Outdoor Fireplaces & Kitchens

Transform Your Backyard Into Your Favorite Room

Your outdoor space has incredible potential. With Louisiana's mild winters and beautiful spring and fall weather, you can use outdoor living areas nearly year-round. An outdoor fireplace or kitchen transforms your backyard from an underused lawn into the entertainment hub of your home. You will find yourself spending more time outside, hosting more gatherings, and creating lasting memories with family and friends in spaces designed specifically for outdoor enjoyment.

Outdoor kitchens change how you use your home. Instead of running back and forth between the grill and indoor kitchen, you have everything you need right outside. Prepare food, cook, serve, and clean up without missing a moment of the party. Your guests naturally gather around the outdoor kitchen island, making the cook part of the conversation rather than isolated indoors. Add an outdoor fireplace and you extend the entertaining season into cooler months. The flickering flames create ambiance that brings people together for conversations that last long after dinner ends.

In Shreveport, LA, outdoor living spaces add substantial value to your home. Real estate agents tell us that quality outdoor kitchens and fireplaces rank among the most desirable features for buyers. They see homes with these amenities sell faster and command premium prices. Beyond the financial return, you get years of enjoyment from spaces that truly enhance your lifestyle. Whether you want intimate family dinners or large gatherings, a well-designed outdoor fireplace and kitchen makes it all possible while adding beauty and functionality to your property.

Designing Your Perfect Outdoor Kitchen

Every outdoor kitchen we build is custom-designed to match your cooking style, entertaining needs, and available space. Here are the key elements we incorporate into successful outdoor kitchen designs.

Essential Cooking and Prep Areas

The foundation of any outdoor kitchen is proper cooking and food preparation space. Most designs include a built-in grill as the centerpiece. We create custom masonry structures that house high-quality gas or charcoal grills at comfortable working heights. Surrounding the grill, we build countertop space for food prep, serving, and plating. These counters use durable materials like granite, concrete, or tile that handle weather and heavy use. We typically recommend at least four to six feet of counter space on either side of the grill for comfortable cooking.

Beyond the grill, we can incorporate additional cooking elements. Side burners provide extra cooking capacity for sauces, side dishes, or boiling water. Pizza ovens create authentic wood-fired flavors that elevate your outdoor cooking. Smokers allow you to prepare low-and-slow barbecue. We help you select appliances that match your cooking interests and design structures that integrate them seamlessly.

Storage and Convenience Features

Smart storage makes outdoor kitchens practical for everyday use. We build cabinets and drawers that protect utensils, serving pieces, and cooking tools from weather. These storage areas use weather-resistant materials like stainless steel or marine-grade polymer that handle humidity and temperature changes. We also incorporate refrigeration when desired. Outdoor-rated refrigerators and beverage coolers keep food and drinks cold right where you need them, eliminating trips to the indoor kitchen.

Sinks and Utilities

Running water transforms outdoor kitchens from simple grilling stations into fully functional cooking spaces. We coordinate plumbing installation to add sinks for food prep and cleanup. Having water outside means you can wash vegetables, rinse dishes, and clean up without going indoors. We ensure proper drainage and protect water lines from freezing during Louisiana's occasional cold snaps. We also run electrical service for lighting, outlets, and appliance power. Proper utility planning is essential for kitchens that function as well as indoor spaces.

Design and Material Selection

We use masonry materials that create beautiful, durable outdoor kitchens. Natural stone, brick, and manufactured stone veneer provide weather-resistant exteriors with timeless appeal. These materials handle Louisiana heat and humidity without deteriorating. We design kitchen layouts that work with your property's natural flow, creating logical connections between indoor spaces, outdoor patios, and kitchen areas. Proper roofing or pergola coverage protects you and your appliances from rain while maintaining an open-air feel.

Custom Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Features

An outdoor fireplace creates a focal point that draws people together and extends your outdoor season. Here is what makes our custom fireplaces special.

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  Traditional masonry fireplaces: We build full masonry fireplaces with fireboxes, chimneys, and mantel areas. These substantial structures become architectural features that define your outdoor space. They provide excellent heat output for chilly evenings and create dramatic visual impact. We design them to complement your home's architecture and integrate with surrounding hardscaping.
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  Gas fire features: For convenience and clean burning, gas fireplaces offer instant ignition and adjustable flames without the smoke and maintenance of wood-burning units. We can incorporate gas fire features into outdoor kitchen islands, create standalone fire tables, or build traditional fireplace structures that run on gas.
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  Fire pits: Round or square fire pits create intimate gathering spaces with 360-degree seating. We build them with natural stone, brick, or concrete block and design proper drainage underneath. Fire pits work particularly well for casual entertaining and create a campfire atmosphere in your backyard.
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  Integrated seating and entertainment areas: We often combine outdoor fireplaces with built-in seating walls, creating cozy conversation areas. These integrated designs maximize space efficiency while providing comfortable spots for guests. We can also coordinate retaining walls and level changes to create distinct zones for cooking, dining, and relaxing around the fire.
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  Safety and code compliance: We build all fireplaces to meet local building codes and fire safety requirements. This includes proper clearances from structures, appropriate chimney heights, and safe fuel storage. We handle permit applications and coordinate inspections to ensure your outdoor fireplace is both beautiful and safe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Kitchens and Fireplaces