Outdoor Living Spaces
Outdoor Kitchens in Ventura County
Built-in grills, side burners, sinks, refrigerators and bar seating, on a base and counter made for the weather, with gas, water and power run and inspected.
Outdoor Kitchens
An outdoor kitchen can be as simple as a built-in grill with counter space on each side, or as complete as a second kitchen with a sink, refrigerator, bar seating and a cover overhead. The outdoor kitchen in our gallery has a bar counter and a fountain beside it, with stone and tile finishes that hold up outdoors.
The appliances get the attention, but the utilities decide the cost and the layout. A grill needs a gas line sized for every burner on it. A refrigerator and lights need a dedicated outdoor circuit with GFCI protection. A sink needs water and a drain. Planning those before the patio is poured, or before the old one is cut, saves money.
Planning the layout
Like an indoor kitchen, an outdoor kitchen works best with landing space on both sides of the grill, a place to prep near a sink, and a path that keeps guests out of the cook's way. Bar seating on the far side of the counter keeps people close without crowding the grill. Placement relative to the house matters too: close enough to carry food easily, far enough that smoke does not drift into open windows.
Grill and burners
Built-in grills, side burners and griddles, sized to how you cook and supplied by a properly sized gas line.
Sink and refrigeration
A bar sink with hot or cold water, plus an outdoor-rated refrigerator or ice maker.
Seating and cover
A raised bar counter for seating and, often, a patio cover for shade and rain.
Materials that last outside
The base is usually concrete block or steel framing with a noncombustible finish like stucco, stone veneer or tile. Wood frames under a grill are a fire risk. Counter options include granite, concrete and porcelain slabs; light colors stay cooler in the sun. Stainless appliances and doors rated for outdoor use resist corrosion, which matters most near the coast.
Utilities and permits
Gas lines are buried, sized for the total load of the appliances and pressure tested. Electrical runs in conduit to GFCI-protected outlets. Sink drains have to go somewhere allowed by your city, and that can be the deciding factor on whether to include a sink. Gas, electrical and plumbing work for an outdoor kitchen is permitted and inspected. In fire hazard zones, clearances and materials need extra attention.
From our clients
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Cook outside without the hassle
Tell us how you cook and entertain. We will lay out the kitchen and utilities and give you a written price.
Outdoor Kitchens: FAQs
How much does an outdoor kitchen cost?
It varies widely with size, appliances and utilities. A grill island with a gas line and an outlet is far less than a full kitchen with a sink, refrigerator, cover and long utility runs. Appliances are often the biggest single line. We price your design with each component listed so you can adjust.
Do I need a permit for an outdoor kitchen?
If it includes new gas, electrical or plumbing, usually yes, and the utilities are inspected before they are covered. A freestanding grill on an existing patio does not. A cover over the kitchen typically needs its own permit. We handle all of it.
Can I run the outdoor kitchen off my house gas line?
Usually, if the existing gas service and meter have enough capacity for the added appliances. The new line is sized for the total demand and buried at the required depth. If capacity is short, the gas utility may need to upgrade the meter. We calculate the load before designing.
What countertop works best outdoors?
Granite and porcelain slabs handle sun and weather well. Quartz is generally not recommended outdoors because UV light can discolor its resin. Concrete counters work but need sealing. Lighter colors stay cooler in direct sun.
Outdoor Living near you
- Santa Paula, CA5–12 min from Santa Paula
- Oxnard, CA20–40 min from Santa Paula
- Carpinteria, CA38–60 min from Santa Paula
- Ventura, CA15–35 min from Santa Paula
- Fillmore, CA15–25 min from Santa Paula
- Somis, CA22–35 min from Santa Paula
Related pages
- Outdoor Living Spaces (overview)
- Patio Covers
- Pergolas
- Patio Cover & Outdoor Kitchen Cost in Ventura County
Cost guide
- Concrete Patio vs Pavers vs Stamped Concrete (Ventura County Prices)
Costs
- Covered Patio Ideas for Coastal & Inland Ventura County
Design
- Outdoor Kitchen Planning Guide for Ventura County
Design