There is nothing quite like cooking, eating, and entertaining outside on a warm summer evening. For homeowners across South Jersey, outdoor kitchens have become one of the most popular ways to extend the home into the backyard. Whether you live in Cherry Hill, Mt. Laurel, or Mullica Hill, a well-designed outdoor kitchen turns your patio into a true gathering space. At Cousins Garden Design, we have been building custom outdoor kitchens for families across Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties since 1989.
This guide covers everything you need to know. We will look at must-have features, layout options, materials, and what to budget for the project.
Why Outdoor Kitchens Are a Smart Investment
Outdoor kitchens do more than look impressive. They actually change how you live. Instead of running back and forth to the indoor kitchen during a barbecue, you stay outside with your guests. The smoke, mess, and heat from cooking stay outdoors too.
From a financial standpoint, outdoor kitchens also pay off. Industry research shows that a well-built outdoor kitchen can recover 55 to 100 percent of its cost when you sell the home. In competitive markets across Camden County, including Haddonfield and Voorhees, homes with a finished outdoor kitchen often spend fewer days on the market.
There is also a lifestyle factor. Families who invest in outdoor kitchens tend to use their backyards far more often. That means more time with friends, more meals together, and a stronger connection to your own home.
Must-Have Features for Modern Outdoor Kitchens
Every project starts with the basics, then expands based on how you plan to use the space. Here are the features we install most often in outdoor kitchens across Burlington County and beyond.
A built-in gas grill is the heart of nearly every build. Brands like Lynx, DCS, and Blaze offer commercial-grade durability. From there, you can add a side burner for sauces and sides, a smoker for low-and-slow cooking, or even a pizza oven for weekend favorites.
Counter space matters more than most homeowners expect. We recommend at least 24 inches on each side of the grill for prep and plating. Granite and stone countertops hold up well in our New Jersey climate and resist stains from food and drinks.
Storage is the next priority. Stainless steel drawers, doors, and trash pull-outs keep utensils, propane tanks, and grilling tools organized. A built-in refrigerator and ice maker save countless trips back to the house.
For the full entertaining experience, consider adding a sink with hot and cold water, a bar with seating, or a built-in beverage cooler. Many of our outdoor kitchens in Gloucester County also include a covered shelter such as a pergola or pavilion, which we cover in detail on our pergola page.
Choosing the Right Layout for Outdoor Kitchens
Layout makes or breaks the cooking experience. Three common configurations work for most South Jersey yards.
The straight-run layout places everything in one line along a wall or patio edge. This is the simplest option and works well for smaller patios in Cherry Hill row homes or compact Mt. Laurel townhomes.
The L-shape gives you more counter space and creates a natural separation between cooking and serving zones. It is the most popular configuration we build for families with growing entertainment needs.
The U-shape or island layout offers the most workspace and feels like a true outdoor room. It works best on larger lots in Moorestown, Medford, or Washington Township. Many of our island outdoor kitchens include bar seating where guests can sit and chat while you cook.
When deciding on a layout, think about traffic flow, prevailing winds, and the view you want to face. We help every client work through these details during a free design consultation.
Materials and Construction for Outdoor Kitchens That Last
South Jersey winters are not gentle. Freeze-thaw cycles, salt air closer to the shore, and humid summers all take a toll on outdoor structures. The right materials make all the difference.
For the structure itself, we use stone veneer, brick, or stucco over a concrete block frame. All three options handle weather well and match traditional and modern home styles found across Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties.
Countertops should be sealed granite, quartz designed for outdoor use, or natural stone like soapstone. Avoid indoor-grade quartz, which can fade and crack outside. For appliances, look for grills and accessories rated for outdoor installation with a stainless steel finish and proper ventilation.
Many of our outdoor kitchens also pair with custom hardscaping features like paver patios, fire pits, and seating walls. Adding landscape design elements through our landscape design service ties the whole space together.
Permits, Utilities, and Planning for Outdoor Kitchens
Before construction starts, a few practical considerations matter. Most outdoor kitchens require running gas, water, and electricity to the build site. The complexity of these utility runs affects both the timeline and the cost.
Gas connection is the most important. Built-in grills typically require natural gas or propane. Natural gas means tying into your home line, which a licensed plumber handles. Propane requires a buried tank or above-ground cylinder. We help you weigh the trade-offs.
Water and drainage matter for sinks and ice makers. Most builds connect to the home water line with a separate shutoff valve for winter. Drain lines need to slope properly and tie into the existing waste system. In some townships across Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties, permits are required for water and gas work.
Electrical service powers lights, refrigerators, and any cooking appliances beyond the grill. Outdoor outlets must be GFCI protected and rated for weather exposure. We coordinate with a licensed electrician on every project.
Permitting varies by township. Cherry Hill, Mt. Laurel, Moorestown, Voorhees, and Mullica Hill all have slightly different requirements. We handle the permit process from start to finish so you do not have to navigate town hall on your own. This is part of why working with an established local builder saves time and avoids surprises.
Finally, think about the season. Most outdoor kitchens take four to eight weeks to design and install once permits are approved. Starting the design conversation in late winter or early spring usually means a finished kitchen by summer.
Start Your Outdoor Kitchen Project With Cousins Garden Design
Family owned and operated since 1989, we bring your outdoor living space to life with custom designs. Our team handles every step from concept to completion. We proudly serve homeowners across Burlington County, Camden County, and Gloucester County.
View our project gallery for inspiration from real builds. Ready to start? Contact us today for a free design consultation.