Outdoor grilling has long been a staple of the American family food ritual. Whether you’re cooking a simple everyday meal or hosting a big social cookout with friends and relatives, nothing is more satisfying than preparing and enjoying a meal cooked outdoors. It transcends cultures with a timeless appeal that calls to the provider and foodie in us. In fact, outdoor grilling could not be more popular than it is right now. We are spending more time at home than ever before and cooking at home in record numbers. Studies show that over 75% of Americans now own an outdoor grill or smoker, over 79 million people grilled out last year, and the average family grills out about twice a week—even in the winter. So, what does that mean for the homeowner? Simple: Our backyards are not truly complete without a grill station.
Enthusiastic grill masters, from the hotdog-on-a-stick novice to credentialed chef, may tell you that grilling outdoors requires much more than just a grill. Having an organized space nicely equipped with your equipment readily at hand is a must. After all, who wants to constantly cart utensils, plates, barbecue gadgetry, etc., back, and forth from the inside kitchen? And what is worse than not having enough outdoor counter space to comfortably prepare and plate the food?
Here are some of the most popular features of an outside grilling station that can help make your outdoor cooking experiences easy, enjoyable, and carefree:
- Grill Island/Counter Space – Okay, let’s start with the most basic element. We’ll help choose the perfect dedicated spot for your grill. An island with some counter space is ideal, and the more room you have, the better. Built-in islands are all the rage right now, conveniently nestling your grill (gas or charcoal), smoker, and other outdoor cookery together with that much-needed counter space and also storage areas like handy drawer and cabinets.
- Flooring/Patio – Having solid flooring under your grill beats setting it up on the grass. It’s important to have a level surface area with sure footing, which provides a much nicer aesthetic and additional security. This might be an existing deck or patio, or you can add a small bit of masonry to your landscape to accommodate your needs.
- Roofing/Shade – Having a bit of roofing over your grill station can be invaluable for both shelter and shade. Think of it as a bit of insurance. You and your food won’t get ruined, even when the weather fails to cooperate with your grilling plans.
- Lighting – Another essential element for your grilling station is good lighting. Many people enjoy grilling into the evening hours, so making sure the area is well lit is a no-brainer.
- Electricity – Having a power outlet as part of your grilling station opens up a whole new world of culinary possibilities as it greatly expands what you can do, such as allowing you to use common kitchen appliances like blenders, crockpots, warmers, etc. outdoors. You could even have a refrigerator and a beverage bar as part of your setup and add a rotisserie to the grill.
- Running Water – Add a sink to your island for even greater functionality.
- Seating – It is not hard to envision your outdoor grill area transformed into a full-fledged outdoor living space by adding a seating area. When adding seating, it becomes an entertainment hub perfect for socializing—and your cook won’t feel exiled to a separate area.
While we won’t knock DIY efforts, nothing beats the results you can expect from a hardscaping professional like Stone Age Masonry VA. When done correctly, your outdoor grill area can enhance the look of your home and
increase its value. We will help you find the options solutions that are perfect for you. Stone Age leads the industry as the top-rated outdoor grill station designer in Virginia from simple and rustic to extravagant, state-of-the-art setups. Give us a call today, and let’s talk about what we can do for you.
