Category: Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas

Are Outdoor Kitchens Worth the Investment?

Close-up of Bull BBQ Grill and Custom Stainless Steel Doors and Refrigerator

Close-up of Bull BBQ Grill and Custom Stainless Steel Doors and Refrigerator

One of the most popular areas of the home that is frequently upgraded by homeowners is the backyard or outdoor living area. On average, most can fetch a return on investment (ROI) of as much as 70–80%. I don’t know about you about you, but I like those odds. The outdoor kitchen upgrade and build serve a dualistic purpose to the homeowner. First, it can serve as a place where you’re able to entertain both family and friends, creating moments that truly make a home, a home. Second, and one of the most exciting aspects to the financially savvy homeowner is the return on investment or ROI.

MSN real estate experts suggest that building an outdoor kitchen can get you about the same if not more return on investment when reselling your home. Other experts suggest you can get more for your money; Zing adds that CNN Money suggested that some outdoor kitchens can fetch a 100–200% ROI. Further, it’s also an excellent way to add buyer appeal to your home investment.

 

Ben Poulton Custom Outdoor Kitchen - Elegant Outdoor Kitchens

Custom Outdoor Kitchen w/ Bull Grill

It’s safe to say that building that outdoor kitchen you’ve been considering is a sure fire way to bring both financial and entertaining value to any residential home. If you’ve been thinking about an outdoor kitchen build and would like to start by getting some valuable information, we invite you to schedule a no-risk outdoor kitchen design consultation. The pros from Elegant Outdoor Kitchens are here to answer any and all questions you might have about both the design, and the construction of your potential BBQ island addition.

Want to see what we’re capable of building? Excellent, we love showcasing the work we do. Below you’ll find a link to some of the existing projects we’ve developed. Check out our beautiful portfolio, then give us a call to schedule an in-home visit.

Give Elegant Outdoor Kitchens a call today to schedule an on-site design consultation. From concept to completion, we’ll ensure you get the maximum ROI through our quality outdoor living area design and manufacturing.

 

If you’re not interested in waiting, and you would like to contact Elegant Outdoor Kitchens now, go ahead and fill out the form below to schedule an on-site design consultation.

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Don’t Just Let Anyone Build Your Outdoor Kitchen

Close-up of Blaze 34 Inch Professional 3-Burner Grill

Don’t just trust anyone to build your outdoor living area, trust the tried and true pros from Elegant Outdoor Kitchens of Fort Myers, Florida. You wouldn’t just let anyone build you a home, right? The team here at Elegant Outdoor Kitchens will help you understand your options when it comes to both the construction and the excellent components that are available to you. When you choose EOK, you can rest assured that you’ll receive nothing less than the absolute best construction and guidance. From concept to completion, we’ll make sure you get exactly what you’re looking for in a custom barbecue island build.

Believe it or not, there’s a lot to consider before building a custom outdoor living environment. Not only are you adding a physical structure to your home, but you’re also increasing the value of your home in the process. These are important decisions, decisions that should be made with a professional outdoor kitchen design company.

Allow us to help you with a one-on-one outdoor kitchen design consultation! Planning is the cornerstone of any construction project. We invite you to schedule an on-site design consultation to start the planning process. The benefits of working with our design team are immeasurable. It all starts with first understanding what you want. Once we understand your goals, we set out to provide you with aesthetic & functional design options for your project. From natural finishes to professional barbecue grills & layout configurations, we design with you in mind. It’s safe to say that knowing what’s available to you is half the battle when it comes to building an outdoor kitchen that you’ll love.

Beautiful Barbecue Island Design & Manufacturing

The Benefits of Using a Professional Outdoor Kitchen Design & Manufacturing Contractor
Building a custom outdoor living area can be a significant task. Let’s face it; it’s a major addition to your backyard and home. Barbecue island design and construction is what we do here at Elegant Outdoor Kitchens. Our team is happy to assist you, every step of the way. Give us a call today to schedule an on-site design consultation. Our tried and true design process will ensure that you get the outdoor living area you’ve always dreamt of owning.

