Clarksburg This outdoor space is a homeowners dream! With so much to do, the homeowners and their guests can enjoy this deck space for hours at a time. Completed in April of this year, the deck itself is constructed with composite decking. The glass railing infill provides an illusion that that deck never ends. The deck features several different living areas. The aluminum shade structure provides protection from the sun and elements. Granite countertops and stone veneer accent the top of the line stainless steel appliances. On cool summer nights, the homeowners can cozy up next to the custom fireplace, which is surrounded with plenty of seating. It is easy to relax in this outdoor space as this deck also features a built in spa.

Today’s outdoor kitchen designs—whether part of a new home or a remodel—are more likely than ever to complement a home’s architectural aesthetic and environment. To create inviting and functional living spaces, where all the features work together, you need a refined and thoughtful approach. Here are a few design concepts to help you make that happen.

Start With the Grill

The heart of any outdoor kitchen, big or small, is the grill. It can make or break a client’s satisfaction with a project, so select the best one that fits within the budget.

When it comes to grills, there are no uniform depths, heights, or widths. This means that upgrading a grill sometime in the future could present a challenge, so its selection should be based on the cooks your clients aspire to be, rather than on the cooks they are now. Also keep in mind outdoor cooking options other than the standard gas grill, such as pizza ovens, smokers, cooktops, and charcoal- or wood-fired grills.

Once the grill has been selected, the next big decision is placement. If your clients entertain often, position the grill so it is perpendicular to the dining area to keep the cook in the party. That way, the cook can work without having his or her back turned to the guests and without having the open hood in the way.

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