Labor Day is behind us, the kids are back in school, and it’s already the last day of summer. How did that happen? Check out six built-in barbeque grills to inspire your end-of-summer cookout, and learn which countertop materials might be best for your outdoor kitchen.
1. Built-in Barbeque with Retractable Awning
This outdoor barbeque, with granite countertop and cedar base cabinetry, is located off the kitchen for convenience.
The grill master can enjoy views toward the Poudre River as they flip burgers under the cool shade of a large, retractable awning. The nearby al fresco dining room and lounge seating with firepit create the perfect outdoor living space for entertaining.
2. Grill Station with Garage Doors
Garage doors come in many sizes, like this small pass-through window between the indoor wet bar and outdoor grill counter, or the larger garage door between the outdoor dining room and indoor rec room. Outside, the built-in grill has proper ventilation, ample storage, and plenty of counterspace for food prep.
Inside, the wet bar has a sink, dishwasher and refrigerator for added convenience. The interior countertop shape is mirrored in the outside kitchen and dining area, creating one seamless T-shaped surface and a continuous living space when the doors are open.
3. Pool House with Indoor-Outdoor Kitchen
Our team is in the process of building a pool house with a full kitchen that opens to the outdoors through two sets of bifold doors, and a smaller garage door over the bar.
This rendering shows how the built-in barbeque station will be covered from the elements, and will have a stainless steel work surface and a hood to ventilate smoke.
4. Pergola with Barbeque Patio
Our crew added a large patio, pergola and barbeque station to the front of this Northern Colorado home to take full advantage of lakefront views.
The outdoor grilling station is located right off the kitchen, and includes a bottle opener, towel bar, granite prep surface, electrical outlets, and task lighting for nighttime entertaining.
5. Corner Grill and Smoker Station
This 180-s.f. covered patio uses every inch of space to the fullest, and includes an outdoor living room, dining area, sun shade, and barbeque station with ventilation hood.
The corner barbeque station boasts natural stone veneer, granite countertops, a Lynx gas grill, Big Green Egg charcoal smoker, electrical outlets, custom cabinetry and door fronts that hide the propane tank and other grilling supplies.
6. Covered Grill with Stucco Base
In south Fort Collins, we installed a large pergola, stone fireplace, stamped concrete patio, and a built-in wood pellet barbeque grill with a granite countertop and rustic stucco base.
The Memphis brand grill has digital temperature controls and stainless steel drawers for storage.
Granite vs. Quartz Countertop
While quartz might be the most popular material for indoor countertops these days, granite wins for durability in the outdoors. According to local fabricator Granite Imports, “Granite is the most recommended stone for outdoor counters. It will maintain its look and be the easiest to care for across the years.”
Manmade stone, like quartz, is the least recommended for the outdoors. “Most colors will fade due to sun and weather … and the resins used to make it will likely turn yellow.”
In addition to quartz and granite, other outdoor countertop options include quartzite, marble, soapstone, tile, concrete and stainless steel. When choosing an outdoor countertop, it’s always best to consult with your builder or fabricator to select the material that’s right for you and your outdoor kitchen location.
To learn about the durability of quartz versus granite inside your home, read “The Great Quartz vs. Granite Countertop Debate.”
And for more outdoor living inspiration, explore “10 Ideas for Outdoor Living Spaces” or check out our Exterior Spaces gallery.
If you’re not sure where to start with your outdoor living project, contact HighCraft Builders. Our team loves to work on projects of all sizes, we’re happy to answer questions, and there’s no obligation.
