As home of the Alamo and many other historical buildings… San Antonio is well-known around the world.
But for you… San Antonio isn’t just a tourist destination.
Far from it!
It’s home.
And you’re looking for a way to bring your outdoor living space to the next level.
Considering most of the year is comfortable enough to relax outdoors (we’ll ignore the peak heat of July and August!)... An outdoor kitchen just makes sense.
You’ll certainly get your money’s worth!
But getting an outdoor kitchen San Antonio isn’t always a straightforward process. You’ll need to understand your climate, safety, local ordinances… And much more.
We’re burning daylight here… So let’s get started.
Quicklinks:
Buying an Outdoor Kitchen in San Antonio
If you’re buying an outdoor kitchen in San Antonio… There are several things you’ll need to keep in mind before you make a decision.
To us, climate is one of the most important considerations to start with!
Climate Considerations
While many people assume that Texas has a primarily semi-arid climate… Most of the state is actually quite humid. (And living in San Antonio… You’ll know!)
To be exact, San Antonio is considered to have a humid subtropical climate. And for most of the year, you’ll have 80% humidity in the morning.
As far as the winter months go… It’s possible for temperatures to get below freezing, but it’s a rare occurrence.
Why is this important?
Your climate plays directly into what materials are best to use for your outdoor kitchen.
With all that humidity constantly hanging in the air… This moisture can wreak havoc on certain BBQ island materials.
Wood will swell, warp and rot… And metal frames will rust and corrode due to this constant exposure. Therefore, you’ll want to strictly avoid these materials in San Antonio.
So… What are the best materials? (We’ll get to that momentarily.)
Want to bring your idea to life?
Environmental Challenges
Aside from climate… You also have some unique environmental challenges in the San Antonio area.
Yep… It’s termites.
And not just one species, either. You have to contend with both the native Eastern Subterranean termite, and the invasive Formosan termite.
Formosan termites are known to be particularly destructive.
According to PestWorld, a single colony could “completely consume one foot of 2X4 wood in 25 days – causing severe structural damage to a home in as little as six months.”
Imagine how quickly these little critters could wreak havoc on your outdoor kitchen… If it’s made from wood.
So if the previous section didn’t convince you already… Wood outdoor kitchens are a terrible choice for the San Antonio area!
That said, let’s look at some better options.
Best Materials for an Outdoor Kitchen San Antonio TX
Here’s where it can get a bit in the weeds! Not only do you have to consider the best materials for your island surround… You also have to consider the best materials for the countertop and appliances as well.
But don’t worry… We’ve got you covered on that front.
For the island structure, Austin Fain of Perfect Steel Solutions recommends either stainless steel or concrete.
In regard to stainless steel, he says “it’s durable, low-maintenance, and perfect for outdoor use.” The only caveat we have here is to look for 304 grade stainless. (This provides superior rust and corrosion resistance!)
As for concrete, Fain states “this is a sturdy option that can withstand well in various weather conditions. It can be pigmented, stamped, and molded in many ways.”
We couldn’t agree more! Concrete is impervious to rot, rust, corrosion, and insect damage.
And depending on the solution you choose… Concrete often already has the finish fully incorporated into it. (This makes it easy to customize.)
This also significantly cuts down on labor and maintenance. You won’t have to worry about pieces of your finish cracking or popping off (we’re looking at you, stucco and tile)… And your island will look pristine for years to come.
So that’s settled. What about countertops and appliances?
Countertop & Appliance Materials
Daniel Cabrera, a contractor and real estate agent in the San Antonio area, weighs in.
“When it comes to outdoor kitchen materials in San Antonio, I recommend using materials that can withstand the harsh weather conditions we experience. For example, granite or concrete countertops are durable and can withstand the heat and humidity of this area”, he explains.
Once again, concrete is a winner here! Granite or concrete countertops are extremely hardy in the San Antonio area.
As for appliances, “Stainless steel appliances are also a good choice, as they are resistant to rust and corrosion”, Cabrera shares.
Just as with a stainless steel outdoor kitchen… You’ll want to seek out appliances constructed with 304 stainless steel. This will ensure optimal longevity of your investment!
