Americans have had a love affair with outdoor cooking for a long time. I'm sure many of us can remember Dad standing at the grill with charcoal and tongs, and the wonderful smell as those hamburgers and corn-on-the-cob were cooked to perfection. Sitting out on the patio with an ice-cold beverage was the perfect way to spend a summer evening. As we became a busier society, we forgot about slowing down to enjoy our backyards and our barbecues, but our culture is re-thinking what it takes to make us happy, and re-discovering the Great American Patio.
With our country's current trend of improving and remodeling instead of "buying up," increasing living space by moving outdoors seems natural. Adding a patio with an outdoor kitchen may double a homeowner's public space, and create the perfect location to entertain family and friends. Many families facing money crises are discovering that they don't need to go on expensive vacations to have fun; a backyard barbecue or fire pit can be a perfect mini-vacation, and a chance to get re-acquainted with each other over a hot dog or s'mores.
An outdoor kitchen may also reduce electricity use; by transferring cooking heat outside, the homeowner reduces the amount of power needed to cool the house down. Mark Allen, of the National Outdoor Kitchen and Fireplace Association, contends that outdoor kitchens hold their value and even increase the value of the home when it's time to sell." An outdoor kitchen can hold its own," Allen said. "If you spend $20,000 on an outdoor kitchen you can get your money back." Add it up: outdoor kitchens are turning out to be one of the hottest trends of the past five years.
In a 2005 survey taken by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, Americans spent nearly $150 billion on home remodeling, and one-third of that went towards outdoor living areas. Considering the addition to the value of the real estate, the number of homeowners enhancing their investment by improving outdoor living spaces will continue to rise. Richie Morrison of Appalachian Stone in Ooltewah, Tennessee states that, currently, approximately 35% of his business is in creating outdoor living spaces. Zachary Coletti of Coletti Concrete Studios has also seen a definite increase in outdoor tables, countertops, and fire tables since his business started.
An outdoor kitchen can be as simple as a brick box with a grate over the top, or as elaborate as a completely outfitted space with grill, burners, refrigerator, sinks, work space, and dining area; everything you would find indoors, translated into outdoor materials. The appliances can be permanently installed, or transportable into a protected area for inclement weather. Listen to your customer's needs; with all the options available, an outdoor kitchen can be as unique as your client. There are now complete lines of outdoor appliances to choose from, produced by many leading appliance companies. This will give your client a chance to select appliances to fit their budget. Do the research; let your client know what is available in their price range.
Utilizing a separate designer/architect, or recommending one to a homeowner, allows the smaller fabricator to focus on the construction details of the project. If possible, also work with a landscape designer; they can plan for the proper plants, trees, and shrubs to blend in with the hardscape.
With all materials and appliances available, Mr. Sterling of Appalachian Stone remarks that the average outdoor kitchen/living space takes about four to six weeks to construct. This number can increase considerably, of course, if premium or custom appliances or unusual or rare stone types are requested. On the other hand, if the client only wants a prefab fireplace grill and patio, your crew should be able to complete the project in far less time.
Regarding the basic outdoor space, the first item a homeowner usually considers is the patio floor. A flagstone patio floor is extremely popular, and will last a lifetime. Morrison feels the next most popular addition is the fireplace, which can double as a cooking area. These two elements are a great starting place for future improvements. When planning the size of the patio, make sure to allow room for future additions to the kitchen.
With the improvements in quarrying in recent years, stone veneer has become a viable option in creating outdoor workstations, says Mr. Sterling; it now costs no more than "fake stone," and can last far longer. Combined with a solid stone countertop, this can create the perfect base for your outdoor kitchen design. With the amazing variety of stone types and colors available at companies like Appalachian Stone, your client's design can be blended with the surrounding landscape and construction, and is only limited by imagination. But along with your client's desires, make sure you also educate them in the importance of using correct materials for the job, and hiring professionals to get the job done right. Stone veneer may be too delicate to use as flagstone; limestone, due to its non-porous nature, will need to be installed professionally.
A wise person once said that in the United States everyone spends at least half of the year outside. In the North, that half is usually in the summer, whereas Southerners often spend more time outside in cooler months. No matter where you live, there is always the perfect time to be outdoors; it may just not always be the same time of year. Providing outdoor kitchens provides you with year-round clients.
Melissa and Scott Almon, who live near Atlanta, Georgia, have had their outdoor kitchen for two years, and are extremely happy with it. "During the summer we enjoy this area at least four times a week, but we use it all year round," says Scott. "It is one of our favorite spaces at home." With all the accoutrements of an indoor kitchen, as well as a grill, smoker and fireplace, they are well equipped to enjoy outdoor living at its best.
Outdoor kitchens are often a "work in progress." If you cooperate with your client's schedule, help him in planning a design which melds with his outdoor space and use quality materials, your homeowner will have a beautiful outdoor kitchen which will last through the life of the home. And a happy client means all his friends may be calling you soon!
For more information about Appalachian Stone and the varieties of stone they offer call 423-826-8216, or check out their website at: http:// www.appstone.com .
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