We build the structure, counters and finishes with our own masonry crew, and plan the slab, utilities, shade and lighting as part of the same design.
What we build
- BBQ islands and full cooking counters
- Bar seating and prep surfaces
- Masonry structures with stone, tile or stucco finishes
- Reinforced slabs sized for the build
- Utility routing coordinated during construction
- Adjacent shade, lighting and seating
Design it around how you cook
Counter run, prep space and where people stand matter more than the appliance list. We lay out the working triangle and the seating side before choosing finishes.
Built into the yard, not parked on it
Islands that read as furniture look temporary. We tie the materials to the patio, walls and house so the kitchen looks like it was always part of the plan.
What goes into a custom outdoor kitchen
A reinforced slab, a masonry island or counter run, finishes tied to the house, counter and bar seating, appliance openings, and the shade, lighting and power around it. BBQ island installation is the most common starting point; full cooking counters with sink, fridge and prep space are the next step up.
Layout before appliances
Counter length, prep space beside the grill, seating that keeps guests out of the cook's way, and where smoke actually travels. We set that layout first, because no appliance package fixes a bad footprint.
Finishes that survive outdoors here
Dense, sealed counters and quality veneer hold up to sun and coastal air. On ocean-facing properties, hardware and appliance finishes deserve as much attention as the stone.
Serving San Diego County
We take on outdoor kitchen projects in La Jolla, Del Mar, Carmel Valley, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Poway, Scripps Ranch, Point Loma, Coronado, North Park, Chula Vista, El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, Escondido, San Marcos, Rancho Santa Fe, Mission Hills, Clairemont, University City and surrounding communities. See all service areas.
Licensed and insured — CSLB License #1159370
Common questions
- Do you build the outdoor kitchen structure yourselves?
- Yes. The island, counters and masonry finishes are built by our own masonry crew, along with the slab underneath and the surrounding patio, shade and lighting.
- What counter materials hold up outdoors in San Diego?
- Dense, sealed surfaces do best — granite, porcelain and quality tile handle sun and coastal air far better than softer stone. Near the ocean we also pay attention to hardware and appliance finishes.
- Does an outdoor kitchen need a permit?
- It depends on what is involved. Gas, electrical and plumbing work and any roofed structure over it typically require permits through your jurisdiction. We identify that during design rather than mid-build.
- How much does an outdoor kitchen cost in San Diego?
- A straightforward BBQ island is the entry point; a full cooking counter with utilities, seating, shade and finishes costs considerably more. Appliances and counter material are the two biggest swing factors.
- Can you build an outdoor kitchen on an existing patio?
- Sometimes. The existing slab has to be sound and thick enough to carry masonry — if it is not, we pour a proper footing or slab first.
- What appliances can be built in?
- Grills, side burners, refrigeration, storage drawers, sinks and pizza ovens are all common. We coordinate the openings and utility routing during construction.
- Are you licensed for outdoor kitchen work in San Diego?
- Yes. Staples Landscaping holds California contractor license #1159370, carries liability and workers' compensation coverage, and pulls permits on any work that requires them. You can verify the license directly with the CSLB.
- Do you serve my part of San Diego County?
- We work across San Diego County — coastal, central, inland, East County and South Bay. Each area has its own soil, climate and permitting reality, which is why we publish neighborhood-level pages rather than one generic service area list.
