Okay, let’s start by discussing the process of working with a contractor for your outdoor kitchen project. The first step in the project is reaching out to a contractor. Read my article for a list of items you should think about if you want to build the best outdoor kitchen for your patio or outdoor living space—one that is comfortable to use, will last a long time, and is durable in the face of harsh Texas weather.
Homeowners deserve honest estimates for custom builds.
If the contractor builds outdoor kitchens frequently, they’ll be able to source materials and assist in design. You should expect straight answers, especially when it comes to electrical and plumbing costs. We’re talking about a fully functional kitchen with fresh, potable water, refrigeration, and food disposal.
I have never once, in the course of my career, stepped onto a property and thought, “Kay, they set up the home for an outdoor kitchen with proper electrical for refrigeration and appliances and plumbing for sinks, disposals, and a dishwasher.”
Can we do it affordably? Absolutely. That’s because we’re builders; we’re not retailers. The market is crowded with contractors who advertise easy solutions for quality outdoor living spaces but deliver something very different. Let’s talk terminology.
If it’s RTA, stay away.
There’s an acronym that I recommend all homeowners know: RTA or “Ready to Assemble.” It means that you do the work. You have a job, a career, a family, and a life, and folks are going to try to sell you a pallet of hardware, electronics, and materials (marble is heavy) to assemble and install by yourself.
I can tell you plainly that this is a silly proposition because my team gets at least three calls per week from homeowners as far north as Celina and as south as Waco calling for help. It’s a driven man or woman every time. They’re handy. They’re intelligent. They’ve taken on small projects in the past and built to a level of precision that is impressive. Texans who want to bring their family out of the house and into nature are the type of Texans I like: self-sufficient and fearless. But a business needs running, a doctor’s office needs a doctor, and a law practice needs a lawyer.
“RTA” means hardworking people renting heavy machines to break through stone. It means trenching. It means expertise in plumbing. I recommend a contractor that tells you the truth, shows you multiple design iterations, and refrains from talking about one-size-fits-all solutions.
Okay, now let’s talk about outdoor kitchen designs and requirements.
Just about anything you can cook on your indoor kitchen, you can cook with an outdoor kitchen. Of course, we’re going to have to talk about a pergola or covered porch for the weather.
Let’s assume we’re building for a complete outdoor living space andget started with the basics.
1. Start with a grill or gas stove top as your centerpiece.
Almost every outdoor kitchen will start with a gas grill. The grill is typically the focal point because outdoor living is about friends and families, and grills are the best way to bring them out. An open gas stovetop is also reasonable and doable. We’ll simply need to cover it and insulate it during weather events, which is no problem. It’s a polyurethane cover, and it’s easy to put on and remove—nothing like a boat cover.
The best outdoor kitchen for a patio will need to incorporate stainless steel or aluminum rather than mild steel because water damage can occur with materials that are not protected from rust and corrosion. When we look at the design and placement of the grill and/or stovetop, we assess the square footage available for countertop space.
2. Then, we move to coverage and storage for gas and electrical.
An outdoor kitchen requires stainless steel access storage to reach your plumbing for the gas grill. Even the most basic of outdoor kitchens can include the functionality of your indoor kitchen. We can run the lines together or trench for a new line of gas with independent controls. Side burners are a great addition for heating sauces and other dishes. There has to be reliable, safe gas built to the specifications of your home and in compliance with regulations.
The same applies to electrical. We have outlets that are weather-safe with independent breakers, and that’s what comes with the best outdoor kitchens for patios and pergolas need—they need to be self-sufficient.
3. Reliable plumbing is a necessity.
Every outdoor kitchen needs a sink for rinsing items and washing hands.
Lots of people use single-access doors underneath sinks and side burners for easy access to your grill and water plumbing.
Another popular component would be a trash bin conveniently placed nearby to dispose of garbage and any food waste, but I prefer a disposal. The idea is to have all the indoor comfort but in the outdoors.
4. Consider refrigeration space, and we’ll talk about optimizing it.
Finally, you can’t forget about an outdoor refrigerator to keep your beverages cold for your family and friends when entertaining. A freezer for venison and steaks is a welcome addition.
If you love fresh-baked pizza as much as I do, consider installing a brick pizza oven. Don’t limit yourself to just a gas grill. It sounds fancy, but we’re talking about masonry.
Let’s talk about secure storage.
An additional set of storage drawers is always a good bet. I find most people underestimate how much storage they will need in their outdoor kitchen.
Enclosed cabinets or pantries are great additions to keep critters out.
Enclosed cabinets still retain the convenience of pullout drawers and shelving for easy accessibility, and it’s nice to be able to keep everything you need for grilling conveniently stored in your outdoor kitchen so it’s ready for the next time you cook.
The best outdoor kitchen for a patio will need ventilation and fire-safe materials.
Safety is a very important part of the outdoor building process.
You need to make sure you have plenty of ventilation and protection for your outdoor kitchen.
Ventilation can come in a couple of forms. Island vent panels are often overlooked. These serve as a way for trapped gas to escape if you have a leak in the gas lines. You’d be surprised by how many outdoor kitchens are built without vent panels.
For outdoor kitchens fueled by propane, vented tank drawers are a good, safe way to house your propane fuel.
If your outdoor kitchen is built under a covered patio with limited airflow (which I highly recommend), you’ll want to plan on installing a vent hood over your grill. This will do wonders for clearing out thick smoke that grilling can produce.
Lastly, if you prefer wood or any other combustible material over marble or stone, an insulated grill jacket is a necessity. You need an insulated barrier between appliances and the structural elements.
Outdoor kitchens sound complicated. We make it easy.
Planning comes first, always. If you need any help putting your outdoor kitchen together with a luxury outdoor living space, talk to an expert at Trinity Stone Construction Group, and we’ll be on-site within a few hours.
Keep Building,
Carlo Menchaca, Founder & CEO
Trinity Stone Construction
