Outdoor Kitchens Paired With Patios and Decks in Canton

Laying Out a Kitchen That Works

Think in zones: hot (grill, side burner, pizza oven), cold (refrigerator, ice), wet (sink) and dry (prep counter and storage). Give yourself at least a couple of feet of counter on each side of the grill for platters. Keep the cook facing guests rather than a wall. A raised bar on the outside of the island gives friends a spot to sit without crowding the cooking area.

Patio or Deck Underneath?

Kitchens are heavy, and grills throw heat. On a patio, we pour or prepare a solid base that can carry masonry islands and appliances. On a deck, framing must be reinforced for the load, and the area around the grill needs noncombustible flooring and clearances set by the grill maker. Many Canton projects place the kitchen on a patio at grade with a deck stepping up to the house.

Handling Heat and Storms

A roof or solid pergola over the cooking zone keeps sun off counters and lets you grill through a summer shower. Vent hoods or adequate roof height clear smoke. Stone, granite and concrete counters handle heat better than tile. Stainless doors and drawers built for outdoor use resist rust in humid air.

Bringing in Utilities

Gas lines, water supply, drains and dedicated GFCI circuits should be planned before any slab is poured. We map routes from the house, trench and run lines and leave capped stubs for future additions. Get more ideas from our outdoor kitchen ideas article, see our Canton outdoor living services or browse all Madison County exterior services.

Common Questions