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An Outdoor Kitchen Designed for Cooking and Entertaining

For a cook who likes to grill 365 days a year, it was high time to get out of the rain. The original cedar deck, built from trees felled on the property, was host to kids’ tricycles, summer splash parties, and many outdoor meals. With the kids grown and gone, it was time to convert this well-used extension of the home’s living area into a space tailored for entertaining with ample space for relaxing, socializing, entertaining, cooking and dining.

The primary objectives were to create a well-lit, low-maintenance space with a layout that feels both comfortable and cozy for two, that can also handle a crowd. Azek composite decking with custom stainless steel cable railing helps check off the low-maintenance box. The Crown Verity dual-burner cooktop and 36” grill, accompanying beverage center with a sink, beverage fridge, and built-in beverage bin to ice down cold drinks, keeps food and beverages close at hand and reduces trips to the indoor kitchen. The marine-grade stainless steel cabinetry offers ample storage for cooking tools and serving items and is durable and easy to maintain year-round. Entertaining is easy with everything at hand, and guests can easily help themselves to a drink while their host prepares a meal.

The beautiful kitchen island is movable, thanks to retractable caster wheels, making it easy to store under cover in the grill shelter during inclement weather. The countertop adds space for seating, making it a great place to spend time on a relaxed summer evening, enjoying the views and chatting with the hosts working their magic at the grill. Dimmable lighting throughout the outdoor space, integrated into the grill shelter ceiling, sconces all around, and stair lighting set the mood and enhances safety.

The landing outside the home’s sliding glass doors can safely accommodate a wheelchair and a portable ramp placed over the stairs provides access to the deck for those who use mobility devices.