Feeling a bit more confident? 304 stainless steel, concrete, and granite are the materials of choice to seek out for your outdoor kitchen San Antonio.
But even with that… You’re not necessarily in the clear.
Island Safety in San Antonio
Let’s say you’ve chosen the best outdoor kitchen materials. Check!
Now you have to ensure that your island is constructed safely.
Unfortunately… This is a huge blind spot amongst many contractors and outdoor kitchen manufacturers.
What’s so unsafe?
Most builders either don’t know that outdoor kitchens need to be ventilated… Or they don’t include enough ventilation.
When not accounted for, this can be extremely dangerous!
Without ventilation, gas and heat will be allowed to buildup in your island, uninhibited. And if left to go on long enough… Your island could catch fire or explode.
In fact, a prominent grill island manufacturer has had to issue a safety recall on their islands for this exact reason.
Point is, you need to be aware of proper outdoor kitchen ventilation… And be sure your builder is handling this properly!
Also be sure your builder is using non-combustible materials. These materials won’t catch fire in the presence of excessive heat.
If you’re using concrete, granite, and stainless steel… It won’t be a concern. However, it’s still something to be aware of.
Looking good so far… But you might experience some hangups at your local town hall.
Local Ordinances & Permits
Before you can go full steam ahead on your San Antonio outdoor kitchen… You’ll have to clear everything with the town hall.
More specifically, you’ll need a permit!
“Regarding permits and local ordinances in San Antonio, it’s important to note that a permit is typically required for outdoor kitchen installations. The specific requirements may vary depending on the location and size of the project, so it’s best to consult with a licensed contractor or the local government office to ensure compliance with regulations”, Cabrera shares.
That about sums it up!
And depending on the scope of your project… This permit could cost you several hundred dollars.
It won’t break the bank! But it’s a hidden cost you may not have been aware of ahead of time.
But once all these loose ends are tied… It’s time for the fun part! Deciding what your outdoor kitchen is going to look like.
Aesthetics of a San Antonio Outdoor Kitchen
When it comes to designing your outdoor kitchen… The sky’s the limit!
However, you may want to stick to an aesthetic that matches your region.
And living in San Antonio… There’s undoubtedly a large Spanish influence in the area.
So, how does this translate to your outdoor kitchen?
“In terms of design and style, many San Antonio homeowners prefer a rustic or Mediterranean-inspired look for their outdoor kitchens. Popular finishes include natural stone, wood, and brick, which can add a warm and inviting touch to the outdoor space”, Cabrera shares.
Any of these options would feel right at home with the abundance of old-world structures in the city… But you’re not necessarily tied to that option, either!
There’s also a sizable amount of contemporary architecture springing up in San Antonio.
As a result… You shouldn’t feel shy about going for a modern outdoor kitchen design, either!
Clean lines, thin countertops, and modern concrete finishes could all be an excellent choice.
Ultimately, the design of your island comes down to personal preference… But it’s also nice to know how other homeowners might tie the design into the local landscape.
Feeling ready to start your project?
Let’s look at some builders in San Antonio.
The perfect san Antonio Kitchen
Outdoor Kitchen Builders San Antonio
Depending on how specialized you want your custom outdoor kitchen to be… You may have to hire a builder!
So let’s review some of the most well-known San Antonio outdoor kitchen contractors.
Diamond Decks
Let’s start off the list with Diamond Decks!
Based right in San Antonio… This builder has a variety of accolades on their website from Houzz, City’s Best Awards, TimberTech, Angi’s List, and even Home Advisor.
Diamond Decks offers a variety of outdoor living services. This includes decks, outdoor kitchens, patios, pergolas, patio covers, room enclosures, screen enclosures, stamped concrete, outdoor fireplaces, pavilions, iron doors, outdoor railings, and even retractable screens.
Point is, there’s a lot going on with Diamond Decks! But right now… You’re interested in outdoor kitchens.
Unfortunately, details on the process are incredibly sparse.
There’s no mention of the build method, what materials are used, or if there is a warranty available.
However, they do have a sizable image gallery of their previous projects.
Most of the finishes appear to be stone, brick, or stucco. Most countertops appear to be granite or another form of natural stone. The built-in appliances all seem to be from Bull, as well. (Which isn’t necessarily our top recommendation.)