Visit our Official Facebook Page at – https://www.facebook.com/elegantoutdoorkitchens/

#ElegantOutdoorKitchens #OutdoorKitchens #SWFL #BarbecueGrills #BBQ

The Modern Outdoor Kitchen & Living Area

Blaze 34 Professional Barbecue Grill

Building A Custom Outdoor Kitchen & Living Area With Elegant Outdoor Kitchens

When it comes to grilling, the modern outdoor kitchen and living area can do everything your indoor kitchen can do, and more. The team here at Elegant Outdoor Kitchens is here to help you create the ultimate outdoor entertaining area. Whether you’re into small intimate family gatherings or huge outdoor parties, we can help. We understand the significance of outdoor grilling, it’s been a part of our American lifestyle and culture since the 1950’s. Our outdoor kitchen consultants are here to help you design and build your brand new custom outdoor kitchen, from concept to completion. We’ll work closely with you to construct an outdoor living area that will have your neighbors begging to be invited to your next barbecue.

Topics to Consider Before You Build

There are some logistical topics you’ll want to consider before starting your barbecue island build. We recommend contacting a professional to help you in the early stages of planning. Our professionals understand what it takes to build a beautiful and functional outdoor kitchen. There’s a lot of choices that will need to be made during the planning phase. Questions such as:

Which type of fuel source do you want to use? Liquid Propane (LP) or Natural Gas (NG)?

Will you require running water for a built-in outdoor faucet and sink?

Do you have a specific area of your property where you would like the outdoor kitchen built?

What type of equipment do you want in your outdoor kitchen area? Do you want a traditional barbecue grill, pizza oven, smoker, or any other type of cooking platform?

What type of finishing materials would you like to use for your barbecue island?

What’s your budget for the complete project?

These are just a few preliminary questions that you’ll want to answer before starting the construction. Elegant Outdoor Kitchens can help you with all the important planning and construction. We’re here to assist you with the entire process. Give us a call today to schedule an on-site design consultation.

Schedule A Design Consultation

Ben Poulton of Elegant Outdoor Kitchens

Ben Poulton of Elegant Outdoor Kitchens

Understanding the Custom Outdoor Kitchen Area

Custom outdoor kitchen design using CAD (Computer Aided Design). Elegant Outdoor Kitchens uses the latest in computer aided technology for our barbecue island designs

In this article, we’re going to help the everyday average home owner understand the basics of outdoor kitchen & living area construction. Along with the differences between an outdoor living area and a barbecue island or outdoor kitchen. This article isn’t for the do-it-yourselfer, it’s not about building an outdoor kitchen, it’s simply a crash course that will help you understand what’s available. It will be split up into numerous articles. So, we recommend you subscribe to our RSS Feed. You can subscribe to our RSS Feed through the link below.

If you’ve been considering a custom outdoor kitchen, look no further than Elegant Outdoor Kitchens of Southwest Florida!

 

Note: In this article we’ll use the word outdoor kitchen, BBQ Island, and Barbecue Island interchangeably. All we’re referring to is the structure that contains your grill & components. A custom barbecue island can be used for so much more than cooking/grilling though. Some custom outdoor kitchens include bar height counter-tops, prep-areas, fire features and more.

The Custom Outdoor Kitchen or Barbecue Island

In today’s article, we’ll be talking about the outdoor kitchen or barbecue island. The barbecue island is your outdoor kitchens structure. The island is the structure that will hold all the professional components you choose to include. Outdoor kitchen components such as a barbecue grill, sideburner, power burner, stainless-steel storage doors & drawers, and any other components you choose to include. It’s always best to consult with a professional outdoor kitchen contractor before you start purchasing any components for your BBQ Island. A professional outdoor kitchen builder will help to assess the outdoor space you have to work with, design a structure using the latest in CAD (Computer Aided Design) technology, and guide you through the entire construction process. You wouldn’t build a house without consulting with one. Building an outdoor kitchen isn’t any different. This is a structure that will be used regularly, it will contain components that utilize an open flame and reach extremely high temperatures. It’s always best to bring in a professional to assist or even to build the entire BBQ Island. At Elegant Outdoor Kitchens, we build quality custom outdoor kitchens that are beautiful, safe and built to last. Our professionals will help you understand your design options along with many other choices you’ll have.

