OUTDOOR KITCHENS

The kitchen has been the heart of the home for years. It’s the setting where you share family dinners and entertain guests during the holidays. There’s something heartwarming about preparing a meal for loved ones. Why not take that experience outside?

All of our projects begin with a beautiful paver patio. From there, homeowners decide how they want to use their outdoor room, and then select hardscaping elements accordingly. Many people utilize their patios to entertain guests and serve meals, so it’s no surprise that grill stations and outdoor kitchens are popular additions. With these features, the chef can enjoy their company while preparing meals, and food is served at the perfect temperature fresh off the grill. Speedy clean-up is an added bonus – just hose the island down when you’re done, and voila!

Many home builders install a standard concrete slab in the backyard of the homes they build. Although a grill station is a great stand alone option, you won’t regret investing in a new paver patio. Trading in that dull concrete slab will create a beautiful environment for you to host graduations, 4th of July celebrations, and even the annual superbowl party!

At Hinkle Hardscapes, we’ve been installing patios since 2007. Over the last decade we have developed skills and techniques that create beautiful and long lasting patios. Our talented team of hardscape craftsmen can transform a boring backyard into a space that you’re proud of!

Lighting is a very important element to consider when planning your hardscape project. By adding lighting to your project, you’re able to enjoy the space late into the evening. This means you don’t have to move the party inside! Lighting allows you to extend your outdoor entertaining hours.

Not only is lighting good for entertaining friends and family, it also makes the space safer. You can illuminate steps to prevent anyone from stumbling and injuring themselves. Whether you’re hosting a toddler or your great grandma, lighting is always a smart addition to your project.

At Hinkle Hardscapes, we offer a variety of lights including path lights and undercap lights. Path lights are generally placed around the perimeter of a patio. Undercap lights can be used under just about any hardscape element. Undercap lighting is especially popular along seating walls and grill stations.

Outdoor kitchens are a great addition to any patio project. These are a luxury item that adults always seem to love and appreciate. If you’re looking to incorporate a hardscape element that will be fun for the kids, a fire pit and seating wall is definitely a crowd pleaser! Who doesn’t love roasting s’mores, telling ghost stories and singing around a warm fire? Adding this element is surprisingly affordable.

For most clients, the goal for their patio is to create a space where their family can enjoy, spend quality time, and create memories for years to come. We know that getting the kids off the Ipad is easier said than done, but incorporating hardscape elements that they will love will encourage them to spend more time outside in the fresh air.

Summertime is peak patio season, but the intense heat in July and August can make spending time outdoors unbearable. If harsh sunlight is preventing you from enjoying your backyard during the day, a shade structure could be the perfect solution. Add a pergola or covered structure to your patio, and start making the most of your outdoor space!

Pergolas are one of our most popular backyard enhancements. They add personality and architectural intrigue, and their light shade provides an escape from intense summer rays. Covered structures are pricier, but they protect your living space from all varieties of inclement weather. This is especially convenient for homeowners with outdoor kitchens. Under the shelter of a covered structure, not even a hailstorm could stop you from firing up the grill.

Whether you opt for a rectangular grill cubby or a U-shaped design fit for a chef, your outdoor kitchen is guaranteed to be a hit amongst family and friends. Grills aren’t the only outdoor appliance – griddles, pizza ovens, beverage coolers, smokers, and roasting spits all have a place in the backyard! Personalize your setup to reflect your favorite cuisine. 

Grill Stations are highly customizable, so tailoring them to complement your home and entertainment style is a breeze. With material options at every price point, you don’t have to have a steep budget to create a statement piece. Drink rails are the perfect add-on for those who love to entertain. When the party’s over, sinks, storage, and built-in trash bins make for easy clean-up. For countertops, we’ve found that granite looks gorgeous in any setting, and is durable enough to withstand the elements.