And in looking through the gallery… We also notice a distinct lack of ventilation. This is a huge miss!
If you decide to work with Diamond Decks… You’ll want to get clear on what materials they use, and ensure that proper ventilation is installed.
Currently, they have 133 Google reviews with a 4.3 star rating.
Cozy Outdoor Escapes
Now, let’s move our attention toward Cozy Outdoor Escapes.
Also based right in San Antonio… Cozy Outdoor Escapes has a fairly wide service area. They can service San Antonio, Alamo Heights, Shavano Oak, Stone Oak, Bulverde, Spring Branch, Blanco, Marble Falls, New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, San Marcos, Seguin, Floresville, Helotes, Boerne, Kerrville, and Fredericksburg.
They focus their services on outdoor kitchens and fireplaces. (They also sell grills.)
They’re National Fireplace Institute certified… So you can feel secure that their fireplace and fire pits are correctly designed.
But what about the outdoor kitchens?
Thankfully, Cozy Outdoor Escapes gives us some more information!
They have designers on-staff to assist you with your outdoor kitchen layout. And after a consultation, they’ll be able to share a computer-rendered image of the design.
Cozy Outdoor Escapes also has a 5,000 square foot showroom to see what options are available for your space.
When it comes to the construction itself… Cozy Outdoor Escapes prides themselves on using non-combustible materials. (This is fantastic to see!)
They will never use wood… And their islands can be made from a combination of cinder block, stone, stucco, metal, steel, or granite.
For best results… Stick with cinder block, stone, steel, or granite.
The only thing we haven’t seen in the example photos is evidence of ventilation. You’ll definitely want to check in with Cozy Outdoor Escapes on this!
As for reviews… They have 144 Google reviews and a 4.9 star rating to their name!
Allied Outdoor Solutions
Next, let’s inspect Allied Outdoor Solutions.
This is a larger outdoor living company that services various areas in Texas. This includes Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and of course… San Antonio.
Services include patios and pool decks, shade structures, pool builds and remodels, outdoor kitchens, fire features, driveways, walkways, and outdoor furniture.
Honing in on the outdoor kitchens… Allied Outdoor Solutions outlines a 4 step process on their website.
First, they will assist you in creating a design.
Once that’s approved… Appliances will be ordered, and they’ll start selecting outdoor kitchen materials.
Next, it’s time to build. Allied Outdoor Solutions advertises using stone masonry products to build your BBQ island.
As for the final step? It’s just enjoying your new outdoor kitchen!
While the material listings aren’t super specific… It is encouraging to see that the frames appear to be made from concrete blocks. But beyond this, we can’t speak to the quality of the materials.
And once again… We couldn’t find any proof of ventilation in the example photos. (Be sure to check up with Allied Outdoor Solutions on this!)
Allied Outdoor Solutions’ online reputation is solid… Boasting 428 Google reviews with a 4.6 star rating.
Serview Home Pros
Moving right along… Let’s take a look at Serview Home Pros.
Once again, multiple services are offered here! Patio covers, patio enclosures, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, windows, and siding services are available.
Located in Selma, Texas… Serview Home Pros serves the surrounding areas of San Antonio, Cibolo, Schertz, New Braunfels, Boerne, and Bulverde.
They also proudly display certifications from multiple associations, including the Texas Association of Builders, Greater San Antonio Builders Association, and the National Association of Home Builders.
Now, let’s take a look at their outdoor kitchen offerings. Like the other builders, Serview Home Pros offers custom outdoor kitchens.
But once again, materials are a bit unclear!
A before and after photo set reveals a metal frame outdoor kitchen… Veneered with stone as a finish. As we mentioned earlier, metal frames are not ideal for the San Antonio area!
As for the other materials used… There’s a brief mention of granite countertops, but there are no other details. So you’ll want to get the full download by contacting Serview Home Pros directly!
And yet again… We do not see ventilation included in any of the example pictures on their website.
Reviews for Serview Home Pros are looking stellar… With 43 Google reviews at a solid 5 star rating.
Integrated Outdoor Designs
Time to inspect what Integrated Outdoor Designs has to offer.
Located in Alamo Heights… The folks at Integrated Outdoor Designs have 25 years of combined experience in the industry.
