Your Backyard Becomes the Best Room in the House
An outdoor kitchen turns your backyard into a functional cooking and entertaining space that you will use from spring through fall and beyond. Instead of running back and forth between an indoor kitchen and an outdoor grill, everything you need is in one place, designed around how you actually cook and host.
In Sussex County, outdoor kitchens add genuine value to your property while extending your livable square footage. Homeowners across Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and Bethany Beach invest in outdoor kitchens because coastal Delaware weather supports eight or more months of outdoor use each year.
At Just Imagine Hardscapes & Pools, we handle every phase of your outdoor kitchen project in-house. No subcontractors. From the initial design and layout to masonry, plumbing rough-ins, countertop fabrication, and finish work, our team manages it all. That means one point of contact, coordinated construction, and a result that works exactly as planned.
Custom Outdoor Kitchen Design
Every outdoor kitchen we build starts with a conversation about how you cook, how you entertain, and how you want your outdoor space to function. We do not use stock plans or cookie-cutter layouts. Your kitchen is designed from scratch to fit your property dimensions, your cooking habits, and your budget.
Our design process considers the relationship between your kitchen and the rest of your outdoor environment. Whether it connects to a pool deck, sits within a paver patio, or anchors a larger outdoor living space, we plan for traffic flow, sightlines, prevailing winds, sun exposure, and utility access.
- L-shaped, U-shaped, linear, and island configurations
- Integration with existing patios, pools, and outdoor structures
- Utility planning for gas, electric, and water connections
- Site-specific design accounting for grade, drainage, and exposure
- Permit coordination with Sussex County requirements
Built-In Grills & Cooking Stations
A built-in grill is only the starting point. We install complete cooking environments with the appliances and workspace you need for serious outdoor cooking.
Built-In Grills
We install premium built-in gas grills from brands like Bull, Blaze, and Summerset. These units drop into custom-built islands with proper ventilation, gas line connections, and durable surrounds that handle years of heavy use.
Pizza Ovens & Smokers
Add a wood-fired pizza oven, a pellet smoker, or a charcoal kamado grill alongside your primary cooking station. We design the layout so each appliance has proper clearance, ventilation, and adjacent prep space.
Side Burners & Prep Areas
Side burners, power burners, and griddle stations let you cook full meals outside. We include dedicated prep countertop space on both sides of cooking appliances so you have room to work.
Countertops, Bars & Seating
The countertop and bar are where your outdoor kitchen becomes a gathering space. We install granite, quartz, concrete, and tile countertops selected for outdoor durability and resistance to UV, moisture, and temperature swings common in coastal Delaware.
Bar-height countertop extensions with overhang seating let guests sit, eat, and socialize while the cook works. We design bar configurations in straight, L-shaped, and curved layouts depending on your space and traffic patterns.
- Granite and quartz countertops rated for outdoor exposure
- Concrete countertops with sealed finishes for custom shapes
- Bar-height seating for 3 to 8 guests depending on layout
- Integrated drink rails, towel hooks, and storage below
- Material selection guided by salt air and UV resistance
Storage & Refrigeration
A well-designed outdoor kitchen keeps everything you need within arm's reach. We integrate outdoor-rated refrigerators, ice makers, keg taps, and storage drawers directly into your kitchen island so you never need to go inside during a cookout.
Outdoor-rated stainless steel doors, drawers, and trash pull-outs are built into the island framing. Every storage element is accessible from the cook's working position and protected from weather. Refrigeration units are specified for outdoor temperature ranges common in Delaware, rated to operate reliably from early spring through late fall.
- Outdoor-rated refrigerators and beverage centers
- Built-in ice makers for high-volume entertaining
- Stainless steel access doors, drawers, and trash pull-outs
- Dry storage compartments for utensils and supplies
- Keg taps and draft systems for dedicated bar setups
Shade Structures & Lighting Integration
Outdoor kitchens work best when you can cook comfortably in full sun and continue hosting after dark. We plan shade and lighting into every kitchen design.
Pergolas & Pavilions
Attached or freestanding pergolas and pavilion roofs provide shade over the cooking and dining area. We build with cedar, composite, or aluminum framing depending on your aesthetic and maintenance preference. Louvered roof options let you control sunlight and airflow.
