Backed by more than 55 years of experience, our family-owned and operated business has designed and installed many beautiful and creative outdoor kitchens in Hampton Roads and throughout the Virginia Peninsula. Over the years, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about outdoor kitchens and provided our expert answers below.
For additional questions, simply contact us online or call 757-527-2083 to speak with an outdoor kitchen specialist.
What is an outdoor kitchen?
Outdoor kitchens are an outdoor living space designed for preparing and cooking food, outdoor dining and entertaining. Rather than just a simple BBQ and patio dining set, outdoor kitchens typically include a grilling station and countertop space for food prep, as well as a sink, refrigerator, and outdoor dining area. An outdoor kitchen might also include a roof or pergola for shade, lighting, cabinets, bar seating, a pizza oven or any of the amenities found in an indoor kitchen. The space can be customized based on your needs and budget.
What should an outdoor kitchen include?
Most outdoor kitchens include a grill, countertop prep space, refrigerator, sink, lighting and seating, but your options are truly endless. Other popular outdoor kitchen add-ons include pizza ovens, smokers, cooktops or side burners, griddles, ovens, freezers, ice makers, dishwashers, garbage disposals, wine refrigerators, cabinets, storage drawers, ceiling fans and more.
Your outdoor kitchen should include whatever you want or need to enjoy cooking and entertaining outside, and if you’re not sure, our outdoor kitchen designers can help you decide.
How much space is needed for an outdoor kitchen?
An outdoor kitchen can be any size you like, and largely depends on the amenities you want to include and the number of people using the space. In general, you’ll need a minimum length of 10 linear feet for a small outdoor kitchen design. This is enough space for a grill, sink and countertop prep area.
Most outdoor kitchens range in size from 100 to 400 square feet; however, they can be as large and elaborate as indoor kitchens. If you have the space and budget, a deluxe outdoor kitchen might include bar seating, additional appliances, an outdoor kitchen island, storage and more.
Where should I build my outdoor kitchen?
Outdoor kitchens can be built on pavers, a cement slab or a properly constructed deck. Ideally, you want your outdoor kitchen close to the house, near an entrance door. However, some homeowners choose to build their outdoor kitchens away from the house to create a focal point for their outdoor living space.
For fire safety, your grill, pizza oven and other heat-based cooking devices in your outdoor kitchen should be located a safe distance from your home. Most manufacturers recommend a minimum of three feet. Your homeowner’s insurance company may also have specifications regarding the proximity of your outdoor kitchen to your home.
Our outdoor kitchen experts in Hampton Roads VA can help you determine the ideal placement for your outdoor kitchen.
How much does an outdoor kitchen cost?
According to the American home services website Angi.com, the average cost to build an outdoor kitchen ranges from $6,082 for a simple cooking area up to $25,952 for a large, deluxe custom outdoor kitchen. The final cost comes down to size and amenities. A small outdoor kitchen with 100-square-feet for a simple grill, countertop area and stone patio, can cost as little as $3,200, while a large, deluxe custom outdoor kitchen with plumbing, cabinets, lighting and high-end appliances can range from $13,000 to $40,000.
Our local outdoor kitchen designers can provide you with a free estimate and will work with you to design a kitchen within your budget. Our goal is to build the highest quality outdoor kitchen for a price that works for you.
Can an outdoor kitchen be used in winter?
Many of our Hampton Roads customers use their outdoor kitchens all winter long by adding heaters, a custom fire pit or outdoor fireplace. However, if you are not planning to use your outdoor kitchen doing the winter months, you’ll want to winterize it. Make sure to shut off the gas and water lines and drain your faucets to prevent pipes from freezing. Unplug, empty, and clean your refrigerator and freezer, as well as your cabinets, countertops and sink, and clean and polish your stainless-steel grill and appliances.
How can I protect my outdoor kitchen? Our experienced outdoor kitchen builders use materials that resist rust, such as stainless steel. Not only does it resist corrosion, stains and bacteria, but stainless steel is aesthetically pleasing. To protect your outdoor kitchen, we recommend sealing and polishing the external surfaces, including countertops, cabinets, appliances, tabletops and seating, and performing regular cleaning and routine maintenance, just as you would an indoor kitchen. We can also add a roof or pergola over your outdoor kitchen for additional protection.