Current services include custom decks, arbors, pergolas, patio covers, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, stamped concrete, room enclosures, and epoxy for garage floors.
As far as information about outdoor kitchens… Like some of the other builders, information is sparse!
We know that custom outdoor kitchens are offered… And stone, stucco, granite, and exotic hardwoods are mentioned for materials. (Of course, you’ll want to avoid wood!)
But we can’t confirm exactly how these islands are constructed… Or what materials are used. The photo gallery reveals a variety of stone and stucco finishes.
So you’ll want to reach out to Integrated Outdoor Designs to get details on this!
As for appliances… It appears that Integrated Outdoor Designs primarily sources their accessories from Bull.
Ventilation is also nowhere to be found in the photo gallery… So be sure that your island has ventilation if you decide to move forward with them!
Currently, Integrated Outdoor Designs has 9 Google reviews with a perfect 5 star rating.
French’s Custom Outdoor Concepts
Wrapping up our lineup… We have French’s Custom Outdoor Concepts.
Located in Live Oak… French’s Custom Outdoor Concepts services the greater San Antonio area.
Deck building, patio covers, sun arbors, and outdoor kitchens are offered! They also offer a “backyard makeover” service… Which is a bit unclear as to what that entails.
For an outdoor kitchen… French’s Custom Outdoor Concepts will start by meeting you at your home. They’ll take pictures of your space, and discuss your needs.
From there, they’ll create a digital design of your custom island. You’ll review the design and make adjustments… And once approved, they’ll get to work!
Interestingly, the website expresses the importance of high quality workmanship and materials… But does not actually disclose what materials are used in their islands.
The example photos show islands finished with stone and stucco… But you’ll have to confirm how these islands are constructed with French’s Custom Outdoor Concepts.
And at risk of sounding like a broken record… It’s true, we couldn’t find any evidence of ventilation on these islands. (We promise, that’s the last time we’ll say it!)
Looking at the reviews… French’s Custom Outdoor Concepts is sitting at 15 Google reviews with a 4.7 star rating.
Alright. We’ve just reviewed 6 of the most prominent outdoor kitchen builders in San Antonio.
What if none of them are speaking to you?
Well…
Get a Custom Designed Outdoor Kitchen in San Antonio (Without Compromise)
Here’s the thing.
There are plenty of outdoor kitchen contractors and builders in the San Antonio area.
But are they the best option for your project?
Only one builder touted using only non-combustible materials… And not a single one had proof of ventilation in their finished projects.
This is a huge missed opportunity!
You want to have the peace of mind that your outdoor kitchen is safe to use… Without having to deal with the burden of explaining ventilation to your contractor.
Thankfully… There’s a solution where you don’t have to worry about safety at all.
It’s by ordering an RTA outdoor kitchen.
Every single island comes standard with ventilation from 7 unique locations… The sum of which well exceeds appliance manufacturer guidelines.
Plus, every island is made with only non-combustible materials.
Our outdoor kitchens are made from concrete panels… Which will be left completely unscathed in the San Antonio climate.
Concern about island explosions, fires, and environmental damage won’t even be a thought in your mind… And we’ll double-down on the confidence with a lifetime structural warranty.
We’ve also partnered with Coyote Outdoor Living and Alfa Forni to include their premium appliances with every island. You’ll take your pick of built-in grills, refrigerators, pizza ovens, burners, storage… And so much more.
So… What’s the catch?
There isn’t one.
We even have a self-serve free online design tool… So you can create your ideal design in mere minutes.
And if you don’t know where to start… We have a suite of Design Experts ready to assist you at a moment’s notice.
So you’ve got a custom island. Check.
Built with the highest quality materials and appliances. Check.
Designed with your safety in mind. Check.
What about assembly?
While we promote how accessible our islands are to assemble yourself… You may prefer the convenience of hiring someone to assemble it for you.
No worries at all. We have an extensive network of Certified Installers to help you with just that! And they’ll get it done in a few hours… Flat. (Not days or weeks!)
If your interest has officially been piqued… Play around with our free online design tool.
Or if you’re ready to jump in headfirst… Why not schedule a free consultation?
Either way… We look forward to hearing from you!
