Outdoor Kitchen Solutions for Your Home in Northville & Plymouth
Blackstone Landscaping is the number one choice for custom brick stone outdoor kitchens and bars in Northville, Plymouth and southeast Michigan. With expert landscape design and outdoor kitchen services available in Plymouth and Northville, MI, you can create a space that truly reflects your personal taste and fulfills your needs. We are able to custom build your outdoor kitchen within your landscape design, making this the perfect area for hosting. From built-in grills and countertops to refrigerators and sinks, we’ll help you create a functional and stylish outdoor kitchen that’s perfect for any occasion.
Outdoor Kitchens & Fire Pits
Our Services Include:
- Local Porch Construction
- Patio Repair
- Porch Restoration
- Paver Restoration Services
- Stamped Concrete Solutions
What Are the Trends in Outdoor Kitchens?
Outdoor kitchens have evolved far beyond a simple grilling station; they are now the centerpiece of luxury outdoor living, merging practicality with stunning design. Professional landscape designers can enhance every detail, transforming your outdoor kitchen into a true extension of your lifestyle.
Integrated Living Spaces
A well-designed outdoor kitchen offers more than just a cooking area; it fosters a functional, cohesive outdoor environment where each element complements the other. Landscape designers excel at creating layouts that seamlessly connect your outdoor kitchen with patios, plantings, and other features for harmonious flow. They often incorporate natural stone or textured pavers to ensure a smooth transition from cooking to dining to lounging. Surrounding the space with plantings softens the hardscape, creating a lush and inviting atmosphere.
Modern Amenities
Today’s Plymouth outdoor kitchens can match indoor kitchens in terms of comfort and convenience. Professional designers know how to integrate the latest features to elevate your space. While high-quality grills remain essential, additional amenities such as pizza ovens, built-in smokers, and cooktops are gaining popularity.
Outdoor Lighting
The right landscape lighting can transform an outdoor kitchen from merely functional to stunningly inviting. Landscape designers specialize in layering lighting to create both ambiance and practicality. Task lighting under countertops or incorporated into pergolas ensures easy meal preparation even after dark. Accent lighting, such as string lights or subtle LED strips, provides a soft glow that enhances the mood. Designers often add fire features like fire pits or fireplaces, which not only provide warmth but also serve as striking focal points.
Natural Materials
The materials you select for your outdoor kitchen significantly influence its style and longevity. Landscape designers often recommend natural materials that harmonize with Michigan’s outdoor environment. Granite and soapstone are preferred for countertops due to their weather resistance and timeless elegance. For patios and pathways, textured pavers offer durability and visual appeal, while wood accents like cedar pergolas or cabinetry add warmth and invite a cozy atmosphere.
What is the Best Surface for an Outdoor Kitchen?
The surface you choose for your outdoor kitchen does more than provide a workspace; it sets the tone for the entire style, functionality, and durability of the space. For homeowners in Plymouth and Northville, MI, the surface must withstand Michigan’s varied climate. From icy winters to hot, humid summers, durability is key. Professional landscape designers prioritize materials that are not only visually stunning but also offer outstanding performance year after year.
Granite Countertops
Granite remains a favorite for outdoor kitchen surfaces due to its durability and elegance. As one of the most robust natural stones, granite resists cracking, fading, and staining, even in Michigan’s unpredictable weather. Its dense composition makes it ideal for withstanding freeze-thaw cycles. Besides its practicality, granite offers timeless elegance and comes in numerous colors and patterns to match any design vision. Properly installed granite countertops provide an upscale appearance that complements both traditional and modern outdoor kitchens and require minimal maintenance, just needing sealing every year or two.
Concrete
Concrete countertops have become increasingly popular for their versatility and modern aesthetic. This material is highly customizable, allowing for unique colors, textures, and even embedded decorative elements like glass chips or stones. Concrete provides a clean, minimalist look ideal for contemporary outdoor kitchens and is surprisingly cost-effective. In Michigan, concrete’s durability is enhanced by sealing, which protects it from stains, moisture, and freeze-thaw cycles.
Natural Stone
For those seeking a luxurious and organic aesthetic, options like limestone and soapstone are standout choices for outdoor kitchens. These materials offer warmth and sophistication, seamlessly blending with the natural surroundings. Limestone provides a soft, light color that works beautifully in traditional or Mediterranean-inspired designs. Soapstone, on the other hand, offers a darker, more dramatic appearance.
