Greg Ostertag’s Outdoor Kitchen Pavilion: A Texas-Sized Shed Build

After retiring from the NBA, Greg Ostertag and his family settled in Mount Vernon, Texas, a town in need of revitalization. Along with renovating historic buildings, the Ostertags partnered with Family Handyman to construct an impressive outdoor kitchen pavilion – the largest shed project in the magazine’s 60-year history. This ambitious build combines expansive storage with a comfortable outdoor living space, perfect for the family’s busy lifestyle.

From NBA Star to Shed Builder: The Ostertag Story

Greg Ostertag, a former Utah Jazz center, returned to his Texas roots after a decade in professional basketball. He and his wife, Shannon, embarked on a mission to breathe new life into Mount Vernon, starting with the restoration of the town’s century-old barbershop. This project led to the creation of new businesses and the formation of The Ostertag Group, a design and construction company. The revitalization efforts continued with the renovation of the historic general store, a project filled with unexpected discoveries, including hidden relics and even human remains. The Ostertags’ commitment to their community set the stage for their collaboration with Family Handyman on the ambitious outdoor kitchen pavilion shed.

A Shed Built for Entertaining: The Outdoor Kitchen Pavilion

This monumental shed seamlessly blends functionality and style, providing ample storage and a welcoming space for outdoor gatherings.

Design and Features

The pavilion boasts a soaring 15-foot ceiling, a 16-foot width, and a 20-foot depth, offering plenty of room for movement and entertaining. The expansive wall space, totaling approximately 350 square feet, accommodates extensive shelving and storage for all types of yard equipment.

A Chef’s Dream: The Outdoor Kitchen

The heart of the pavilion is the meticulously designed outdoor kitchen. Ready-to-assemble cabinets were chosen for ease and speed of installation.

Durability Meets Beauty: LP Outdoor Building Solutions

While the shed incorporates a significant amount of sheltered cedar lumber, the more exposed elements utilize LP Outdoor Building Solutions products. These products, crafted with LP SmartSide technology, combine the aesthetic appeal of traditional wood with exceptional durability and ease of use. The SmartSide Trim and Siding, available in smooth and cedar textures, seamlessly complements the rough-sawn cedar used throughout the structure.

More Than Just a Shed: A Community Gathering Place

The Ostertags’ outdoor kitchen pavilion is more than just a storage solution; it’s a testament to their dedication to community revitalization and a hub for gatherings and celebrations.

Building the Dream: Construction and Materials

The construction of the outdoor kitchen pavilion shed is a detailed process documented by Family Handyman. Full project plans and instructions are available for those inspired to create their own backyard oasis.

Conclusion

The Ostertag family’s outdoor kitchen pavilion showcases the transformative power of community involvement and the potential of a well-designed shed to become a central gathering place. This project embodies the spirit of revitalization and exemplifies the fusion of practicality and beauty in outdoor living spaces.

Learn more about building an outdoor kitchen. You can also explore other amazing shed projects by Family Handyman.