Task Lighting
Recessed downlights, pendant lights, and under-counter LED strips illuminate your cooking surfaces and prep areas. We wire lighting into the kitchen structure during construction so there are no exposed conduit runs or afterthought fixtures.
Ambient Lighting
String lights, sconce lighting, and landscape uplights around the kitchen perimeter create atmosphere for evening entertaining. Combined with fire features and pool lighting, your outdoor kitchen becomes a complete nighttime destination.
Coastal Delaware Material Considerations
Building an outdoor kitchen near the Delaware coast requires materials and construction methods that stand up to salt air, humidity, UV exposure, and seasonal temperature swings. Standard materials that work fine 50 miles inland corrode, fade, or deteriorate within a few years near the beach.
We specify marine-grade stainless steel (304 or 316) for all appliances and hardware. Countertop materials are selected for UV stability and moisture resistance. Island structures use galvanized steel framing with cement board sheathing rather than wood framing, preventing rot and providing a solid, long-lasting base for stone or stucco veneer.
- Marine-grade 304/316 stainless steel for all exposed metal
- Galvanized steel framing with cement board sheathing
- UV-stable countertop materials that resist fading
- Sealed natural stone and manufactured veneer rated for freeze-thaw cycles
- Corrosion-resistant fasteners and connectors throughout
- Proper drainage and grading to prevent standing water
How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost in Delaware?
Outdoor kitchen costs in Sussex County vary based on size, materials, appliances, and site conditions. Here are typical ranges we see across our projects:
- Basic grill island (6-8 feet): $8,000 to $15,000. Includes a built-in grill, countertop, and access doors with stone or stucco veneer.
- Mid-range kitchen (10-14 feet): $18,000 to $35,000. Adds a side burner, refrigerator, bar seating, and upgraded countertop material.
- Full outdoor kitchen (16+ feet): $40,000 to $70,000+. L-shaped or U-shaped layout with multiple cooking appliances, sinks, refrigeration, ice maker, premium countertops, and integrated lighting.
- Shade structures: $5,000 to $20,000+ depending on pergola vs. full pavilion roof.
Every project is different. These ranges give you a general idea, but the best way to get an accurate number is to schedule a free estimate. We walk your property, discuss your goals, and provide a detailed written quote with no surprises.
Outdoor Kitchen Projects in Sussex County
Browse recent outdoor kitchen installations we have completed for homeowners across coastal Delaware.
Outdoor Kitchen FAQ
Most outdoor kitchen projects take 2 to 4 weeks from start to finish, depending on size and complexity. A basic grill island can be completed in under two weeks, while a full L-shaped kitchen with plumbing, electrical, and a shade structure may take four to six weeks. We provide a clear timeline during your estimate so you know what to expect.
In most cases, yes. Sussex County requires permits for structures with gas lines, electrical work, or plumbing. We handle the permit process for you, including submitting plans and coordinating inspections. Permit requirements vary slightly depending on your location within the county, and we stay current on local codes.
Granite is the most popular choice for coastal outdoor kitchens because it resists UV fading, heat, and moisture. Certain quartz products are rated for outdoor use as well. Concrete countertops offer custom shape flexibility and work well when properly sealed. We help you choose based on your budget, aesthetic preference, and maintenance tolerance.
Yes. We frequently build outdoor kitchens on or adjacent to existing paver patios, concrete slabs, and pool decks. The existing surface needs to be structurally adequate to support the kitchen island weight, and we assess this during the estimate. In some cases, we extend or reinforce the existing patio as part of the project.
We install both. If your home has a natural gas connection, we can extend a dedicated line to your outdoor kitchen for uninterrupted fuel supply. For properties without natural gas, propane is the standard option. We design the island with a concealed propane tank compartment or connect to an existing bulk tank.
Yes. We partner with Hearth to offer flexible financing options for qualified homeowners. You can check your rate and pre-qualify without impacting your credit score. Ask about financing during your free consultation.
Let's Design Your Outdoor Kitchen
Tell us about your property, your cooking style, and how you want to use your outdoor space. We will walk your site, discuss options, and provide a detailed estimate with no obligation.