Get matched with top outdoor kitchen pros in Clarendon, AR

Your maintenance needs revolve around the type of foundation you choose, as well as how you furnish or decorate it. Patios require little else other than the occasional hose-down, but decks and other wooden structures will require annual power washing and sealing. You may also need to restain the wood every two to three years.

Adding a solid roof rather than building a pergola or leaving the space open will make maintenance much easier. Without a roof, you will need to spend more time sweeping, washing, and covering your furniture to protect it from UV bleaching.

A fireplace is, by definition, an enclosed space where you burn wood or other fuel for the purpose of generating light and heat. A firepit burns wood and is much less expensive to build, but they aren’t technically a fireplace as it isn’t enclosed. An outdoor oven—commonly outdoor brick pizza ovens—often uses wood as fuel, but its primary purpose is to cook food, and you’d rarely just burn wood inside them for warmth or aesthetic reasons.

Outdoor kitchens can quickly get expensive, but there are a few things you can do to help keep costs down, including the following:

• You can build on an existing patio to reduce the cost of a new foundation.

• Opt out of a sink and stick with a built-in propane or charcoal grill to save on utility line installation costs.

• You can tackle the parts of the project that are DIYable, like finishing cabinets, installing fixtures, and building seating.

• Keep your kitchen small and make a big impact with proper planning and upgrading the essential components instead.

Built-in gas grills typically have a life span of 10 to 15 years. However, their longevity can vary based on quality, usage frequency, climate conditions, and maintenance routines. High-quality models made from durable materials tend to last longer. Additionally, regular cleaning, covering the grill when not in use, and conducting routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning burners and replacing worn-out parts can extend its life. A well-maintained built-in gas grill can provide excellent performance and memorable cooking experiences for a decade or more, making it a worthwhile investment for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.