, and for good reason. With a professionally designed and installed outdoor kitchen, you can create a private oasis that’s perfect for hosting family and friends. Depending on your preferences, your outdoor kitchen can have everything you need to cook and serve a full meal, including a built-in grill, working sink, and storage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThis kind of hardscape will add value to your property. An outdoor kitchen can leave a lasting impression on guests because it’s not something people see every day. It’s functional and attractive and can benefit from additional hardscape elements in the following ways.<\/span><\/p>\nStone Walls Can Provide Privacy\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nStone walls are a great choice if you want to incorporate other hardscapes in your outdoor kitchen to make the space more private. Even if you prefer having a full kitchen on your patio for spending time with family and hosting events with friends, it doesn’t mean your outdoor living space has to be visible or accessible to everybody.<\/span><\/p>\nA stone wall around your patio can give you the privacy you seek while adding to your landscape’s aesthetic. If you don’t want total seclusion, a half-wall can create distinct borders between your outdoor kitchen and other areas like a dining area or a garden.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nYour Yard Will Be More Usable<\/span><\/h3>\nHardscaping your outdoor kitchen with an upgraded patio or exterior lighting will make your outdoor kitchen more usable. You’ll have plenty of space to prepare, cook, and eat meals during the day or at night.<\/span><\/p>\nDepending on where you install the kitchen within your yard, you might even consider covering the space with a gazebo or pergola. These structures will provide shade for the outdoor kitchen and keep it cool on hot, sunny days. They can also give your landscape more dimension, which can help your yard look more interesting and complete.<\/span><\/p>\nYou Can Expand Your Outdoor Living Space<\/span><\/h3>\nHardscaping an outdoor kitchen with durable, weatherproof materials, lighting, and hard flooring will create a clear difference between your indoor environment and the green spaces within your yard.\u00a0With an outdoor kitchen, you can easily extend your property’s living space. You won’t have to settle for being indoors all day.<\/span><\/p>\nThis benefit is great if you have a smaller home. When entertaining guests, people can stay outdoors or flow in and out of your home. You won’t have to worry about visitors feeling cramped or restricted.<\/span><\/p>\nThe Property’s Value Can Increase With the Right Hardscape Feature<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen it comes to hardscapes, outdoor kitchens with features like stone countertops and retaining walls can boost your property values, which is great if you plan to sell your home in the future. Prospective homebuyers are more likely to consider houses with an extended, usable living space that also enhances the property’s visual appeal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHardscape Material Options for Your Outdoor Kitchen<\/span><\/h2>\nAs with every good hardscape, outdoor kitchens need the right materials to deliver outstanding performance, longevity, and beauty. Unfortunately, choosing the wrong materials for an exterior kitchen, outdoor fireplace, and other elements involving heat and fire can impact its functionality, usefulness, and visual appeal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nTake wood for example. It’s a beautiful material that can give your outdoor kitchen a charming, rustic appeal. Yet, wood is combustible and susceptible to moisture damage, which could be a problem if the kitchen is out in the open.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nSo what are the best hardscaping materials for outdoor kitchens? Here are the best options.<\/span><\/p>\n