03 — Material Study
Outdoor Kitchens
Make It a Room
Build a natural extension of the house with durable surfaces, intentional zones, and room to host.
The Problem We Solve
The backyard as a room worth staying in.
An outdoor kitchen done right doesn't feel like a grill on a patio. It feels like a room—with zones for prep, cooking, and gathering that work together the same way a well-designed interior kitchen does.
We build outdoor kitchens using materials that hold up to Nebraska weather: stone, concrete block, and stainless steel components that won't deteriorate after a few seasons. The design starts with how you cook and host, not with a catalog.
What We Build
- —Built-in grill and cooking stations
- —Stone and concrete block counters
- —Pergolas and shade structures
- —Refrigeration and storage
- —Sink and utility connections
- —Integrated lighting and electrical
Structure — The Cooking Station
A built-in grill station designed around how you cook.
The cooking station is the anchor of the outdoor kitchen. We build the surround structure from concrete block—either standard CMU or a decorative block system—then face it with stone veneer, stucco, or tile depending on the design direction. The grill drops into a cutout sized to the specific unit. We work with Napoleon, Weber, and Lynx built-in grills. Side burners, griddles, and kamado inserts can be added to the same run. The counter height is set at 36 inches—standard kitchen height—so the cooking experience feels familiar.
Material — Countertops & Surfaces
Countertops built to handle weather, heat, and daily use.
Outdoor countertops face conditions that interior surfaces never do: direct sun, rain, freezing temperatures, and heat from the grill. We use concrete, natural stone (granite and quartzite), and porcelain tile—all rated for outdoor use. Concrete counters are poured in place or precast and sealed with a penetrating sealer that needs to be reapplied every few years. Granite and quartzite are the most durable option and require the least maintenance. We avoid materials that absorb water and crack in freeze-thaw cycles.
Structure — Pergolas & Shade
A pergola that defines the outdoor room and extends the season.
A pergola turns a patio into a room. It creates a ceiling plane that makes the space feel enclosed without blocking airflow, and it provides a structure for lighting, fans, and shade fabric. We build pergolas from cedar, pressure-treated pine, and powder-coated aluminum. Cedar and pine require periodic staining or sealing. Aluminum is maintenance-free and holds up better in Nebraska weather over the long term. We design the pergola to complement the roofline and materials of the house—not as a standalone structure that looks like it was added later.
Feature — Refrigeration & Storage
Refrigeration and storage that make the kitchen self-sufficient.
An outdoor kitchen that requires constant trips inside is only half a kitchen. We integrate outdoor-rated refrigerators, ice makers, and storage drawers into the counter run so everything needed for a full meal is within reach. All refrigeration units are rated for outdoor use—standard indoor units fail quickly in outdoor conditions due to temperature swings and humidity. Storage doors and drawers are stainless steel or powder-coated aluminum with marine-grade hardware that resists corrosion.
Feature — Lighting & Electrical
Lighting and electrical that make the kitchen usable after dark.
Outdoor kitchens need dedicated electrical circuits—one for the grill ignition and lighting, separate circuits for the refrigerator and any high-draw appliances. We coordinate with licensed electricians to run conduit and install GFCI-protected outlets in weatherproof enclosures. Under-counter LED lighting illuminates the work surface. Overhead string lights or recessed fixtures in the pergola create the ambient light that makes the space feel finished in the evening. All fixtures are rated for wet or damp locations.
Field Guide — Outdoor Kitchen Systems
01
The Cooking Zone
Built-in grills, side burners, and prep surfaces positioned for how you actually cook. We account for smoke direction, traffic flow, and proximity to the house.
02
The Counter + Storage
Stone and concrete block counters built to handle weather, heat, and daily use. Storage doors and drawers in stainless steel or powder-coated aluminum.
03
Shade + Structure
Pergolas and shade structures that define the outdoor room and make it usable in more weather. We design these to complement the house architecture.
Start the Conversation
Tell us how you want to host.
Bring us the rough idea—the space, the use, the vision. We'll help figure out what makes sense for your yard and your budget.