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Outdoor Living

Outdoor Kitchens &
Patios in San Diego

Built-in kitchens, patio covers, decks, pergolas and fire pits that turn the backyard into the room you use most.

Design My Backyard
Covered outdoor kitchen with a pergola and built-in grill
Live Outside

The backyard as
another room

San Diego averages around 260 sunny days a year, and the homes that take full advantage of it treat the yard as part of the house. A well-built outdoor space has power where you need it, shade when the afternoon sun hits, a place to cook that isn't a rolling grill, and surfaces that won't crack, fade or corrode within a few seasons.

We design and build outdoor kitchens with built-in grills, counters, sinks and refrigeration; covered patios and pergolas; wood and composite decks; paver and natural-stone patios; fire pits and fireplaces; and hardscape around existing pools. Chris oversees each project personally from layout to final walkthrough.

Everything is planned as one system, so the gas line, drainage, lighting and structure are worked out before the first paver goes down rather than patched in afterward.

01
What We Build Outside

Outdoor kitchens, patio covers
and decks

  • Outdoor kitchens and BBQ islands
  • Attached and freestanding patio covers
  • Pergolas and shade structures
  • Wood and composite decks
  • Paver and natural-stone patios
  • Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces
  • Gas, electrical and lighting runs
  • Hardscape around existing pools
Outdoor BBQ island with stone veneer and stainless appliances
02
Coast or Inland

Materials that
survive the climate

A backyard in Encinitas and one in Escondido face different enemies. Near the water, salt air corrodes ordinary steel, so we specify stainless appliances, hardware and fasteners. Inland, the sun bleaches and overheats surfaces, so shade, lighter pavers and decking that stays cooler underfoot matter more.

For patios we favor interlocking pavers and natural stone, which can move with the ground instead of cracking the way a poured slab does. Composite decking is our usual pick for low upkeep, though we'll build in wood when that's the look you're after.

Covered patio with a pergola and sliding glass doors
03
Permits Outside Too

More than
landscaping

Outdoor projects often need more permitting than people expect. In San Diego, decks more than 30 inches above grade and most covered structures require a building permit, and new gas lines and circuits for an outdoor kitchen are inspected like any other. Patios laid at ground level usually don't need one.

We handle those permits as part of the job, keep structures within setbacks, and tie patio covers properly into the house so they hold up to wind and time. Around pools, we protect the pool and its equipment while we work and plan drainage so water runs away from the new surfaces.

Second-story deck and pergola under construction
Outdoor Projects

Backyard questions

What does an outdoor kitchen cost in San Diego?

Most run from about $15,000 to $75,000 or more. A built-in BBQ island starts near the low end; a complete kitchen with counters, a sink, refrigeration and a cover overhead can reach the top of the range or beyond, depending on appliances and materials.

Do patios and decks need permits?

Some do. Decks higher than 30 inches off the ground and most patio covers need a building permit, while patios built at grade generally don't. We'll tell you which applies and handle the permit paperwork and inspections.

Which materials hold up best here?

Pavers or natural stone for patios, composite boards for low-maintenance decks, and stainless steel appliances and hardware anywhere near the coast. We'll suggest specific products based on where you live and how much upkeep you're willing to do.

How long does a backyard project take?

Usually two to eight weeks. A paver patio can take one to two weeks; a full outdoor kitchen with a pergola and hardscape typically takes six to eight.

Can you build around our pool?

Yes. We design decks, hardscape, outdoor kitchens, fire features and shade structures around existing pools, and keep the pool area protected throughout construction.

Related

Outdoor work nearby

Plan Your Backyard

What would you
build outside?

Tell us about your yard and how you'd like to use it. Chris will visit, sketch a few options and send a written estimate.

Call Now Free Estimate