What Material is Heat Resistant for an Outdoor Kitchen?
Choosing heat-resistant materials is essential for an outdoor kitchen that remains safe, functional, and visually appealing, even under high temperatures from both the summer weather and cooking appliances. Professional landscape designers focus on materials that not only endure these conditions but also enhance the aesthetic and longevity of your space. Whether selecting surfaces, cabinetry, or structural elements, these heat-resistant materials are ideal for outdoor kitchens.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a top choice for outdoor kitchen cabinetry and appliances due to its durability, heat resistance, and sleek modern appearance. It’s designed to withstand high temperatures without warping or discoloring, making it perfect for use around grills, pizza ovens, or cooktops. Additionally, stainless steel is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, crucial for Michigan’s humid summers and snowy winters.
Natural Stone
Natural stones like granite and flagstone are highly heat-resistant, making them excellent choices for countertops, backsplashes, and flooring in outdoor kitchens. These materials can withstand high temperatures without cracking or discoloring and also add timeless, organic beauty to the space. Their ability to stay cool even on hot summer days makes them desirable for surfaces exposed to direct sunlight or near high-heat cooking appliances.
Wall Blocks
Concrete wall blocks are versatile and durable, ideal for features like grill surrounds, fire pits, and seating walls in outdoor kitchens. Known for their strength and resilience, these blocks provide excellent thermal properties, efficiently retaining and radiating heat. Beyond their functionality, concrete wall blocks offer a modern aesthetic that complements various outdoor design styles.
How Do You Weatherproof an Outdoor Kitchen?
Michigan’s climate, with cold winters, humid summers, and frequent temperature fluctuations, calls for careful planning to keep your outdoor kitchen functional, safe, and beautiful throughout the year. Professional weatherproofing is an essential step to protect your investment and ensure that each feature of your outdoor kitchen is built to handle the challenges of changing seasons.
Sealants and Covers
Sealants and covers serve as the first line of defense against the elements, safeguarding your outdoor kitchen from moisture, snow, and ice. Applying high-quality sealants to surfaces like natural stone, concrete, or wood countertops is recommended to prevent moisture penetration and freeze-thaw damage. This is crucial during Michigan’s winter months to prevent cracks or
Proper Drainage
Drainage is critical for any outdoor kitchen design, especially in Michigan where heavy rain and melting snow can cause standing water. Professional designers incorporate a drainage plan tailored to your property’s topography. This may include sloping countertops and flooring to direct water away from key areas and using drainage channels or permeable surfaces to prevent pooling.
Proper Drainage
Drainage is critical for any outdoor kitchen design, especially in Michigan where heavy rain and melting snow can cause standing water. Professional designers incorporate a drainage plan tailored to your property’s topography. This may include sloping countertops and flooring to direct water away from key areas and using drainage channels or permeable surfaces to prevent pooling.
Outdoor-Rated Materials
Selecting materials specifically designed for outdoor use is crucial to weatherproofing your kitchen. Designers carefully choose appliances, cabinetry, and finishes rated for Michigan’s seasonal extremes. Outdoor-rated appliances feature rust-resistant components weatherproof seals to ensure reliable performance in harsh conditions.
Heating Features
In Michigan, extending the usability of your outdoor kitchen into cooler months is a priority. Landscape designers incorporate heating features to make the space comfortable and inviting in lower temperatures. Fire pits and fireplaces are popular additions, offering warmth and ambiance while serving as focal points for gatherings.
How Long Do Outdoor Kitchens Last?
A professionally built outdoor kitchen is an investment intended to provide decades of enjoyment with proper maintenance. Longevity depends on materials’ quality and installation expertise. A well-designed kitchen retains its beauty and functionality, evolving with your needs, making it a valuable addition to your home.
High-Quality Materials
The foundation for a long-lasting outdoor kitchen is high-quality materials. Durable, weather-resistant selections like stainless steel, granite, and treated wood withstand Michigan’s climate. These materials are chosen for their resistance to damage from moisture, heat, and freezing temperatures, as well as their timeless aesthetic. Stainless steel appliances resist rust and corrosion, granite countertops withstand heat and temperature changes, and treated wood provides charm while resisting rot and pests. Together, they ensure your outdoor kitchen is both resilient and beautiful.