 

The Elegant Outdoor Kitchens – Custom Outdoor Kitchen Design Process

Elegant Outdoor Kitchens - Custom CAD Drawing

Elegant Outdoor Kitchens – Custom CAD Drawing

After the EOK professionals survey and assess the area you plan to build your barbecue island in, we move on into the design process. Our design team will work closely with you to understand exactly what you want and expect from your new kitchen area. After our team is confident they understand your needs. We then start creating 3D renderings of potential design options. All our designs are visual and 3-Dimensional. This leaves little to chance or imagination. We enable you to see your custom outdoor kitchen design, before we ever start to build. This process allows us to modify, add, and remove elements until you are totally satisfied with the design. This eliminates most errors and misunderstandings that can occur during construction. The Elegant Outdoor Kitchens design process is top notch. Our professional team is here to make sure you receive a product that you’ll love.

Are you interested in seeing some our handy work? Visit our Elegant Outdoor Kitchens project portfolio page to view some of our amazing outdoor kitchen designs. We’re one of Southwest Florida’s leading professional outdoor kitchen manufacturers. Give us a call today, let’s start building!

Visit our official Facebook page to learn more about our company. There you’ll see just what people are saying about us!

Free Outdoor Kitchen Design Guide by Elegant Outdoor Kitchens

Giallo Ornamental & Golden White

The Process Of Building A Custom Outdoor Kitchen

We have compiled the perfect outdoor kitchen design guide that’s designed to give you an introduction to the process. The Elegant Outdoor Kitchens team has compiled a useful outdoor kitchen design guide that will help you understand what to expect from a custom outdoor kitchen build. You’ll learn about design configurations, materials, grills, components, and so much more. Download your design guide below.
Elegant Outdoor Kitchens – Starting Your Outdoor Kitchen Construction Project Guide.

Custom Outdoor Kitchen plans can be as simple or complex as you desire. The one physical factor that keeps many of us from designing the ultimate outdoor living area is space. Chances are that you have a limited amount space or physical area to work with. Unless your last name is Rockefeller, then you just got it like that. The other factor tends to be budget.

 
Materita in Pelican Preserve Outdoor Kitchen BBQ Island

Materita in Pelican Preserve Outdoor Kitchen BBQ Island

There are many practical design layouts that you can implement. Most of these layouts stem from a few basic design configurations. The base layout configurations consist of:

  • Straight or Linear
  • U-Shape
  • L-Shape
  • Split Level
  • ¾ Square

While this list is anything but extensive, almost every custom outdoor kitchen layout is based off one of these basic models. Depending on the area you have, we’re certain that you can convey to your EOK Designer which type of design configuration you want through the base styles mentioned.

The best part of designing an outdoor kitchen is the customization. BBQ Island designs are customized with everything from backsplashes, raised bar areas (split level), dining areas, even fire features built right into the counter-top. The list is quite endless when it comes to structural customization. This section of the brochure will prepare you to talk the talk with your designer.

 

Aesthetic Finish Materials

Close-Up of Special Order Counter-Top Granite with Striped Pattern

Close-Up of Special Order Counter-Top Granite with Striped Pattern

When working with Elegant Outdoor Kitchens, you’re able to choose the unique finishing materials for your brand-new custom outdoor kitchen. When it comes to your finishing material options, the material choices are quite extensive. It’s important to understand that inferior materials and craftsmanship will deteriorate quickly in an outdoor environment.

