Working with a Unilock Authorized Contractor is working with the best of the best. Our UACs possess the knowledge and expertise to bring your dream project to life, and deliver stunning results that will exceed your expectations.
Outdoor Kitchen Contractors
Work with one of our trusted Unilock outdoor kitchen contractors to create a one-of-a-kind outdoor kitchen and grill island that will enhance your outdoor living space.
What is an Outdoor Kitchen Contractor?
An outdoor kitchen is all about bringing the comforts of your indoor kitchen to the fresh air, with extras like grills and bar islands, pergolas, countertops, sinks, and fridges, making it just as functional as your indoor kitchen.
An outdoor kitchen contractor is the expert who can bring your design ideas to life. They specialize in installing these outdoor features and have the know-how to ensure your outdoor kitchen meets your specific design needs.
Why Choose a Unilock Authorized Contractor for Your Outdoor Kitchen Project?
If you’re looking to expand your backyard patio to include an outdoor kitchen, consider hiring a Unilock Authorized Contractor:
· Hiring a UAC gives you peace of mind with a minimum two-year Workmanship Guarantee backed by Unilock when you install Unilock pavers and walls on your project.
· UACs follow Unilock Installation Standards for all projects.
· UACs adhere to the Unilock Authorized Contractor Code of Ethics.
· UACs keep their skills up-to-date with continuing education courses.
When you hire an Authorized Contractor, you get an expert in proper site preparation, grading, base materials, and compaction. This is especially important for outdoor kitchens to ensure durability and longevity for years to come.
Choosing a UAC means you gain access to:
· Knowledgeable design advice;
· A comprehensive project estimate;
· Quality base materials and installation practices;
· A project that stands the test of time and looks great;
Let us connect you with a local Unilock Authorized Contractor who can provide you with a free estimate for your project.
Key Features to Consider in Your Outdoor Kitchen Design
When working with an outdoor kitchen contractor, it’s important to discuss all the specific features that you want to see in your final design. An outdoor kitchen can be as simple as a grill island, to an intricate L-shaped kitchen with a pizza oven. The design possibilities are virtually endless. Here are a few features to consider:
Grill Island
A grill island is the centerpiece of many outdoor kitchens. It provides a dedicated space for grilling all your favorite foods, and can also include additional features like side burners, storage cabinets, and prep areas, making it a versatile and functional addition to your outdoor space.
Bar Island
A bar island is perfect for entertaining guests. With bar seating, it becomes a social hub where friends and family can gather while you cook. Bar islands can also include a built-in sink, an under-counter fridge, and plenty of counter space for preparing drinks and appetizers.
Pizza Oven
Adding a pizza oven to your outdoor kitchen can take your culinary skills to new heights. A wood-fired pizza oven not only cooks delicious, authentic pizzas but can also be used for baking bread, roasting meats, and even making desserts. It's a unique selling feature that can make your outdoor kitchen stand out. Get Outdoor Kitchen Design Inspiration
Tips for Hiring the Right Outdoor Kitchen Contractor
Here are some tips you can use when hiring an outdoor kitchen contractor for your next project:
1. Workmanship
Review Past Projects: Ask to see projects completed by your outdoor kitchen contractor over the past two years to see how they’ve held up overtime, and to assess the quality of their work.
Warranty and Claims: Inquire about the length of their work guarantee and do your research to find out if they’ve had any warranty claims filed against their company in the past two years.
2. Sub-Contracting
Sub-Contractor Management: Some contractors hire specialists for tasks like lighting or irrigation. If your outdoor kitchen contractor is hiring one of these specialists, be sure you understand how these sub-contractors will be managed and vetted.
3. Experience
Installation Expertise: Does your contractor have extensive experience with installing outdoor kitchens? View past projects they’ve completed to ensure they are the right fit for your project.
4. Preparation
Base Preparation Methods: What methods and materials do they use for base preparation? Ensure your outdoor kitchen contractor can customize their approach to meet your patio’s specific needs.
5. Schedule
Project Timeline: Find out their project booking schedule and determine an estimate for the duration of your project. Ask if an upfront deposit is required to secure the timing of your project.
