Outdoor Kitchens in the Bay Area
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Outdoor Kitchens That Are Built Like Real Kitchens
An outdoor kitchen combines masonry or steel framing, countertops, appliances, gas, water, drain and electrical lines. We design and build it as one project, from the trenching and utility runs to the finished counters and lighting.
- Built-in gas grills, side burners and griddles
- Islands and bar counters in stone, porcelain or concrete
- Outdoor sinks, refrigerators, ice makers and storage
- Pizza ovens and smokers
- Covered cooking areas with pergolas or patio covers
- Fire pits, fireplaces and outdoor lighting
We have been remodeling indoor kitchens across the Bay Area for years, and the same planning applies outside: work zones, landing space, storage and lighting.
Patio and Hardscape Work
A well-built patio is the base of every outdoor kitchen. Ask us for outdoor kitchen photos during your consultation.
Permits and Code for Outdoor Kitchens
- Gas lines to a grill, pizza oven or fire feature need a plumbing or gas permit and a pressure test.
- Electrical: outdoor circuits and receptacles need a permit, weather-resistant GFCI protection and proper burial depth or conduit.
- Sinks need a water supply and a code-compliant drain connection.
- Covers over the kitchen attached to the house need a building permit, and appliance clearances to combustible roofs follow the manufacturer’s listing.
- Wildfire zones: in hillside areas of Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Los Gatos, Saratoga and other Wildland-Urban Interface zones, structures near the house may need ember-resistant materials.
Areas We Serve for Outdoor Kitchens
We build outdoor kitchens throughout the Bay Area, from Lamorinda and the Tri-Valley to San Jose and South County. Every city has its own permit counter and rules, and our city pages explain them:
Orinda · Lafayette · Moraga · Walnut Creek · Alamo · Danville · San Ramon · Dublin · Pleasanton · Livermore · Fremont · Union City · Newark · Milpitas · San Jose · Santa Clara · Sunnyvale · Mountain View · Cupertino · Saratoga · Los Gatos · Palo Alto · Los Altos · Menlo Park · Morgan Hill · San Martin · Gilroy
See all Bay Area service areas.
Outdoor services: Outdoor Living · Pools & Spas · Pavers & Hardscape · Artificial Turf & Landscaping · Pergolas & Patio Covers · Retaining Walls
Also from Axiom: ADU Builders · Garage Conversions · Home Additions · New Custom Homes · Kitchen Remodeling · Portfolio
Outdoor Kitchens FAQ
Do I need a permit for an outdoor kitchen?
A freestanding grill cart does not. A built-in kitchen with gas, electrical or a sink does need permits for those utilities, and an attached cover needs a building permit.
What countertop works best outside?
Granite, quartzite, porcelain slab and sealed concrete hold up well outdoors. Many indoor quartz products are not rated for direct sun.
How long does an outdoor kitchen take?
Most take a few weeks of construction after permits, depending on size, utility runs and the cover structure.
Can you add an outdoor kitchen next to a pool?
Yes. We plan the kitchen, pool deck and barriers together so clearances and safety features meet code.