Countertops

During the layout and design phase you will have already decided on how much counter space you have to work with. Countertops are important, as you will need them to prepare food, serve food, and ultimately use as a space to set stuff down. The material you choose for your countertop is an important one. You should consider that it will be exposed to outdoor elements, it can’t stain or chip easily, and it should match your siding. Luckily there are many options when it comes to countertops. The best choices are going to be materials like natural stone, concrete, or an outdoor tile. It’s best to speak with an Elegant Outdoor Kitchens representative before purchasing any materials for your countertop.

 

Facing Finish

The siding finish is what you and your guests will immediately notice about your outdoor kitchen. That’s why this finish should be considered carefully. It’s always a good idea to choose a finish that matches your overall outdoor environment and your countertops. Stone veneer, also known as stacked stone is an upscale and popular outdoor kitchen finish. When choosing a veneer, you must consider your climate and the weather it will be exposed to. What you will have to choose from will depend on your environment. Speak with your Elegant Outdoor Kitchens representative about the material options that are available and suitable for your climate. They’ll be happy to showcase some of the beautiful materials you can use for your outdoor kitchen.

 

Built-In Grills & Accessories

The best part of designing your outdoor kitchen is choosing from the amazing cooking & grilling components that are available today. The choices are vast and it helps to have an experienced outdoor kitchen consultant to help you realize your outdoor cooking needs. You must consider many factors when choosing your grill, stainless steel accessories, and secondary cooking components. Things to keep in mind are your budget and the space you have in your outdoor kitchen design.

 

The Built-In Grill

Blaze 40 Inch 5-Burner Gas Grill With Rear Burner - Open Grill Head

Blaze 40 Inch 5-Burner Gas Grill With Rear Burner – Open Grill Head

Let’s face it, an outdoor kitchen isn’t a kitchen without a professional grill. This will be your go-to cooking component for your outdoor living area. It’s important to make sure you choose a grill that’s durable, high performance, and will withstand the test of time. The last thing you want to do is build an outdoor kitchen with cut-out dimensions for a grill that will only last two years. What If the manufacturer goes out of business? Our recommendation is that you buy a professional style grill that will last you between ten to fifteen years. Plus, the performance you’ll get from a professional grill is unmatched when compared to some of the lower end manufacturers you find at places like Home Depot.

Outdoor Kitchen Accessories

From Pizza Ovens to Access Doors, Drawers, and more. Your outdoor kitchen can be outfitted with even more custom cooking components than your interior kitchen. There are very few limits to cooking outdoors. Speak with one of our Elegant Outdoor Kitchens designers to choose your custom accessories and additional cooking components.

Designing and outdoor kitchen for your home is an exciting time. It’s important that you choose a company that will work closely with you to plan, design, and manufacture the outdoor kitchen that you’ve always wanted. Here at Elegant Outdoor Kitchens we pride ourselves on communication and customer service & support. Building your perfect outdoor kitchen means that we must first understand what you want in an outdoor living area. We hope that our outdoor kitchen design guide helps. Give us a call or send us an inquiry through the form we’ve included below. We’re here to help you with all your custom outdoor kitchen needs. So, let’s get building!

Call Elegant Outdoor Kitchens at (239) 229-9033 to schedule YOUR outdoor kitchen consultation!

Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Considerations

Custom Granite Outdoor Kitchen Countertops by Elegant Outdoor Kitchens

Custom Outdoor Kitchen Countertops - Granite

Custom Outdoor Kitchen Countertops – Granite

When it comes to your elegant outdoor kitchen, countertops are one of your first considerations. Countertops improve the aesthetic appeal of your barbecue Island. Outdoor kitchen countertops are the primary place for food preparation and serving. It’s important to understand how much counter space you’ll need, along with whether you’ll add any features and or components to it. Adding components like a sink or sideburner, or features such as a backsplash are things you must keep in mind. Functionality and durability should be top priorities when building your outdoor kitchen. Looks are important, but not before functionality and durability. It’s extremely important to select a material that will complement the style of your home, along with how you intend to use it.

