How much counter space does an outdoor kitchen need?

Plan usable landing space on both sides of the grill — commonly at least eighteen to twenty-four inches each side — plus separate prep or serving area. Too little counter is the most common regret.

Gas or wood fire pit?

Gas lights instantly, produces no smoke and suits covered or tight spaces. Wood gives the fire people actually want to sit around. Placement and clearances differ, so decide before the patio is laid out.

How far should a fire pit be from the house?

Manufacturer and local code set minimums, and prevailing wind matters just as much. We place fire features so smoke drifts away from seating and structures.

Will the appliances survive outdoors?

Only if they are rated for it. Outdoor-rated stainless, marine-grade fasteners and covered storage make the difference in Georgia humidity.

Outdoor living

Outdoor Kitchens & Fire Pits in North Georgia

Custom outdoor kitchens, grill islands, stone counters and fire pits with gas, water and electrical roughed in correctly.

An outdoor kitchen is plumbing, gas, electrical and masonry that happens to be outside. Utilities have to be planned before the patio is poured, and the layout has to leave counter space where people actually stand.

Part of our Outdoor Living & Landscape Design in North Georgia work across North Georgia.

What we see most often

Grill islands with nowhere to set a plate down
Gas and power added later by trenching a finished patio
Fire pits placed in the wind path or too close to structures
Cabinetry and finishes that do not survive Georgia humidity

Scope of work

What this work includes

Layout & work zones

Grill, prep, serving and seating arranged so cooking and gathering do not fight each other for the same three feet.

Utility rough-in

Gas line, water, drain and dedicated electrical circuits installed and inspected before hardscape goes over them.

Masonry & counters

Block or steel-framed islands finished in stone, brick or stucco, with granite or concrete counters sized for real use.

Fire features

Wood or gas fire pits and fireplaces placed for clearance, prevailing wind and seating, with the required drainage under them.

A working outdoor kitchen with real counter space, correct utilities and a fire people gather at.

How it goes

Our process

Step 01
Plan the use
How many people, how you cook, where they sit.
Step 02
Rough in
Gas, water, drain and power before any surface is set.
Step 03
Build
Framing, masonry, counters and appliance openings.
Step 04
Commission
Set appliances, test gas and electrical, finish surfaces.

Common questions

Outdoor Kitchens questions we get

How much counter space does an outdoor kitchen need?: Plan usable landing space on both sides of the grill — commonly at least eighteen to twenty-four inches each side — plus separate prep or serving area. Too little counter is the most common regret.
Gas or wood fire pit?: Gas lights instantly, produces no smoke and suits covered or tight spaces. Wood gives the fire people actually want to sit around. Placement and clearances differ, so decide before the patio is laid out.
How far should a fire pit be from the house?: Manufacturer and local code set minimums, and prevailing wind matters just as much. We place fire features so smoke drifts away from seating and structures.
Will the appliances survive outdoors?: Only if they are rated for it. Outdoor-rated stainless, marine-grade fasteners and covered storage make the difference in Georgia humidity.

Where we work

Outdoor Living across North Georgia

We handle outdoor living for property owners across the north side of Atlanta — Cumming, Milton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Woodstock, Canton and Ball Ground — and up through Jasper, Ellijay and Blue Ridge. Choose your area for local conditions, permitting and recent work nearby.

Regional overviews: Outdoor Living in Atlanta Metro, Outdoor Living in Lake Lanier, Outdoor Living in North Atlanta.

Also serving Cumming, Milton, Woodstock, Canton, Ball Ground, Jasper, Ellijay, Blue Ridge, Dawsonville, Cartersville, Blairsville, Helen, Cleveland, Gainesville.

Related work

Start here

Tell us about your property

Send the basics and we'll come back with a straight answer on what your site needs, what order to do it in, and what it's likely to cost.

Outdoor Kitchens & Fire Pits in North Georgia

What we see most often

What this work includes

Layout & work zones

Utility rough-in

Masonry & counters

Fire features

Our process

Plan the use

Rough in

Build

Commission

Outdoor Kitchens questions we get

Outdoor Living across North Georgia

Patios

Pergolas & Pavilions

Fireplaces & Seating

Tell us about your property