Wife and I started the demolision of the completely none functional outdoor "kitchen" areas the previous owners Built. Got all the useful stone (A LOT) removed and stacked away. Will have someone come remove the questions supports blocks they used.

Anyway,have an idea of what I want to do for an actual useful area. Interested if anyone knows of a good software, free or cheap, I can use for layout out the design and figuring out materials and such.

Is Sketchup still a thing? I used to us that for all kinds of designs ideas for all kinds of stuff.

Yes, Sketchup is the way. Just use their free online version it works fine and will save to the cloud. You can print out the drawings, sections, etc. if needed.

If its your first time it'll take a bit to be productive with it. Once you remember some of the common shortcuts and work the way the tool is designed to be used you'll be amazed how fast you can whip up stuff.

Pro-tip 1: Be sure to make use of "components" and "groups". If you just draw a bunch of stuff without those it'll become an unmanageable mess in no time. When building stuff out of wood/metal I make every single piece that I would use as a component - every cut 2x4, sheet of plywood, metal post, tube, etc.

Pro-tip 2: If you want to make a copy of a component but change it slightly - just copy it then select the copy and use the "make unique" feature to make it it's own thing. Otherwise, all copies of the same component will inherit changes made to one (other than position/rotation).

This is my workbench I designed/built a few months ago. Probably like the 20th thing I have designed with it that I have done and eventually constructed:

I really enjoyed your build thread. Awesome bench.

OP - As for myself, I've been using Fusion360. I'm not sure if it's the right/best tool for an outdoor kitchen design, but you could do it and I would use it just because I'm familiar with it now.

Another vote for sketchup. I used it on my outdoor kitchen to check for component clearances but was following a design made by a LA.

Locally, it's EZ to find those in-the-know in both appliances & design software but you are beginning with some doubts that the money vs this guidance might not be a value to you.
That said, it's possible what you tore out was a DIY unguided result, be it Owner or Builder driven.

So I might guide you away from design software that does everything to software that is tuned into outdoor kitchens and their components. Some come with free experts' help, which in the end, before your pull out the cash, is what anyone prudent would want. A final expert proofing and corrections to the wishes designed.

https://www.bbqguys.com/bbq-learning-center/outdoor-kitchens/planning/bbqguys-design-services
https://design.rtaoutdoorliving.com/layout
https://coyoteoutdoor.com/outdoor-kitchen-design-guide/?v=47e5dceea252
https://outdoor-kitchen-builder.weber.com/

I completely winged it on mine as I went along. No plan or design and used my concrete and stone guys from work

I tend to be the design in my head, wing it type as well. Thought I would try and reach back and use my old ME skills and actually draw something up this time.....

Thanks for the advice! Would it be worth buying the basic subscription for a year over the free version?

We will design and draw plans with the purchase of the equipment package. Happy to help if you want to discuss more details - Sam @ Creekstone outdoors . Com