Outdoor kitchens are no longer just a trend—they’ve become a must-have feature for homeowners looking to elevate their backyards into true outdoor living spaces. Combining beauty, function, and entertainment value, outdoor kitchens are the perfect complement to thoughtful hardscaping and hardscape design.
If you’re planning your own backyard culinary escape, Speake Lawncare is your trusted partner. From customized outdoor kitchens and durable hardscaping to expert landscape lighting, we deliver cohesive and beautiful outdoor spaces tailored to your lifestyle.
Here’s everything you need to know before you start building your dream outdoor kitchen.
The Foundation: Start With Quality Hardscaping
The first step in any successful outdoor kitchen build is a solid hardscape design. Your outdoor kitchen must be built on a level, durable surface that can support heavy appliances, counters, and foot traffic. Choosing the right materials—such as stone pavers, concrete, or brick—ensures longevity and adds texture and character to your backyard.
At Speake Lawncare, we specialize in designing and installing customized hardscaping solutions that seamlessly integrate with the rest of your landscape. Whether it’s a patio, retaining wall, or multi-level entertainment space, we make sure your hardscape is functional and visually stunning.
Location Matters: Plan for Function and Flow
One of the key decisions you’ll make is where to place your outdoor kitchen. Proximity to your indoor kitchen can simplify plumbing and electrical work. Consider how you’ll move through the space—will there be a dining area nearby? A seating area for guests? Shade or shelter?
A well-thought-out hardscape design considers both aesthetics and traffic flow. Our team ensures the layout of your kitchen, walkways, and entertainment zones work in harmony, creating a unified and user-friendly environment.
Select the Right Features for Your Lifestyle
Your outdoor kitchen can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. Common features include:
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Built-in grills
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Side burners
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Refrigerators
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Pizza ovens
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Prep sinks
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Bar seating
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Cabinetry and storage
With Speake Lawncare’s expertise, we’ll help you design a layout that reflects how you cook, entertain, and relax outdoors.
Looking for inspiration? Check out this external feature on expert lawn care and outdoor solutions.
Durability is Key: Choose Weather-Resistant Materials
Your outdoor kitchen must stand up to changing weather. We recommend stainless steel appliances for rust resistance, stone or granite countertops for strength and easy cleaning, and stone or concrete bases for timeless appeal.
We also offer eco-conscious hardscaping options that blend beautifully into the natural landscape while providing exceptional durability and minimal maintenance.
Light It Up: Landscape Lighting for Nighttime Use
Landscape lighting is essential if you plan to use your kitchen after sunset. Proper lighting boosts safety, usability, and ambiance.
Our outdoor lighting installations include:
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Task lighting for cooking areas
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Ambient lighting for mood
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Path lights for walkways
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Accent lights to highlight features
Well-placed lighting elevates the overall design and enhances nighttime entertainment.
Budgeting and Permits: Plan Ahead
Outdoor kitchens are an investment, but they add significant value to your home. Depending on your design, you may need plumbing, gas, or electrical permits. Speake Lawncare handles this process with ease—we manage timelines, codes, and utility integration so you can focus on enjoying your new space.
Looking for trusted service validation? Explore our Pro Porch listing and Houzz profile to see reviews and past projects.
Add Personality With Hardscape Enhancements
Want to go beyond the basics? Incorporate:
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Water features
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Fire pits or fireplaces
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Pergolas or pavilions
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Built-in seating or bar areas
These additions, combined with quality hardscaping, make your space feel like an extension of your home. View our Referral Linq profile and BizRatings page for more on how we build custom outdoor living solutions.
Explore Our Services and Connect Today
Ready to get started on your dream outdoor kitchen? Visit our:
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Outdoor Kitchens page for inspiration
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Hardscaping services to learn about materials and techniques
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Landscape lighting options to plan your finishing touches
Then contact us to schedule your consultation.
Final Thoughts
Building a dream outdoor kitchen isn’t just about adding appliances—it’s about creating an experience. With thoughtful hardscaping, expert hardscape design, and the right mix of features, lighting, and finishes, your backyard can become your favorite “room” in the house.
Let Speake Lawncare bring your outdoor kitchen vision to life. With years of experience, industry recognition, and a commitment to quality, we’re here to make your dream backyard a reality.
Ready to get started? Contact us today and let’s begin planning your perfect outdoor space.