6. Documentation
Licensing and Insurance: Verify that the contractor's licensing, liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage are up to date. If permits are needed, confirm with your contractor who will be responsible for obtaining them.
7. Compatibility
Communication and Trust: Establish effective communication and trust with your outdoor kitchen contractor. Confirm if they will be on-site throughout the project, or if someone else from their team will be your main point of contact.
References: Contact your contractor’s references to learn about their project management and work style.
8. Design
Design Services: Does your contractor offer design services? Find out if they provide hand-drawn or 3D-rendered concept designs and ensure their design style aligns with your vision. Request a Design Catalog
Opt for EasyClean™ Products in Your Outdoor Kitchen Design
Let’s face it, outdoor kitchens can get messy. From condiment spills and red wine to grease splatters, it’s important to choose materials that are easy to clean. Your outdoor kitchen contractor might suggest products that come factory-sealed with EasyClean™. EasyClean™ offers built-in stain resistance, ensuring that any spills can be cleaned up quickly and easily, minimizing the risk of stains on the surface.
Some of our most popular EasyClean™ products include Umbriano®, Mattoni™, and Bristol Valley®.
Endless Outdoor Kitchen Design Possibilities with U-Cara®
Your outdoor kitchen, much like your indoor kitchen, should act as the heart of your space. It’s where you will cook all your meals and share incredible memories with family and friends. With U-Cara®, you can design your outdoor kitchen to serve as many purposes as you want, with flexible design solutions tailored to creating the kitchen of your dreams.
U-Cara® Multi-Face Wall System: Create stunning, versatile walls and features by mixing and matching various fascia panels along the patented Sure Track Backer Block system.
U-Cara® Modular System: Enjoy the ease and flexibility of U-Cara modular cabinets, to design a custom outdoor kitchen that fits your space perfectly.
Optimize Your Budget When Working with an Outdoor Kitchen Contractor
Embarking on a design project requires a clear budget and timeline to keep everything on track. Here are some strategies to optimize both:
· Define Your Priorities: Identify what features you want to include in your outdoor kitchen design, and allocate your budget to focus on these key aspects.
· Request Detailed Estimates: Obtain quotes from multiple contractors to compare pricing and services. Look for transparent pricing and detailed cost breakdowns.
· Consider Material Options: Explore various materials and designs that fit your budget and style. Your contractor can help you find cost-effective options without sacrificing quality.
· Plan for Contingencies: Set aside a contingency fund to prepare for any unexpected expenses or changes.
· Communicate Clearly: Keep open lines of communication with your contractor about your budget and timeline expectations.
Outdoor Kitchen Contractors FAQs
Where is the best place to build an outdoor kitchen?
For convenience, it’s best to have your outdoor kitchen close to the house, especially if you need electricity, running water, and gas. This also makes it easier to bring food and dishes outside. If you have a large property, you might want to put your outdoor kitchen in a scenic spot or near the pool. Just keep in mind that running utilities like water, gas, and electricity will add to your budget and may require navigating around buried lines and septic tanks.
Can my outdoor kitchen contractor install paver lighting into my kitchen design?
Absolutely. If you plan on using your outdoor kitchen well into the evening hours, it’s a great idea to include lighting in your initial design plans. Your outdoor kitchen contractor can help you evaluate the best places to install your lights so that they not only illuminate your vertical feature efficiently but also ensure safe wayfinding when navigating your kitchen at night.
Should I put a roof over my outdoor kitchen?
While many outdoor kitchens are built to be durable, exposure to the elements can still have an impact on the appliances and paving products you use over time. Adding a pergola, or canopy, or extending your roof to cover the outdoor kitchen are smart ways to protect your investment and extend the lifespan of your setup. Consider which option fits your budget, and when you're ready, discuss these possibilities with your outdoor kitchen contractor to find the best solution for your space.
If my outdoor kitchen was built using Unilock pavers, would it be covered under warranty?
If your outdoor kitchen was installed using Unilock paving stones and retaining wall units, you may be eligible for our Transferable Lifetime Guarantee for residential use. If any materials prove defective—provided they were installed and maintained according to our guidelines—they will be replaced at no cost to you.
To qualify, simply complete your project, keep your proof of purchase, and submit your receipts on our website within 60 days of purchase to register for the guarantee.
