ideal setting for any outdoor gathering or personal retreat. The thoughtful layout supports both the functional aspects of an outdoor kitchen and the social dynamics of a comfortable entertainment area.

For those inspired to create their own ultimate outdoor living space, we offer comprehensive, step-by-step project details. These plans cover every aspect of the construction, guiding you through the process of how to build an outdoor kitchen pavilion shed that combines aesthetic appeal with robust functionality. From foundation to finish, our plans provide the expertise needed to embark on this rewarding home improvement journey, ensuring a successful build and a stunning addition to your property.

Engineered for Excellence: Why We Chose LP Outdoor Building Solution Products

For a project as significant as the Outdoor Kitchen Pavilion Shed, material selection is paramount. While a considerable amount of cedar lumber was incorporated for its natural beauty and is largely sheltered within the pavilion’s design, we strategically opted for LP Outdoor Building Solutions shed products for the more exposed and critical elements of the structure. This choice was driven by a commitment to both aesthetics and enduring performance.

LP SmartSide products, a cornerstone of LP Outdoor Building Solutions, flawlessly marry the warm, inviting appeal and natural beauty of traditional wood with outstanding, long-lasting durability. These engineered wood products are specifically designed to resist impacts, harsh weather conditions, and fungal decay, ensuring the pavilion remains structurally sound and visually pristine for years to come. Beyond their resilience, LP SmartSide Trim and Siding products are celebrated for their ease of workability, simplifying the construction process while maintaining precision and quality. Available in both smooth and authentic cedar textures, these products offered a perfect complement to the rough-sawn cedar elements used in the pavilion, creating a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing finish that underscores the entire project’s superior craftsmanship. This blend of natural beauty and engineered strength ensures the Ostertag family’s pavilion is built to last and designed to impress.

See how we meticulously constructed this impressive outdoor kitchen pavilion shed, ensuring every detail met our high standards for quality and design.

Over the years, Family Handyman has been at the forefront of innovative shed design and construction. Explore some of the many amazing sheds we’ve built throughout our history, showcasing a diverse range of styles and functionalities.