An outdoor countertop needs to be durable, weather-resistant, and beautiful. Outdoor countertops will be exposed to natural elements such as UV rays, heat, humidity, rain, etc. Therefore, durable and weatherproof outdoor countertop materials are of the utmost importance. Other considerations are material strength and resistance to spills, staining and frequent use.

Three of the best choices for your outdoor kitchen countertops are stone, concrete, and tile. Stone, concrete, and tile are designed to stand up to the outdoor elements and use. It’s always a good idea to check with the manufacturer before installing. The last thing you want to do is install a countertop material, only to find that it’s made for interior use only. We wouldn’t want your beautiful countertop to fade or deteriorate too quickly. Durable and protective materials can be costlier in the initial construction process, but these costs up front will end up saving you in the long run.

If you’re thinking of building a custom outdoor kitchen area and need to speak with a professional, give Elegant Outdoor Kitchens a call today. We’re the premier outdoor kitchen construction company in Southern Florida. Schedule an on-site consultation today!

Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas – Considerations Before Your Outdoor Kitchen Build

Before you Build your Outdoor Kitchen

Dallas White & Silver Travertine - Outdoor Kitchen Construction by Elegant Outdoor Kitchens of Fort Myers, Florida

Dallas White & Silver Travertine – Outdoor Kitchen Construction by Elegant Outdoor Kitchens of Fort Myers, Florida

When considering a design for your custom outdoor kitchen area and living space, it’s as much about performance as it is about style and aesthetics. Before committing to a design, there are few questions you might want to take into consideration. To get what you want out of an outdoor kitchen build, you must first understand what you want to achieve, and what you have to work with.

There are quite a few options in the outdoor kitchen construction industry. Over the years it has evolved drastically into a type of sub-class in construction. All throughout America there are both contractors and manufacturers devoted to building the best outdoor kitchen islands and cooking components. Cooking components like high performance grills, pizza ovens, and beautiful stainless-steel doors & drawers. These outdoor kitchen upgrades are so popular today that home developers are now pre-installing both natural gas and water lines into lanais. Making it that much easier to add-on and build an outdoor living space. A quick search on the web will result in a plethora of custom outdoor kitchen construction photos.

Elegant Outdoor Kitchens has included the questionnaire below as an exercise in planning and development for your project. We’ve also included a downloadable version at the bottom of the article. If you can take the time to answer these question, you’ll be that much closer to getting the outdoor kitchen you want and need for your home.

Considerations Before You Start Your Outdoor kitchen Design & Build

 
Will you be hosting parties, or the occasional intimate family gathering?

 

Will you need refrigeration, natural gas, or running water?

 

Do you have the proper water and/or gas lines running to your outdoor living area? If not, have you inquired about an estimate?

 

What type of fuel will your primary cooking components use? Natural Gas, Propane, Charcoal, Wood or a multi-fuel outdoor cooking appliance?

 

Will you also dine outside? If so, will your dining area be built-in to the outdoor kitchen island?

 

What style of cooking are you interested in? Grilling, Baking, Smoking or a combination of cooking styles?

 

What type of material finishes are you planning on using? Have you considered how the material will fair in the SWFL climate?

 

Have you considered both functional storage and trash storage? Does it matter?

 

What design configuration or island layout works best for your outdoor space?

 

What’s your overall project budget?

 

Have you spoke with a professional design consultant yet?

Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas – Considerations Questionnaire PDF

The above questionnaire is a great place to start conceptually thinking about your outdoor living area. We’ve provided it as a free download too. Elegant Outdoor Kitchens of Fort Myers, Florida is a reputable and professional outdoor kitchen contractor. So, we understand what goes into an outdoor kitchen build, as well as what you should start to consider. Hopefully, this will help you turn your thought process into an actual plan. Let’s start building!

If you haven’t been consulted by a professional builder yet, please give us a call. We’ll help you design the outdoor living area you’ve always wanted. Call Elegant Outdoor Kitchens today!